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Install a French drain.
Garden waterlogging fixed with perforated pipe in gravel-filled trench — drainage to soakaway or surface drain.
✓ Updated May 2026✓ Free quotes✓ Vetted pros
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Costs, timelines, pitfalls and the right questions to ask before any groundworks starts on french Drain Installation.
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Discharge to neighbour
Not allowed. Must go to own soakaway or main drain.
Wrong gravel size
Cheap gravel clogs. Use 40mm clean aggregate.
Geotextile missing
Silt clogs gravel. Geotextile wrapper essential.
Inadequate fall
Drain doesn't drain. 1:80 minimum fall.
Costs & timeline
Know what it costs. Know when it ends.
Indicative UK ranges and what affects price.
Cost range
By job type
Inc. VAT · 2026
Source: NMT quotes
Source: NMT quotes
French drain per metreIncluding pipe and gravel
£80–£200
Perforated pipe per metreMaterial only
£10–£30
Drainage gravel per tonne40mm aggregate
£50–£150
Geotextile membrane per m²Material only
£3–£10/m²
Soakaway connectionDischarge point
£200–£800
20m French drain typicalGarden problem
£1.5k–£4k
!
Quote spread is typically ± 18% — always get 3 quotes.
At a glance
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French drains alleviate garden waterlogging by collecting and dispersing groundwater. Gravel-filled trench with perforated pipe. Expect to pay £80–£200 per metre for UK French drain installation.
What Does the Work Involve?
Specialist surveys problem area. Trench dug 600-900mm deep, 300mm wide. Perforated pipe (110mm typical) laid in trench. Gravel backfill (40mm aggregate). Geotextile wrapper. Discharge to soakaway, surface water drain, or watercourse. Surface re-instated.
Typical Costs
| Item | Low (£) | High (£) | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| French drain per metre | 80 | 200 | Including pipe and gravel |
| Perforated pipe per metre | 10 | 30 | Material only |
| Drainage gravel per tonne | 50 | 150 | 40mm aggregate |
| Geotextile membrane per m² | 3 | 10 | Material only |
| Soakaway connection | 200 | 800 | Discharge point |
| 20m French drain typical | 1,500 | 4,000 | Garden problem |
| Garden re-grading | 500 | 3,000 | If wider issue |
How Long Does It Take?
20m French drain: 2-3 days. Plus garden reinstatement.
DIY or Professional?
DIY-friendly for confident gardener. Specialist for larger projects.
Choosing the Right Tradesperson
Groundworker, landscaper, or drainage specialist. APL member.
UK Regulations
Part H drainage where discharging. SuDS principles. Listed buildings need consent.
Common Problems
- Discharge to neighbour: Not allowed. Must go to own soakaway or main drain.
- Wrong gravel size: Cheap gravel clogs. Use 40mm clean aggregate.
- Geotextile missing: Silt clogs gravel. Geotextile wrapper essential.
- Inadequate fall: Drain doesn't drain. 1:80 minimum fall.
Frequently Asked Questions
When do I need French drain?
Garden waterlogging, persistent damp areas, draining around foundations, before patio installation.
French drain vs soakaway?
French drain: linear collection along a problem area. Soakaway: pit collection point. Often used together.
Will French drain solve all garden waterlogging?
For groundwater issues: yes. For surface water runoff: combined with surface gradient changes.
DIY feasible?
Yes for short distances. Mini-digger hire £120-£300/day. Gravel and pipe DIY-friendly.
How long does French drain last?
30-50 years if properly installed with geotextile. Without: silts up in 5-10 years.
Discharge to watercourse?
Requires Environment Agency consent. Soakaway preferred where possible.
This guide was written with AI assistance and is intended for general information only. Prices are estimates based on UK averages and may vary by region. Always get at least three quotes and consult a qualified professional before starting any work.
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