How Much Does French Drain or Drain Tile Repair Cost?

Basement Drainage Repair Costs by Type

In addition to clogs within the pipes, systems that feed into the sewer can begin to back up if the sewer itself backs up, which can occur at times of heavy rain. Having more than one system in place can help compensate for weaknesses within each system and ensure that even if one system fails, another one is available to help. The cost to install a second drainage system depends on what you're installing but can range from $1,000 to $3,000 on average.

Annual maintenance checks can help prevent system failure. Camera inspections of sewers and drain lines can run you between $100 and $800, depending on the method of inspection, length of the pipe, and other factors.

Drain Tile Repair Cost

The cost to fix a clog depends on the type of problem the drain is experiencing. Small clogs can occur because of tree roots and debris. Older systems may suffer from pipe collapse. If the system is in good condition, hydrojetting is a relatively fast and inexpensive way to clear the clog. If the pipe is collapsed or in poor condition, replacement is likely the only solution.

Floor Drains

These are often cleared by plumbers who use an electric snake in the line. A plumber’s rate for this work may be as little as $100 to $300, depending on the cause of the clog, the severity of the issue, and other factors.

A floor drain is a pipe in the middle of the basement floor. This pipe leads to the home's sanitary line, where it eventually feeds into the sewer. Basement floors often have a slight grade so they’ll funnel gradually to the drain, which usually has a screen over it. These, too, can develop clogs. Sometimes, these clogs are caused by pipe corrosion. Some may be caused by objects that work their way into the pipe.

Sump Pumps

Most homeowners spend between $250 and $700 on the cost to repair sump pumps. Sump pumps are designed to turn on when the water level in the sump reaches a certain height. The pump removes the water from the sump and drains it into the yard. Some common causes of problems include pressure switch failure and tank damage. 

A pressure switch can cost about $40 to replace, in addition to the service charge. A full tank replacement can run you anywhere from $250 to $500, plus the price of installation. The best way to avoid problems is to get a technician out to the house as soon as there are issues. Warning signs of issues include:

• Loss of pressure

• Strange noises

• Flooding

French Drain Repair Cost

Homeowners who need to have their French drain cleared through hydrojetting services should plan to pay a plumber between $150 and $200 per hour to clear the clog. French drain cleaning costs can also add to your overall project price. 

If the clog occurs because of a collapsed drain line and needs replacement, your total budget can grow substantially. The average cost to install an internal line is $50 to $60 per linear foot, which can add up very quickly.

Basement Draining Repair Cost Factors

A few different factors impact how much it costs to fix basement drainage issues. One of the tasks that with the biggest influence on cost is damage restoration. 

Drain Tile Inspection Costs

Basement waterproofing inspections cost between $300 and $500. These inspections occur after you've completed the drainage repair, fixed any damage, and waterproofed your basement. How much you'll pay depends on the size of your property and how accessible the basement interior and exterior are.

You hire a local basement waterproofing inspector to examine the interior and exterior, looking for, and making recommendations about things like:

• Exterior ground grading or sloping

• Gutters and downspouts

• Vapor barriers

• Concrete and cement sealing

• Foundation membranes

You can also get an inspection after you've fixed the drainage issue. Waterproofing inspectors can spot damage and recommend corrections you need to make. They'll check for damage such as:

• Efflorescence

• Cracks or sagging in walls and floors

• Damp

• Rotting wood

• Mold

• Excessive rust

• Bubbling paint

Flooding and Water Damage Restoration

Flooding and water damage due to damaged or clogged drain systems can be expensive. The average cost of fixing water damage in a home is $2,500. Water damage can lead to mold growth, structural damage, and health problems for members of the household. 

The cost of removing standing water is significantly less than the cost of restoration if the area hasn't been dried out sufficiently. It's best to call in a local water damage restoration specialist who can find and fix obvious and hidden issues before they become a more significant problem.

Additional Water Mitigation

Waterproofing a basement costs between $2,250 and $7,400 and is the best way to avoid costly and inconvenient damage occurring again. You may also find it useful to employ some other moisture control solutions. Take a look at some of the most common water control options and their typical costs.

DIY Basement Drainage Repair vs. Hiring a Pro

While it's possible to make light repairs to your basement drainage yourself, it may be best to let a pro handle it. At the very least, spring for an inspection so you can identify the problem and get a list of all the fixes you'll need to put into place.

Remember that if you don't properly address the cause of the drainage problem inside and out, it'll keep happening and cause significant and costly damage over time. The same applies to repairing the damage caused to your property once the leak is addressed. If you overlook a seemingly small thing, it can quickly grow into a serious problem that’s costly to remediate. Hire a basement drain repair pro to avoid expensive mistakes.