Yard Drainage Cost for Maryland Homeowners

TLC Pricing For Yard Drainage Installation

Q: Why did my neighbor pay so much less than my quote?

Five things drive the difference: run length, soil conditions, trench depth, site access, and where the water can discharge. Clay, rock, and roots slow excavation, tight side yards may require hand digging, and properties without a gravity outlet may need a pump or storm drain tie-in.

Q: What’s included in the price?

Trenching, perforated pipe wrapped in filter fabric, washed gravel bedding, catch basins and emitters where needed, downspout tie-ins, outlet routing, and site restoration with topsoil and seed. Every element is shown as a line item before work begins.

Q: Can’t I just fix this myself with a trench and some gravel?

Small fixes like gutter extensions and small dry wells are manageable for homeowners. Full French drains and regrading are a different matter in Maryland's clay soil: they need correct pitch, properly sized materials, and an outlet that won't create problems for you or your neighbor.

Q: Is drainage work worth the money?

Over ten years, poor drainage can add up to $33,000 or more in landscape replacement, moisture mitigation, hardscape repair, and lost resale value. Correcting it early costs far less, and every TLC drainage system includes a 7-year written warranty.

Q: How long does the work take and will my yard be a mess?

Most residential drainage installations take two to four days, depending on run length, depth and soil conditions. Trenches and piled soil are visible during the work, but we keep the disturbed area as narrow as possible. Afterward we backfill, restore the grade, and apply topsoil, seed, and straw matting. Trench lines may be visible for several weeks while the seed grows in.

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Common Yard Drainage System Questions Answered

Breaking Down Cost Based On Project Size

How Much Do Yard Drainage Systems Usually Cost?

The total price of your drainage system depends on run length, soil conditions, trench depth, site access, and the type of outlet your yard requires.

Small Drainage Projects

Basic French drain for a single problem area, typically under 60 feet.

$2,000–$4,500

Under 60 Linear Feet of French Drain

Ideal for One Soggy Spot or a Side Yard

Trenching With Gravel Bedding & Filter Fabric

Downspout Tie-In & Pop-Up Emitter Outlet

7-Year Written Warranty

Standard Drainage Projects

A dual drain system in moderate soil, covering a full backyard or a wet foundation line.

$4,500–$7,500

60–120 Linear Feet, Dual Drain System

Ideal for Backyards With Multiple Low Spots

Catch Basins To Capture Surface Water

Swale Shaping & Regrading Where Needed

7-Year Written Warranty

Large Drainage Projects

Long runs, difficult soil, or properties that need pumped or piped discharge.

$8,000–$12,000+

120+ Linear Feet With Complex Routing

Ideal for Large Properties or Chronic Flooding

Rock, Root & Heavy Clay Excavation

Pump Systems or Storm Drain Tie-In Outlets

Full Site Restoration With Topsoil & Seed

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What's Included in Your Yard Drainage Installation?

Equipment

Perforated drain pipe wrapped in filter fabric
Washed gravel bedding, sized for Maryland clay
Catch basins and pop-up emitters where needed
Downspout tie-ins to keep roof water out of the yard

Installation

Custom drainage plan based on your yard's slope, soil and water path
Trenching, pipe and basin installation, full cleanup
Outlet routing to a safe discharge point, with pump or storm tie-in if required
Site restoration with topsoil, seed and straw matting

Protection

Full 7-year warranty, in writing
No undersized pipe, skipped fabric or shallow trenching
A single point of contact from installation through service

What Did Real Maryland Homeowners Pay?

Real Life Pricing Examples

Below you'll find some real projects with the actual price they paid to give you a better sense as to how much your project may cost.

Small Project · Fence Line Pooling

$3,950 for 100 feet of French drain with a catch basin and an extended downspout for a home in Bowie, Maryland.

Standard Project · Clay Soil and Slope

$6,900 for French drains with added gravel bedding, catch basins, and a reshaped swale for a yard sloping toward the house in Ellicott City, Maryland.

Large Project · Full Water Management

$8,900 for a swale and French drain combination with every downspout tied in, then regraded and re-seeded, for a property in Glen Burnie, Maryland.

Does TLC Offer Financing?

A new sprinkler system can be a significant upfront investment, so TLC offers flexible financing through Slice® by FNBO to help you spread the cost over time. Financing is available for qualifying projects with fixed-interest loans up to $150,000, a simple digital application, and no hidden fees or prepayment penalties. You can explore your options and get pre-approved before moving forward with your project.

Yard Drainage System Pricing FAQs

Why did my neighbor pay so much less than my quote?

What's included in the price?

Can't I just fix this myself with a trench and some gravel?

Is drainage work worth the money?

How long does the work take and will my yard be a mess?

Ready to Talk Through Your Yard Drainage Installation?

If you’re pricing a new yard drainage installation, and want a straight answer about what your property needs, book an appointment with our team.

We’ll look at your yard, talk through the drainage design, and help you understand the next steps, timing, and pricing for your installation.

With 40+ years of experience, licensed and insured crews, and transparent, upfront pricing, TLC helps homeowners plan the right sprinkler system for long-term reliability.