Figures are typical Lower Mainland ranges for planning only. Your real price depends on your property — compare written quotes from local contractors.
Average cost
French drain installation in the Lower Mainland usually costs $3,000–$12,000 for a typical residential yard, depending on length, depth and where the water discharges.
Cost per linear foot
Typically $40–$100 per linear foot for yard French drains, higher where concrete or rock must be cut.
Excavation costs
Shallower than perimeter drains (1.5–3 ft), so excavation is faster and cheaper.
Landscaping restoration
Restoring lawn and beds is usually $500–$3,000; decorative rock tops can be part of the finish.
Accessibility
Machine access to the back yard keeps pricing down; hand-dug runs cost more.
Depth
Deeper curtain drains intercepting groundwater on slopes cost more than shallow surface French drains.
Permits
Yard French drains usually don't need a permit, but a new connection to the municipal storm system does.
Drain type
Classic gravel-and-perforated-pipe French drains, curtain drains on slopes, or pre-wrapped systems. Discharge to storm, a dry well or daylight.
Short run vs full system
A single 30–50 ft run fixing one wet area can cost $2,000–$5,000; a yard-wide system with multiple branches costs more.
Vancouver vs Fraser Valley considerations
Vancouver, Burnaby and New Westminster jobs tend to cost more: tight lot lines, shared side yards, mature trees, hand digging and higher disposal and parking costs. Fraser Valley jobs (Langley, Abbotsford, Chilliwack, Maple Ridge) usually have better machine access and lower disposal costs, but larger homes, longer runs and heavier clay can offset the savings. Low-lying Richmond and Delta often add dewatering and sump work.
Example project scenarios
Back yard run, Surrey
$3,000–$6,000
60 ft run in clay soil to a storm connection.
Curtain drain on slope, Port Moody
$6,000–$12,000
Uphill interceptor drain protecting the foundation.
Acreage drain, Langley
$8,000–$15,000
200 ft branched system with dry-well discharge.
Questions to ask contractors
- Where will the collected water go?
- How deep and how long is the proposed drain?
- Is a storm connection permit included?
- Will filter fabric be used to prevent silting?
When french drain is actually necessary
A French drain is the right fix when groundwater or runoff collects in the same yard area repeatedly, or a slope sends water toward the house.
Learn more about french drains in the Lower Mainland.
French Drain cost FAQs
How much does french drain cost in BC?
French drain installation in the Lower Mainland usually costs $3,000–$12,000 for a typical residential yard, depending on length, depth and where the water discharges.
What is the cost per linear foot for french drain?
Typically $40–$100 per linear foot for yard French drains, higher where concrete or rock must be cut.
When is french drain actually necessary?
A French drain is the right fix when groundwater or runoff collects in the same yard area repeatedly, or a slope sends water toward the house.
Do I need a permit for french drain?
Yard French drains usually don't need a permit, but a new connection to the municipal storm system does.
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