WatertightHub
Des Moines, IA

French Drain Installation Cost in Des Moines

$1,450 – $5,750

Average french drain installation cost in Des Moines · avg $3,600

  • Updated 2026
  • 9 local pros
  • Based on local project data
Get free estimatesSee cost breakdown ↓
At a glance · Des Moines
Typical timeline
1–2 days
Permit
Usually required · ~$150
Local soil
glacial till and loess
Freeze-thaw cycles
55 / yr
Local pros
9 available

French Drain Installation cost in Des Moines, IA

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 Des Moines.

Service in Des MoinesLowAverageHigh
Basement Waterproofing$2,200$4,600$7,000
Foundation Repair$2,100$4,950$7,750
Crawl Space Encapsulation$2,900$5,300$7,700
French Drain InstallationThis page$1,450$3,600$5,750
Sump Pump Installation$600$1,350$2,100

Ranges reflect local labor and glacial till and loess soil conditions. Your quote depends on square footage, access, and severity.

What affects the cost in Des Moines

Annual rainfall
35"
Freeze-thaw cycles / yr
55
Frost depth
43"

Compact till soils around Des Moines shed water poorly, so rain and snowmelt pool against the foundation, then hard freezes (to about 43" deep) widen any crack they find.

Permits in Des Moines

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

Issuing authority: City of Des Moines Building & Zoning Department · typical fee ~$150

Get matched with french drain installation pros in Des Moines

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

  • Local, established contractors
  • Compare multiple quotes in one place
  • Free, with no obligation

French Drain Installation in Des Moines: FAQ

How much does french drain installation cost in Des Moines?+

In Des Moines, french drain installation typically runs $1,450–$5,750, averaging about $3,600. The glacial till and loess soil and 55 freeze-thaw cycles a year are the biggest local price drivers.

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

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 Des Moines Building & Zoning Department, with a typical fee around $150.

Is french drain installation worth it in Des Moines?+

With 35" of annual rainfall and a 43" frost depth, untreated water intrusion in Des Moines tends to worsen each freeze-thaw season, so most homeowners find addressing it early is far cheaper than structural repair later.