Curtain Drain Installation Price for Residential Properties

Water management is one of the most important — and often overlooked — aspects of protecting a residential property. When excess groundwater begins pooling near a foundation, the risks quickly escalate: basement leaks, foundation cracks, soil erosion, mold growth, and long-term structural damage. One of the most effective solutions for controlling groundwater is installing a curtain drain.

If you’re considering this system, understanding the curtain drain installation price for residential properties is essential. Costs vary depending on several factors, including property size, soil conditions, drainage depth, and labor rates. This guide provides a comprehensive breakdown of pricing, influencing factors, and what homeowners can expect during installation.

What Is a Curtain Drain?

A curtain drain is a shallow trench drain system designed to intercept groundwater before it reaches a home’s foundation. It typically consists of:

• A trench dug along the perimeter or uphill side of a property

• Perforated drainage pipe

• Gravel or crushed stone

• Filter fabric to prevent clogging

• A discharge point (such as a dry well, storm drain, or lower elevation outlet)

Unlike French drains that are often placed around foundations, curtain drains are installed further away from the house to redirect subsurface water before it becomes a problem.

Average Curtain Drain Installation Cost

For most residential properties, the average cost to install a curtain drain ranges between:

$25 to $50 per linear foot

For a typical home requiring 100 to 200 linear feet of drainage, total project costs often fall between:

$2,500 and $10,000

However, larger properties or challenging soil conditions can increase costs beyond this range.

Cost Breakdown by Component

Understanding what contributes to the overall price helps homeowners budget accurately.

1. Excavation Costs

Excavation is one of the largest cost factors. Contractors must dig trenches approximately 18 to 24 inches deep (sometimes deeper depending on groundwater level).

• Light excavation (easy soil): $8–$15 per linear foot

• Heavy excavation (clay, rocky soil): $15–$25 per linear foot

If heavy machinery cannot access the site, manual digging increases labor costs significantly.

2. Drain Pipe and Materials

Materials generally include perforated PVC pipe, gravel, and filter fabric.

• Perforated pipe: $1–$3 per linear foot

• Gravel: $15–$30 per cubic yard

• Filter fabric: $0.50–$1 per linear foot

Material costs typically add $5–$15 per linear foot to the project.

3. Labor Costs

Labor varies by region but generally ranges from:

$40 to $100 per hour

Labor costs per linear foot typically fall between:

$10 and $25 per linear foot

Urban areas and regions with higher living costs often fall at the higher end of this range.

4. Discharge System Installation

Water must drain somewhere. Common discharge solutions include:

• Daylight outlet (gravity-fed slope): $300–$1,000

• Dry well installation: $1,000–$3,000

• Connection to storm sewer: $500–$2,000

The choice of discharge system significantly impacts final pricing.

Factors That Influence Curtain Drain Installation Price

Several variables can increase or decrease total project costs.

Property Size and Drain Length

The longer the trench, the higher the cost. Homes on slopes or with large uphill water flow areas require more extensive systems.

Soil Type

• Sandy soil: Easier to excavate, lower labor cost

• Clay soil: Poor drainage, requires deeper trench and more gravel

• Rocky soil: Increases excavation difficulty and cost

Clay-heavy areas often require additional gravel backfill, increasing material costs.

Drainage Depth

Deeper installations require more excavation and materials. A 24-inch trench is standard, but deeper drains may be needed if groundwater sits higher.

Landscaping Restoration

After installation, disturbed landscaping must be restored.

• Lawn reseeding: $300–$800

• Sod replacement: $1–$2 per square foot

• Hardscape repair (patio, walkway): $500–$2,000+

Restoration can add 10–20% to the overall cost.

Permits and Inspections

Some municipalities require permits for drainage modifications.

• Permit fees: $100–$500

• Inspection fees: $50–$200

Always verify local regulations before beginning installation.

Cost by Project Size

Here’s a general estimate based on typical project scope:

These estimates assume standard soil and moderate access conditions.

DIY vs. Professional Installation

Some homeowners consider installing curtain drains themselves to reduce costs.

DIY Costs

• Equipment rental (trencher): $200–$400 per day

• Materials: $500–$2,000 depending on length

• Total DIY estimate: $800–$3,000

While DIY can save money, improper slope or installation can render the system ineffective.

Importance of Proper Slope

Curtain drains rely on gravity. The trench must slope consistently toward the discharge point. The standard recommendation is:

$$slope=rise/run$$

In drainage applications, contractors typically aim for about a 1% slope, meaning the trench drops 1 foot for every 100 feet of length. Improper slope can cause water pooling or pipe blockage.

Professional installers use laser levels to ensure accurate grading.

Long-Term Value and Return on Investment

Though installation costs may seem high, curtain drains provide substantial long-term value:

• Prevent foundation repair ($5,000–$25,000+)

• Reduce basement waterproofing costs

• Protect landscaping from erosion

• Prevent mold remediation expenses

Compared to major structural repairs, curtain drain installation is a preventative investment.

Maintenance Costs

Curtain drains require minimal maintenance, but periodic inspection is recommended.

Typical maintenance expenses:

• Annual inspection: $100–$300

• Pipe flushing (if clogged): $200–$600

Installing clean-out ports during initial construction may add $100–$300 but significantly reduces future maintenance difficulty.

Signs You Need a Curtain Drain

Homeowners may benefit from curtain drain installation if they notice:

• Water pooling in yard after rainfall

• Basement seepage during storms

• Soil erosion near foundation

• Standing water along uphill property line

• Foundation cracks caused by hydrostatic pressure

Early intervention reduces long-term repair costs.

How to Reduce Installation Costs

Homeowners can manage expenses by:

1. Getting multiple contractor bids

2. Installing during dry season (better access, faster work)

3. Combining drainage work with landscaping projects

4. Ensuring clear property access for excavation equipment

Good planning can reduce total costs by 10–15%.

Curtain Drain vs. French Drain Cost Comparison

While similar, French drains typically surround the foundation and may cost slightly more due to deeper excavation.

• Curtain drain: $25–$50 per linear foot

• French drain: $30–$60 per linear foot

Curtain drains are often more cost-effective when groundwater interception is the primary goal.

Final Thoughts

The curtain drain installation price for residential properties typically ranges between $2,500 and $10,000, depending on system length, soil conditions, and discharge method. While the upfront investment may seem significant, the long-term protection against foundation damage, mold, and erosion makes it a practical and financially wise solution.