How much does yard drainage cost in the Triangle?

It depends on the type and length. Surface or yard drains run roughly $10 to $30 per linear foot installed, a French drain about $25 to $60, and deeper foundation drains $50 to $100. Use the drainage estimator for a range based on your run.

Why is drainage such a problem in the Raleigh area?

Our red clay soil doesn't absorb water well, and heavy summer storms drop a lot of rain quickly. Water that can't soak in runs across the surface, heading toward the house if the yard slopes that way, which is why standing water and wet crawlspaces are so common here.

Do French drains fix a wet crawlspace?

Often, as part of the solution. Getting surface and roof water away from the foundation with grading, downspout extensions and drains usually cuts the water reaching the crawlspace. A persistently wet crawlspace may also need interior drainage and encapsulation.

Yard Drainage & Grading in the Raleigh Triangle

Poor drainage shows up as standing water in the yard, a soggy lawn, water in the crawlspace or basement, or erosion. The fixes range from regrading and downspout extensions to French drains and dry wells, and in the Triangle it's one of the most common outdoor problems there is.

Why it matters in the Triangle

Two things make drainage a chronic Triangle issue: our red clay soil, which sheds water instead of absorbing it, and heavy summer thunderstorms that dump a lot of rain fast. Water that can't soak in has to go somewhere, and if the ground slopes toward the house it ends up in the crawlspace or against the foundation. Getting water away from the house is what keeps it out, using grading, gutters and downspout extensions first, then drains where needed.

Signs you need it

•Standing water or a soggy lawn that won't dry out after rain
•Water in the crawlspace or basement, or a persistently damp crawlspace
•Erosion, gullies, or mulch washing out of beds
•A yard or driveway that slopes toward the house
•Downspouts dumping right at the foundation

What does it cost?

Get a typical Triangle-area range for your project before you talk to anyone.

Open the yard drainage cost estimator

What the job involves

1.Finding where the water comes from and where it needs to go, since the fix follows the water
2.The cheap wins first: extending downspouts and regrading soil to slope away from the house
3.A French drain, which is a perforated pipe in gravel, to intercept and carry water away where grading isn't enough
4.A catch basin or dry well for low spots, daylighting the pipe or tying into a safe outlet
5.Foundation or deep drains for water reaching the crawlspace or basement

How to vet a contractor

✓Ask where the water will actually go. A drain that doesn't outlet somewhere sensible just moves the puddle
✓Ask whether grading and downspout extensions can solve it before a bigger drain, since they often can for less
✓Confirm they call 811 to locate utilities before digging (it's free and required in NC)
✓Ask about the pipe type, depth, and whether the trench is backfilled with gravel and fabric

Common questions

How much does yard drainage cost in the Triangle?: It depends on the type and length. Surface or yard drains run roughly $10 to $30 per linear foot installed, a French drain about $25 to $60, and deeper foundation drains $50 to $100. Use the drainage estimator for a range based on your run.
Why is drainage such a problem in the Raleigh area?: Our red clay soil doesn't absorb water well, and heavy summer storms drop a lot of rain quickly. Water that can't soak in runs across the surface, heading toward the house if the yard slopes that way, which is why standing water and wet crawlspaces are so common here.
Do French drains fix a wet crawlspace?: Often, as part of the solution. Getting surface and roof water away from the foundation with grading, downspout extensions and drains usually cuts the water reaching the crawlspace. A persistently wet crawlspace may also need interior drainage and encapsulation.