How much does it cost to install a drain tile system?
Keep in mind, every project is different. The below numbers are estimates and may differ based on your project.
Cost depends on who is installing the system
There are essentially two options. You can install the system yourself or hire pros.
installing it yourself
If you are installing the drain tile system yourself, you'll save money on labor but will have to rent equipment and spend a fair amount of man hours to complete the project.
You may save upwards of $5,000-10,000 by doing it yourself. But like mentioned earlier, you'll need to shell out cash for equipment rental.
Drain tile systems require jackhammers. Larger projects will require larger tools which will cost more to rent.
It's not uncommon to spend ~$3-5k on tools and supplies, possibly more for larger projects.
You'll also need to purchase concrete as well as crushed rock and drain tile pipe.
For a smaller DIY drain tile project, you may be able to get by spending only $4,000-5,000, but larger projects will be closer to $10,000 if doing it by yourself.
That is not to mention the opportunity cost of installing the drain tile system yourself. Most people will spend 100+ working hours, and it often requires assistance from friends and family.
And one final cost that could come about from installing the system yourself: there is always risk of improper installation, which would require reworks and costly fixes.
If you are very handy, have a bunch of time on your hands, and understand the nuances of how water enters homes and what keeps it out, installing a drain tile system yourself may be the right play. If that's not you, let's look at what hiring a pro will cost.
Hire a team to install
The main (and obvious) difference between hiring a team of pros versus doing the drain tile installation yourself is the cost of labor.
Oftentimes a team of 3-5 crew members will come into your basement and install a drain tile system.
A smaller project could run you under $5,000, and larger projects could cost upwards of $10,000 for labor.
Most basement waterproofing companies will already have connections to concrete and drain tile companies, so that part will be taken care of and costs will be similar to what was mentioned before.
Hiring a crew for a very minor drain tile project could be as low as $3,000. A large and heavy drain tile project could cost upwards of $20,000, which includes labor as well.
A benefit of hiring a crew is that there is much less risk of mistakes happening, and good crews will have a better eye at addressing the real issues that are causing your wet basement.
