HomeGuide's national 2026 figures put an average yard drainage system at $1,000 to $4,000 and a French drain at $10 to $35 per foot. San Antonio has two drainage problems: water that sits on clay, and water that races off rock.
All prices on this page are national ranges from HomeGuide, not quotes from us. In San Antonio, limestone, caliche, black clay, access and haul distance decide where a job really lands. Figures checked in October 2026.
How do I fix standing water in my San Antonio yard?
To fix standing water, give it a downhill path: regrade the low area, cut a swale to the street, or bury a French drain where water collects under the surface. On the south and east side clay, standing water can last for days because the soil takes it in so slowly, so reshaping the ground usually comes first.
Why is my back yard a swamp for days after rain?
A back yard stays a swamp when it sits lower than the lots around it and has clay underneath. Builders' grades in newer subdivisions sometimes leave a dip along the back fence. Raising the low area and connecting it to an outlet works; adding topsoil alone just makes a muddy layer on top.
Why does water sit against my foundation?
Water sits against the foundation when the ground falls toward the house, beds trap it at the slab, or downspouts empty at the wall. On a sloped lot, runoff from uphill adds to it. In clay, the wet side of the slab swells while the dry side shrinks, which is hard on the foundation, so regrading and moving roof water away matter.
What does a French drain cost?
HomeGuide's French drain page lists a yard or curtain drain at $10 to $35 per linear foot, or $500 to $8,800 installed. Shallow surface drains are listed at $10 to $30 a foot. Interior basement drains cost more, but basements are rare here. Rock in the trench line raises the cost of any drain.
| Length | Yard drain, national range |
|---|---|
| 50 ft | $500 to $1,800 |
| 100 ft | $1,000 to $3,500 |
| 200 ft | $2,000 to $7,000 |
What does a curtain drain or a drain around the house cost?
A curtain drain runs $10 to $35 per foot, or $1,500 to $8,800 in total, by HomeGuide. A perimeter drain along the house, also called weeping tile, costs $30 to $90 per foot, or about $1,200 to $4,500 per side. On hillside lots, a curtain drain across the slope above the house catches seepage before it reaches the foundation.
Should I put in a French drain or a dry well?
Choose a French drain to carry water away and a dry well to hold it underground while it soaks in. A dry well runs $300 to $1,500 on HomeGuide's drainage page. In black clay, a dry well fills and stays full. Over fractured limestone it can drain well, but over the recharge zone we would rather send clean roof water to the surface than straight into the rock.
What does a swale cost, and when is a catch basin better?
HomeGuide's drainage page lists a swale at $250 to $1,000. A swale is a shallow, grassy channel that carries water across the surface, and it suits most side yards. A catch basin is a grated box at a low point that sends water into a buried pipe; it is the better choice when water has to pass under a patio or a driveway.
How deep should a drain ditch be?
A swale is usually only a few inches deep with gentle sides, so it can be mowed. French drains here usually sit about 18 to 24 inches down. The depth matters less than the fall: the line has to run steadily downhill to an outlet lower than the wet spot, which on a rocky lot can mean cutting rock to keep the grade.
Can I bury my downspouts and run them away from the house?
Yes. Solid pipe from each downspout can carry roof water to a pop-up outlet, a swale or the curb. Each buried downspout extension runs $150 to $350 on HomeGuide's drainage page. Check city or association rules before tying into the curb.
What can I do when my neighbor's yard drains water onto mine?
Talk it over with the neighbor first, and bring photos you took while it was raining. Texas Water Code section 11.086 forbids diverting or impounding the natural flow of surface water in a way that damages another person's property, and the owner who is harmed can recover damages. Water that follows the natural slope is a different situation. A swale or berm on your side can often redirect the flow. This is general information and not legal advice.
Can excavation fix a wet basement or a wet crawl space?
Excavation fixes outside causes: grading that sends water to the house, runoff from the lot above, and roof water at the wall. Basements are uncommon here, but older pier and beam homes in Alamo Heights and near downtown often have wet crawl spaces, which grading and drains can help. Structural cracks need a foundation repair company, and we can dig for them.
To get a number for your own site, have us walk it first; the price comes in a written quote. Call or text (210) 796-2675.