French Drains Cost Near Muskegon County | What to Expect

1. Why Homeowners in Muskegon County Are Turning to French Drains

If you’re reading this, you’re probably tired of soggy lawns, puddles that never go away, or water creeping into your basement every time it rains. And you're not alone. Many homes in Muskegon and surrounding counties sit on heavy, clay-like soil — the kind that holds water like a sponge. Add in our lake-effect weather, and drainage problems become more common than not.

At Ryerson Brothers Excavating, we’ve heard from countless homeowners just like you:

“My backyard turns into a swamp every spring.”
“The water keeps pooling around the foundation.”
“I’m nervous it’s going to cause mold or damage inside my house.”

Those concerns are valid. Water doesn’t just go away on its own. And when it sits too long, it can lead to everything from dead grass and muddy shoes to foundation damage and high repair bills.

That’s where a properly installed French drain can make all the difference.

2. What Exactly Is a French Drain (And Why It Works So Well Here)

A French drain is a simple system that solves a frustrating problem: it redirects water away from areas it doesn’t belong — like your foundation, basement, or yard — and sends it to a better place.

It’s basically a trench filled with gravel and a perforated pipe that collects water and guides it downhill or into a drainage area.

Why is this system so popular in Muskegon County and nearby areas? Because it works. The soil here doesn’t drain well naturally, so once water gets stuck, it stays stuck. French drains give it somewhere to go.

3. How Much Does a French Drain Cost Near Muskegon?

Let’s get to the question you really came here for:
How much is this going to cost me?

On average, a professionally installed French drain in Muskegon County costs between $25 and $65 per linear foot. That means a 50-foot system might run you anywhere from $1,250 to $3,250, depending on the specifics.

If the system needs to go deeper, or if it needs to route water away from your home’s foundation or under concrete, costs can go up significantly — sometimes closer to $75–$100 per foot.

But keep this in mind: not all French drains are created equal. Some jobs are straightforward. Others require heavy equipment, permits, and detailed planning. That’s why the next section matters.

4. What Impacts the Price: Factors That Can Raise or Lower Your Cost

A few things play into the cost of a French drain system. Here’s what we consider when we quote a job:

• Length of the Drain – More footage = more materials and labor.
  

• Depth of the Trench – Shallow drains are cheaper. Deeper ones take more work.
  

• Soil Conditions – Hard clay or rocky soil takes more time to dig through.
  

• Location – Installing near a foundation or under a driveway costs more than an open yard.
  

• Discharge Point – Where the water is going matters. Tying into a storm system or creating a dry well adds cost.
  

• Landscape Restoration – Want the grass and yard looking like we were never there? That takes time and care.

You don’t have to figure all this out yourself — but you should know what affects the price when comparing bids.

5. Above vs. Below Ground: Is One Drainage System Cheaper Than the Other?

Not every drainage fix needs a full underground French drain. Sometimes, surface drains or slight regrading is enough.

But here’s the thing: above-ground fixes are often cheaper upfront — but may not solve the root issue. If water keeps pooling in the same place, or if you’ve tried basic fixes already, going underground with a French drain might be the most cost-effective solution long term.

6. DIY vs. Professional French Drains in West Michigan: Is It Worth the Savings?

You might be thinking, “Can’t I just dig a trench myself?”

Sure, you can. And for some properties, a small DIY French drain is doable. But here’s what we’ve seen over and over again:

• The trench isn’t deep or sloped enough.
  

• The wrong type of pipe or gravel is used.
  

• There’s no proper outlet or discharge point.
  

• Homeowners skip the filter fabric, and the pipe clogs.

All of that leads to wasted time, wasted money, and more frustration down the line. Most DIY jobs we’re called to “fix” end up costing more than if we’d done it right the first time.

So, unless you’ve got the equipment, experience, and time — hiring a professional is usually the smarter move.

7. Avoiding Cheap Drainage Mistakes That Cost You Later

Here’s a hard truth: cheap drainage fixes can be some of the most expensive mistakes you make.

We’ve had calls from homeowners who hired someone off Facebook Marketplace or a buddy-of-a-buddy with a shovel and a truck. What they ended up with was either:

• A drain that didn’t work.
  

• A trench that collapsed.
  

• A flooded basement — again.

When it comes to water management, cutting corners doesn’t save you money. It just delays the real fix.

8. Real-World Pricing Examples from Muskegon and Nearby Counties

To give you a clearer picture, here are a few real-world pricing snapshots:

• Small backyard drainage fix in Norton Shores (25 feet):
  Around $1,600 — included trenching, gravel, pipe, and basic grading.
  

• Basement water issue in Whitehall (70-foot drain near foundation):
  About $4,800 — included deep digging, downspout tie-ins, and heavy equipment.
  

• Large yard drainage in Newaygo County (100 feet with dry well):
  Just under $7,000 — included multi-day excavation and full yard restoration.

No two properties are the same. But these examples give you a ballpark depending on the size and complexity of your project.

9. How to Tell If You're Getting a Fair Price from a Contractor

Not sure how to compare quotes? Here’s what to look for:

• Is the contractor local and familiar with West Michigan soil?
  

• Do they include everything up front — materials, labor, disposal, restoration?
  

• Are they licensed and insured?
  

• Do they walk the property and ask smart questions before quoting?

You’re not just buying a drain — you’re paying for peace of mind. Make sure the company you choose treats it that way.

10. When to Install a French Drain for the Best Value

The best time to install a French drain in Muskegon County? Before the fall rains or spring melt hit.

That usually means late summer or early fall. The ground is still workable, and your yard isn’t a swamp yet. We also get fewer weather delays and can restore your lawn more cleanly.

If your yard is already soaked or your basement is wet — don’t wait. The sooner the water is rerouted, the sooner you stop the damage.

11. Final Thoughts: Getting Peace of Mind Without Overpaying

A French drain isn’t the flashiest home upgrade — but when your yard stays dry and your basement stays protected, it’s one of the smartest.

At Ryerson Brothers Excavating, we’ve worked on properties across Muskegon, Oceana, Ottawa, and Newaygo Counties. We understand the local soil, the weather, and the problems homeowners face — because we live here too.

We’re not here to oversell you. We’re here to solve your problem the right way, the first time.

If your property’s holding water where it shouldn’t — let’s talk. We’ll take a look, explain your options, and give you real answers you can trust.