How Much Does French Drain Installation Cost in Pittsburgh, PA?
Pittsburgh pricing is near the national average. Updated for 2026.
Based on local labor rates, humid-continental climate conditions, and Pittsburgh's healthcare-tech-education economy.See our methodology
French Drain Installation Pricing in Pittsburgh, PA
Pittsburgh offers near-average pricing for french drain installation, making it a reasonable market for this service. The local healthcare-tech-education economy supports a union-heavy labor pool, and the city's 300K population base ensures you can find multiple qualified providers to compare quotes.
Local climate plays a direct role in french drain installation costs here. Cold winters with significant snowfall increase heating and winter maintenance costs; rivers create unique foundation considerations.
Market-specific factors matter in Pittsburgh: transitioning from steel economy to tech/healthcare hub; union labor tradition means quality but higher rates; hilly terrain can increase project complexity.
Pittsburgh has moderate permitting requirements. Depending on the scope of your french drain installation project, you may need local permits. A licensed contractor will handle the permitting process as part of the job in most cases.
Pittsburgh vs National Average
What Affects French Drain Installation Cost in Pittsburgh?
Type
Interior: $40-$100/linear ft. Exterior: $60-$120/linear ft. Full perimeter: $5,000-$12,000
Additions
Sump pump: $500-$1,200. Drain tile: $20-$40/linear ft. Channel drain: $30-$75/linear ft
Pittsburgh Market Conditions
transitioning from steel economy to tech/healthcare hub; union labor tradition means quality but higher rates; hilly terrain can increase project complexity
Local Climate Impact
cold winters with significant snowfall increase heating and winter maintenance costs; rivers create unique foundation considerations
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Tips to Save on French Drain Installation in Pittsburgh
- 1.Interior French drains are cheaper ($40-$100/linear ft) than exterior ($60-$120/linear ft)
- 2.DIY is possible for simple exterior drains
- 3.Address grading issues first — sometimes regrading alone solves drainage
- 4.Bundle with waterproofing for better pricing
- 5.Pittsburgh has a strong union labor market. While rates may be higher, union contractors typically carry better insurance and offer workmanship guarantees.
📈 French Drain Installation in Pittsburgh Cost Trends (2020–2024)
Prices have increased +17.7% over the last 5 years
| Year | National Avg | YoY Change |
|---|---|---|
| 2020 | $4,036 | — |
| 2021 | $4,205 | +4.2% |
| 2022 | $4,478 | +6.5% |
| 2023 | $4,603 | +2.8% |
| 2024 | $4,750 | +3.2% |
Based on national averages adjusted for annual inflation. Actual costs vary by location and project scope.
💬 What Did You Pay?
Real costs reported by homeowners for French Drain Installation in Pittsburgh
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Frequently Asked Questions
Do French drains really work?
Yes. A properly installed French drain is one of the most effective solutions for redirecting groundwater. They typically last 30-40 years with minimal maintenance.
Why does french drain installation cost different in Pittsburgh than other cities?
Pittsburgh's costs reflect local labor rates driven by the healthcare-tech-education economy, humid-continental climate conditions that affect materials and scheduling, and moderate permitting requirements. The union-heavy labor market also influences competitive pricing.
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