WatertightHub
Denver, CO

French Drain Installation Cost in Denver

$1,650 – $6,350

Average french drain installation cost in Denver · avg $4,000

  • Updated 2026
  • 12 local pros
  • Based on local project data
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At a glance · Denver
Typical timeline
1–2 days
Permit
Usually required · ~$180
Local soil
expansive clay and bentonite
Freeze-thaw cycles
98 / yr
Local pros
12 available

French Drain Installation cost in Denver, CO

Perimeter drainage that channels groundwater away from the foundation before it gets in. Below is how it compares with related foundation and drainage work in Denver.

Service in DenverLowAverageHigh
Basement Waterproofing$2,500$5,150$7,750
Foundation Repair$2,400$5,500$8,600
Crawl Space Encapsulation$3,300$5,900$8,500
French Drain InstallationThis page$1,650$4,000$6,350
Sump Pump Installation$700$1,550$2,350

Ranges reflect local labor and expansive clay and bentonite soil conditions. Your quote depends on square footage, access, and severity.

What affects the cost in Denver

Annual rainfall
14"
Freeze-thaw cycles / yr
98
Frost depth
37"

Homes in Denver sit on expansive clay that pushes against foundation walls as it takes on water, the biggest single driver of local foundation and waterproofing work.

Permits in Denver

Underpinning, piering, and wall stabilization need a permit (often with an engineer's letter); small interior repairs typically do not.

Issuing authority: City of Denver Building & Zoning Department · typical fee ~$180

Get matched with french drain installation pros in Denver

12 established french drain installation companies serve the Denver area. Tell us about your project and compare free quotes, no obligation.

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French Drain Installation in Denver: FAQ

How much does french drain installation cost in Denver?+

In Denver, french drain installation typically runs $1,650–$6,350, averaging about $4,000. The expansive clay and bentonite soil and 98 freeze-thaw cycles a year are the biggest local price drivers.

Do I need a permit for french drain installation in Denver?+

Underpinning, piering, and wall stabilization need a permit (often with an engineer's letter); small interior repairs typically do not. Permits are handled by City of Denver Building & Zoning Department, with a typical fee around $180.

Is french drain installation worth it in Denver?+

With 14" of annual rainfall and a 37" frost depth, untreated water intrusion in Denver tends to worsen each freeze-thaw season, so most homeowners find addressing it early is far cheaper than structural repair later.