How much does a French drain cost in Coquitlam?
What actually drives the price, from the Coquitlam crew that builds this work. Updated October 2026.
Short answer: The cost of a French drain depends on how long it runs, how deep it has to go, where the water can legally drain to, the soil, and what's in the way, like pavers, concrete or tight side yards. Every yard is different, so we walk the property, ideally in the rain, find where the water comes from and where it can go, and give you a written price for the agreed scope.
Your options compared
| Drainage job | What it fixes | What affects the price |
|---|---|---|
| French drain (yard) | Soggy lawns, pooling water, wet side yards | Length, depth, soil, and distance to an outlet. |
| Catch basin / area drain | Low spots, driveways and patios | How many, and how far the pipe runs to the outlet. |
| Downspout tie-in | Roof water dumping against the foundation | Number of downspouts and length of solid pipe. |
| Perimeter drain replacement | Wet crawlspaces and basements, failed old drains | Foundation depth, house size, and landscaping or hard surfaces on top. |
Every site is different, so we don't publish prices. We give a written estimate for the agreed scope after a free site visit.
What changes the price
Where the water can go
The drain needs a legal outlet: a storm connection, ditch or rock pit. If there isn't one nearby, the pipe run gets longer.
Depth and soil
Deeper trenches and heavy clay or rock take more digging. Most Tri-Cities lots have clay that holds water, which is why drains are so common here.
Access
Machine access is faster than hand digging along tight side yards.
What's on top
Lifting and replacing pavers, concrete or decking along the drain line adds work.
Steep or ravine lots
We handle drainage on steep and ravine lots, including rope-access work where machines can't go. These jobs are scoped individually.
Recent drainage & French drains work
What clients say
Me & my demolition company worked with Premier Grounds Contracting on a large outdoor project and were extremely impressed. They handled excavation, grading, drainage, concrete work, retaining walls, fencing, and premium artificial turf installation, all completed to a very high standard. The team was professional, well organized, and clearly experienced in landscape construction and contracting, not just basic landscaping.
Premier Grounds Contracting exceeded my expectations. Love my new artificial turf and river rock landscaped garden! Not only does it look great, there has been no more pooling of water even with the heavy rain recently! My dog also loves it, no more digging but lots of zoomies!
Common questions
Is a French drain worth it?
If water pools on your lawn, sits against the foundation or seeps into the crawlspace every winter, yes. A properly built French drain fixes the cause instead of the symptoms and protects your foundation and landscaping.
How long does a French drain last?
Built with filter fabric and clean drain rock, a French drain typically lasts 30 years or more. Drains without fabric clog with silt much sooner.
French drain or perimeter drain?
A French drain collects surface and ground water in the yard. A perimeter drain sits at the footing level around the house and protects the basement. Many homes need one, some need both. We check at the site visit.
Do I need a permit for a French drain?
Most yard drainage work doesn't need a building permit, but connections to the City storm system and work near streams or ravines may need approval. We confirm this before we start.
Why won't you give a price over the phone?
Because the outlet, depth, soil and access decide the price, and none of that shows up in a photo. After a free site visit you get a written estimate.
Want your exact number?
Free site visit and a written estimate for the agreed scope.