A yard or French drain costs $10 to $25 per linear foot or $1,000 to $4,000 on average for landscape drainage. An exterior footing or drain tile installation costs $1,500 to $4,000 per side of the house. An underground downspout drainage system costs $150 to $350 per downspout.

When you're experiencing yard drainage problems, call a drainage company, landscaper, plumber, or waterproofing company with experience installing yard, French, or landscape drains. Yard drainage specialists custom-design the best solution for your water-management issues.

The most common exterior drainage issues are:

1. Water pools near the foundation, downspouts, plant beds, or yard
2. Water is seeping into the basement, foundation, or crawlspace and causes stains and mildew.
3. Gutters are overflowing during rain.
4. Paved surfaces have an improper slope causing water traps.
5. Topsoil and mulch start washing away.
6. Cracked or uneven sidewalks or patios from soil erosion.

Drainage companies will design a custom drainage solution for your yard such as:

• French drain – A sloped trench filled with gravel and a perforated pipe that removes water away from a home.
• Trench / channel drain – Drains are set into driveways, patios, concrete slabs, or between pavers with a flush grate surface that catches water in a channel.
• Yard drainage pipes – A sub-surface system of pipes connected to drop inlets or catch basins where emitters distribute water runoff.
• Catch basin / storm drain – The drain box's grate collects stormwater and filters debris before the water flows into drainage pipes.
• Gutter and downspout drain – Ensures the downspouts are 10'+ away from the property to prevent damage. Includes a catch basin, downspout extension, trenching, drain pipe, and bubbler system.
• Dry well / vertical French drain – An underground drainage tank that collects stormwater runoff and allows it to replenish the water table slowly.
• Window well drain – A gravel-filled base with a grate and vertical pipe leading to an existing drainage system.
• Landscape drainage – Yard grading, retaining walls, swale, or irrigation ditch slows and controls the flow of stormwater runoff.

A drainage system takes 1 to 2 days to install on average, depending on the type. Complex drainage systems take up to 2 weeks to install multiple drainage solutions, longer lengths of pipe, go to deeper drain depths, or work with difficult soil types.

Standard homeowner’s insurance policies do not cover yard drainage issues or damage from flooding. Most policies only cover water damage from internal sources and not exterior groundwater.

Lawn aeration helps yard drainage by opening up the soil around grass roots, allowing water to flow freely through the soil. Aeration relieves soil compaction and prevents waterlogging, standing water, and problems with water runoff.

Start by searching our list of yard drainage specialists, then compare reviews and costs. Next:

• Get at least three free estimates in-person to compare.
• Ask for recommendations from family, friends, and neighbors.
• Select companies that are licensed, bonded, and experienced.
• Verify their insurance, worker’s compensation, and bond guarantees.
• Read reviews and check out their previous work on HomeGuide and Google.
• Ask about their warranties and guarantees.
• Get a detailed estimate, contract, and warranty in writing before the work begins.
• Avoid making large payments upfront. Come up with a payment schedule for work completed.

After asking questions and verifying their credentials, hire the best yard drainage contractors in your area.

When hiring a landscape drainage contractor, ask them the following questions:

• How long have you been installing drainage systems?
• How many projects have you completed similar to mine?
• Can you provide testimonials and references from past customers?
• Are you licensed, insured, and bonded?
• What is the source of the water?
• What type of drainage system do I need?
• Should the water be collected, diverted, or both?
• Should the drainage system be installed below or above ground?
• What maintenance is required for this system?
• How much is your cost estimate?
• How long will the project take?
• Do I need permits, and will you obtain them?
• What does your warranty policy include?
• Can you provide me a written estimate or contract?
• What’s your payment schedule?
• Are financing options available?
• What do I need to provide to get started?