How Much Does a French Drain Cost in McKinney, TX?
Most competitors won't publish real numbers. Here's an honest breakdown of what McKinney homeowners actually pay — then get a free, no-obligation quote for your specific yard.
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Quick Answer
A complete French drain installation in McKinney, TX typically costs $3,000–$8,000, with most homeowners in the North Dallas area paying an average of $2,500–$4,250. Priced per linear foot, expect $20–$50/LF depending on depth, soil, and system complexity.
Cost Per Linear Foot
| System Type | Cost per Linear Foot |
|---|---|
| Exterior surface French drain | $10–$15/LF |
| Standard residential French drain | $23–$36/LF |
| Foundation perimeter drain | $35–$55/LF |
| Buried downspout extension | $20–$35/LF |
Sourced from current Dallas–Fort Worth market pricing. Your exact rate depends on soil, depth, and access to your yard.
Project Size Tiers
| Project | Scope | Estimated Cost |
|---|---|---|
| Small — single wet spot | 50–75 LF, 1 catch basin | $1,500–$3,000 |
| Medium — yard drainage | 100–150 LF, 2 catch basins, downspout tie-in | $3,000–$6,000 |
| Large — full yard system | 200+ LF, multiple catch basins, regrading | $6,000–$12,000+ |
Why McKinney Costs More Than National Averages
- Blackland Prairie clay excavation: clay is much harder to dig than sandy or loamy soil, which slows labor and wears equipment faster — typically adding 15–25% to labor cost.
- Required depth: drains often need to go 18–24 inches deep to get below the clay layer, meaning more excavation than markets with looser soil.
- Flat lots: without natural slope, McKinney jobs often need more catch basins and longer pipe runs to reach a discharge point.
- Permit fees: where required, typically $50–$150.
Other Drainage System Costs
- Catch basin: $800–$2,500 installed
- Channel/trench drain (driveways, patios): $1,500–$4,000
- Buried downspout extension: $500–$1,500
- Yard regrading: $1,000–$4,000+
- Landscaping repair after trenching: $300–$1,500
DIY vs. Hiring a Pro
A basic above-grade downspout extension or a minor surface grading fix is reasonable to DIY. But once the job involves buried pipe and gravel, clay soil, or water pooling within 10 feet of your foundation, hire a professional — an incorrectly installed French drain in clay soil commonly clogs and fails within two years.
Frequently Asked Questions
- How much does a French drain cost per linear foot in Texas?
- In the Dallas–Fort Worth area, expect $10–$15/LF for a basic exterior surface drain and $23–$36/LF for a standard residential system, with foundation perimeter drains running $35–$55/LF.
- What's the cheapest way to fix yard drainage in McKinney?
- Get three estimates, schedule work in late fall or early spring (slower season, easier digging), and ask whether a simpler catch basin can solve the problem before committing to a full French drain system.