How Much Should a French Drain Near Tacoma Cost? The Numbers Homeowners Deserve
1. Why Homeowners in Tacoma Are Looking Into French Drains
If you're reading this, chances are you're tired of soggy grass, standing water, or maybe even water creeping toward your foundation every time it rains. You're not alone. In places like Tacoma and the greater Pierce County area, drainage is a real issue, thanks to our rainfall, heavy clay soils, and sloped yards that don’t always play nice with water.
You might be wondering: Is a French drain worth it? And how much is this going to set me back?
We get it. We’ve talked to countless homeowners in the same boat—worried about cost, trying to compare options, and just looking for a straight answer. That’s exactly why we wrote this.
2. What Is a French Drain—And Why Might You Need One?
A French drain is a trench filled with gravel and a perforated pipe that redirects water away from areas you don’t want it, like your yard, driveway, basement, or crawlspace.
Think of it as a hidden water escape route.
If your property puddles up or you’ve noticed mold, soft spots, or erosion, chances are water has no good place to go. French drains give it one.
3. The Average Cost of a French Drain Near Tacoma
Let’s get straight to it:
Yard Drainage French Drains (Shallow, Surface-Level):
💲 $25–$45 per linear footDeep French Drains (Near Foundations or Crawlspaces):
💲 $45–$70+ per linear foot
That means a typical project—say, 50–100 feet of drain—can range from $1,500 to $7,000+, depending on the scope. We’ve seen some small ones done for less and larger, more complex jobs hit $10,000+. It all depends on where the water’s coming from—and where it needs to go.
4. Cost Breakdown: What Are You Paying For?
Here’s where that price goes:
Some folks are shocked that the drain itself isn’t even the most expensive part—it’s the prep, the digging, and the time.
5. Above-Ground Water vs. Below-Ground Drainage: Which Type Costs More?
French drains aren’t always the only solution. Sometimes we’re called out and it turns out the real fix is a simple swale or dry creek bed, especially if the water issue is above-ground.
Surface water problems?
You might get by with something simpler and less costly, like grading or installing swales.Water seeping into your crawl space or basement?
That’s when you likely need a deeper French drain, which is more work and more money.
We always tell folks: Don’t throw money at the wrong solution. Get someone who’s not just going to sell you a product, but will listen to your problem.
6. What Drives the Price Up (Or Down) in Pierce County?
Here are the biggest cost factors we see around Tacoma:
Soil Type – Clay-heavy soils (very common here) are harder to trench and need more gravel.
Access – Tight yards or fences can mean hand-digging, which adds cost.
Depth – Drains near homes or under driveways cost more than ones across the yard.
Drain Outlet Location – If the water has nowhere to go, a sump pump might be needed.
Existing Landscaping – We try to save your lawn and garden, but workarounds take more effort.
So yes, two French drains may look similar from above, but pricing them the same would be like charging the same for a bike and a car just because they both have wheels.
7. DIY vs. Professional French Drain Installation—What’s the Real Cost Difference?
We get it—some folks love a weekend project. But a DIY French drain isn’t just digging a trench and throwing in some gravel. Here’s what you should know:
💪 DIY
Cost: $8–$18 per foot (materials only)
Risk: Improper slope, no fabric liner, clogged pipes, or water still pooling afterward
When It Works: Flat yards with surface drainage issues, small projects, and some know-how
🧰 Professional Install
Cost: $25–$70+ per foot
Benefit: Proper depth, flow, outlet grading, and long-term reliability
We’ve fixed more DIY drains than we can count. And most of those folks wish they’d called sooner—after they spent their weekends digging and their money on the wrong stuff.
8. How to Avoid Overpaying for a French Drain
Want to make sure you’re not being taken for a ride?
Get multiple quotes – But don’t chase the lowest bid. Cheaper doesn’t always mean smarter.
Ask questions – How deep will it go? Where does the water exit? Will they compact and regrade the trench after?
Watch for upsells – You might not need 200 feet of pipe. You might just need a 20-foot fix in the right spot.
We always recommend hiring someone who walks your property with you. You can tell a lot by who’s willing to explain the “why” behind their plan.
9. Are French Drains Worth It? What Our Customers Say
We’ll let real homeowners in Pierce County answer that:
“We were getting water in our basement every fall. After installing the drain, it’s been bone dry—worth every penny.”
— Tom & Rachel, University Place
“I tried digging my drain three years ago. It clogged after the first storm. Southbay came in and reworked the whole system—no issues since.”
— Kevin, Puyallup
That peace of mind? That’s the real value.
10. Getting an Honest Estimate in Pierce County
If you’re thinking about getting a French drain installed near Tacoma or anywhere in Pierce County, here’s what we suggest:
Start with a site visit
Talk about the real cause of the water problem
Focus on the outcome, not just the product
Don’t feel pressured—ask for time to consider your options
At Southbay Septic & Excavation, we’re not here to “sell” drains. We’re here to solve problems. If a French drain makes sense, we’ll explain why—and we’ll build one that lasts.
11. Getting the Drainage Fix You Deserve
Your yard shouldn’t be a swamp. Your crawl space shouldn’t be damp. And you shouldn’t feel like you’re guessing when it comes to something as important as protecting your home.
If you're in Tacoma—or anywhere in Pierce, Thurston, Kitsap, or Lewis County—we’re here to talk it through, walk your property, and give you a clear idea of what it’ll take to fix the issue for good.
No gimmicks. No fluff. Just drainage done right.
