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Saint Louis, MO

French Drain Installation Cost in Saint Louis

$1,400 – $5,600

Average french drain installation cost in Saint Louis · avg $3,500

  • Updated 2026
  • 3 local pros
  • Based on local project data
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At a glance · Saint Louis
Typical timeline
1–2 days
Permit
Usually required · ~$170
Local soil
expansive clay
Freeze-thaw cycles
48 / yr
Local pros
3 available

French Drain Installation cost in Saint Louis, MO

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 Saint Louis.

Service in Saint LouisLowAverageHigh
Basement Waterproofing$2,100$4,450$6,800
Foundation Repair$2,050$4,800$7,550
Crawl Space Encapsulation$2,750$5,100$7,450
French Drain InstallationThis page$1,400$3,500$5,600
Sump Pump Installation$600$1,350$2,050

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

What affects the cost in Saint Louis

Annual rainfall
38"
Freeze-thaw cycles / yr
48
Frost depth
32"

Homes in Saint Louis 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 Saint Louis

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

Issuing authority: City of Saint Louis Building Department · typical fee ~$170

Get matched with french drain installation pros in Saint Louis

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

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French Drain Installation in Saint Louis: FAQ

How much does french drain installation cost in Saint Louis?+

In Saint Louis, french drain installation typically runs $1,400–$5,600, averaging about $3,500. The expansive clay soil and 48 freeze-thaw cycles a year are the biggest local price drivers.

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

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 Saint Louis Building Department, with a typical fee around $170.

Is french drain installation worth it in Saint Louis?+

With 38" of annual rainfall and a 32" frost depth, untreated water intrusion in Saint Louis tends to worsen each freeze-thaw season, so most homeowners find addressing it early is far cheaper than structural repair later.