COST GUIDES
Garden drainage system: Cost breakdown 2026
Updated 06/26
Fed up with waterlogged lawns, muddy patches, or standing water after heavy rain?
Installing a garden drainage channel to help direct excess water away from your outdoor space can make all the difference.
Read on to find out about the solutions and the average garden drainage system cost in the UK.
Fast Facts
Your garden drainage system cost all depends on the type of garden drainage channel you choose
A French drain installation cost is on average £200 per metre
The average soakaway lawn drainage system cost is between £1,000 - £2,500 depending on the materials used
How much does a garden drainage system cost?
| Type of garden drainage | Range - Low | Range - High | Average cost |
|---|---|---|---|
| Installing French drains (per metre) | £150 | £250 | £200 |
| Installing a soakaway using bricks & rubble | £1,000 | £1,600 | £1,300 |
| Installing a soakaway using crates | £1,500 | £2,500 | £2,000 |
| Last updated: May 2026 Our costs are ballpark averages - get a local tradesperson to quote now | |||
Data verified by our professional estimators
Estimators are CIOB & RICS members
One of the main factors that will affect how much you pay for your garden drainage system, is the type you use.
Two of the most popular drainage solutions in the UK are either French drains or soakaways. Let's look at the cost differences.
French drain installation cost
A French drain is basically a trench filled with aggregate (think crushed stone, gravel or shingle) that allows water to drain away from areas that suffer from flooding:
The average cost of installing a French drain lawn drainage system is around £200 per metre
That said, the exact price you pay will depend on the size and length of the drains needed for your garden, as well as the individual tradespeople you hire to do the work
To find out more, check out our guide to French drain costs.
French drains are typically installed near the edge of a property. That's why you'll want to hire a landscape drainage contractor who knows what they're doing to avoid any pipework, cables or similar service installations.
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Soakaway lawn drainage system cost
A soakaway is a large hole that is dug into the ground and filled with coarse materials (such as stone or rubble), or an underground tank (crate).
This system allows the water to easily filter down into the ground at a gradual rate and, quite literally, 'soak away'.
When it comes to costs, how much you pay will depend on the materials used:
Cost to install a soakway using bricks & rubble
The more traditional method of installing a soakway is filling it with rubble and bricks
While this is still effective, the water stored between the gaps of rubble is slightly limited
The average soakaway lawn drainage system using bricks and rubble costs between £1,000 and £1,600
Cost to install a soakway with crates
If you're prepared to spend a little more, using crates to build a soakway is considered the best option
This is because they have larger void spaces to store and filter away the water
The average soakaway lawn drainage system using crates costs between £1,500 and £2,500
To find out more, check out our guide to soakway installation costs.
Surprised at the cost difference between a French drain and a soakway? Remember, your French drain price is per metre. Whereas a soakway quote will be for the entire job.
It's important to know that the cost depends on a number of factors, including the size of the soakaway, the complexity of the installation, waste removal, materials and labour costs.
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Garden drainage system cost calculator
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What should a garden drainage system quote include?
Hire right, and you can expect your quote for a garden drainage installation to include:
Mini-digger hire (for soakway installation)
Materials
Labour fees
However, sometimes additional work might need to be carried out, which can affect the final price you pay. That's up next.
Wondering what the difference is between a land and a French drain? Want to get better control of garden water with an irrigation sprinkler system? Or perhaps you're after drainage advice for layouts and designs? Checkatrade has you covered.
Factors affecting your garden drainage system cost
As with all home improvement projects, there are a number of factors that can affect the total price you pay for installing a drainage system in your garden. They include:
Size of soakway needed
Type of drainage system used (soakway or French drain?)
Complexity of the installation
Any prep work needed
Additional materials used (for instance, geotextile membrane used to wrap soakway crates could be an extra cost)
Labour time (a French drain generally involves less labour and is quicker to install)
Where you live (costs may be higher in London and parts of the South East due to demand)
Worried your garden's clay-heavy ground might not be suitable for a soakway system? A landscape drainage contractor can carry out a percolation test to measure how quickly water drains through.
Hidden garden drain system costs to watch out for
It's one thing to pay for a garden drain system, but you'll also need to factor in the costs of landscaping and maintenance:
Any landscaping work needed to cover the drain (turf, decorative gravel, or movable decorative containers, for instance)
On-going maintenance (regular soakway clearance makes sure the drain doesn't become clogged)
Is professional garden drainage system installation worth it?
Benefits of hiring a professional garden drainage installer include:
Protection for your property – Effective drainage can help prevent standing water from damaging lawns, plants, patios, pathways, and your home's foundations
Expert assessment – A professional can pinpoint underlying drainage issues, such as poor soil conditions or surface runoff, and recommend the right solution
Correct system design – Different gardens require different drainage methods
Proper installation – Drainage systems involve excavation, levelling, and pipework to make sure it works efficiently
Understanding regulations – Important for soakways, which need to be installed at least five metres from a property, boundary wall or road
Access to specialist equipment – Professionals have the gear (such as mini-diggers) and expertise needed to complete the work safely and efficiently
Workmanship guarantees – Many tradespeople offer guarantees on their work, for added peace of mind that any issues will be sorted
Do you suspect an overflowing or leaking pond could be the cause of waterlogging in your garden? Get a pond maintenance specialist to take a look first.
Garden drainage system cost checklist
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FAQS
How do I fix poor drainage in my garden?
Poor garden drainage can often be improved with solutions such as French drains, soakaways, land drains, or soil improvement. A professional landscape drainage contractor can walk you through the best options for your garden.
What is the best drainage for a garden?
French drains are one of the most effective drainage solutions for many gardens. However, the best system will depend on your soil type, garden layout, and drainage issues.
Does a bog garden need drainage?
Bog gardens are designed to retain moisture, although some drainage may be needed to prevent excessive waterlogging.
What plants are good for poor drainage?
Plants that thrive in wet soil include iris, hosta, astilbe, marsh marigold, and willow.
What colour of soil indicates poor drainage?
Grey, blue-grey, or mottled soil can indicate poor drainage and prolonged waterlogging. Heavy, clay-based soil is also not great for drainage.
How deep should garden drainage be?
Most garden drainage systems are installed between 300mm and 600mm deep, depending on the type of system and site conditions.
What drainage is needed for a rooftop garden?
Rooftop gardens typically need drainage layers, filter membranes, and drainage outlets to safely remove excess water and protect the roof structure.
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