French drain cost
A professionally installed French drain averages about $5,000 nationally, with most jobs between $1,650 and $12,250. We haven't found a Columbus-only figure yet, so these are national ranges.
| Type | Typical cost |
|---|---|
| Average installed job | About $5,000 (most pay $1,650 to $12,250) |
| Exterior French drain | $10 to $65 per linear foot |
| Interior French drain | $40 to $100 per linear foot |
Interior or exterior?
- Exterior drains catch water in the yard before it reaches the foundation. They cost less per foot but mean digging up landscaping.
- Interior drains run along the inside of the basement wall, under the floor, and carry water that's already coming in to a sump pump. They cost more per foot because the slab has to be cut and patched.
An interior drain almost always needs a sump pump to empty into, so budget for both. Sump pump costs.
Sources
Last checked November 3, 2026.