French Drain Exit Point: Where Does the Water Go?

If you’re installing a new drainage system in your yard, you’ll need to determine your French drain exit point. This key point is where the drain will deposit the excess water, so it should be a spot that won’t cause water damage to your home or the surrounding landscaping. 

Our guide can help you understand how to select a French drain exit point and whether you can install one yourself or hire a French drain expert to complete the task. 

How Do You Choose an Exit Point for French Drains?

French drains use slope to naturally direct water from a higher point to a lower point. The drain field, which is on the higher end, allows water to flow down and through a pipe. Once the water travels to the lower point, it exits the pipe and drains into the street or into a grassy slope. 

Since the goal of a French drain is to move water away from your home and its foundation, you want to select an exit point that is in a drier area designed to carry runoff water. You should also install the exit point in a location that’s closest to your problem area (the spot where water tends to pool). 

Check out these common options for French drain exit points.

• Grassy slope: An exit point on a sunny, grassy slope can help absorb the water and allow it to evaporate with excess sunlight. 

• Street: You can also contact your local utility department to see if your home has a municipal storm drain system that can carry the water away. 

• Gutters: If your home has gutters that empty into an underground drain system, you can often tie in your French drain to this system.

Be aware that some city codes may require a backflow valve that your local French drain installation company may have to put in place for a fee.

Where Not to Install a French Drain Exit Point

French drains are complicated systems that handle serious amounts of water, so it’s best to avoid installing the exit points in the following locations:

• Near erosion-prone areas, such as a dirt slope

• Areas without vegetation

• Near neighboring properties

• Toward pavement, such as sidewalks or driveways 

How Much Does French Drain Installation Cost?

The cost to install a French drain ranges from $800 to $18,000, with $5,000 on average. The total cost depends on the size of your yard, drain size, type, and local labor costs. You can expect to pay on the higher end if your French drain system covers several acres of land, and requires extensive time to install multiple pipes. However, if you have a small yard with simple needs, your price will likely fall on the lower end.