Laying drainage: costs, companies & procedure

Laying drainage: costs, companies & procedure

Standing water in the garden, damp cellar walls or even mold in the house are clear signs: There are problems with the drainage. A professional drainage system is the solution to direct rainwater and seepage away from the house. But how much does it cost to lay drainage? Which drainage installation companies are there and what do you need to look out for when choosing one? In this guide, you will find everything you need to know about drainage installation companies, drainage house costs and a step-by-step overview from the seepage test to the finished drainage system.

What is drainage and when is it necessary?

A drainage system is an underground drainage system that drains rainwater or groundwater away from the house. It consists of perforated pipes (drainage pipes) that lie in a gravel bed and are surrounded by filter fleece. The water seeps into the pipes and is either drained into the sewer system, a trench, a cistern or a ditch.

Typical reasons to install drainage:

  • Damp basement walls: Water accumulates and penetrates the masonry.
  • Mold in the cellar: Permanent moisture can cause mold to form.
  • Waterlogging in the garden: After rainfall, puddles form that only dry out very slowly.
  • Slumping paved surfaces: Paths or driveways sink due to softened ground.
  • Protection of old buildings: Houses without a continuous floor slab often require additional drainage.

Important: Drainage is never a substitute for professional waterproofing. It is always a supplement to prevent water from accumulating permanently on the house in the first place.

Which companies offer drainage installation?

Laying drainage is not something you do on the side. It requires experience, machinery and, above all, compliance with the relevant DIN standards. The following companies usually come into question here:

  • Drainage companies and building protection specialists: They often have experience with basement waterproofing and know the right standards and materials.
  • Landscape and civil engineering: For large areas in the garden or for complete property drainage systems.
  • Remediation companies for damp cellars: These often combine waterproofing with the installation of drainage systems.

What do these companies actually do?

  • Carrying out an infiltration test to check the soil conditions
  • Creation of a drainage plan including positioning of pipes and manholes
  • Assistance with permits (e.g. if water is discharged into the sewer system)
  • Professional execution in accordance with DIN 4095 (drainage systems) and DIN 18533 (waterproofing)
  • Installation of infiltration trenches or cisterns for controlled seepage or use of the water

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Process: From consultation to implementation

To give you an accurate impression, here is the typical drainage installation process:

1. consultation and infiltration test

It usually starts with a site visit. The company often carries out a seepage test: A 50 x 50 x 50 cm hole is dug and filled several times. They then measure how quickly the water sinks. This shows whether a drainage system is working at all or whether the soil is too dense.

2. planning and approvals

Depending on the type of soil and gradient:

  • Route and depth of the pipes
  • Locations for inspection and control shafts
  • Type of end point (channel, infiltration trench, cistern, trench)

In many cities, drainage water may not be discharged into the sewer without a permit. Infiltration via infiltration trenches is often required instead.

3. excavation and laying

Now the real work begins:

  • A trench is dug around the house. The depth depends on the top edge of the foundation - the pipe is at least 20-30 cm deeper.
  • A gradient of at least 0.5 %, ideally 2-3 %, is set up so that the water flows.
  • Filter fleece is inserted, then 10-15 cm of gravel is piled on top.
  • The drainage pipes are laid. Only solid seepage pipes made of rigid PVC are permitted for house drains (no flexible roll pipes).
  • Cover again with gravel, fleece and backfill with soil.

4. connection and documentation

The pipes are connected to shafts. Finally, the company documents everything in a report with photos and a sketch. This way, you will still know where your drainage runs in 10 years' time.

Cost examples and comparison: Drainage installation costs

The drainage installation costs depend heavily on the project. Price factors are:

  • How long is the drainage? (only around the house or also the garden)
  • How difficult is the soil to cultivate?
  • How many manholes need to be installed?
  • Are there access problems for machines?

Typical costs at a glance:

Measure Cost per meter Total costs house
Drainage around the house 90 - 150 € approx. 5,000 - 12,000 €
Drainage in the garden 30 - 70 € approx. 3,000 - 6,000 €

In addition, there may be:

  • Rigole: 1,000 - 3,000 €
  • Soil survey: approx. 300 - 600 €
  • Permits: 200 - 400 €

What else influences the price?

  • Whether there are stones, roots or old pipes in the ground that need to be removed.
  • How many inspection chambers are planned.
  • How deep the drainage needs to be laid (e.g. often 80-150 cm for trees).

FAQ: Frequently asked questions about laying drainage

Which materials are the best?

DIN 4095 specifies full seepage pipes made of rigid PVC or comparable rigid materials for house drainage systems. These have a high water absorption rate and are less likely to clog. Flexible roll pipes (often yellow) are also possible for garden areas. Filter fleece is always used to prevent blockages.

How deep must the drainage be?

That depends on the use:

  • House: at least 20-30 cm below top edge of foundation
  • Lawn areas: 30-50 cm
  • Vegetable areas: 50-80 cm
  • Trees & orchards: up to 150 cm

Important: Always allow for a gradient of at least 0.5 %.

Does the drainage need to be maintained?

Yes, inspection and flushing manholes should be checked once a year and flushed if necessary to prevent the build-up of sludge.

When should no drainage be built?

If the highest known groundwater level reaches the foundation of the house. Drainage would then be permanently in the groundwater and could not be effective.

What to look out for when choosing a drainage company?

  • Does the company work according to DIN 4095 and DIN 18533?
  • Are rigid full seepage pipes used?
  • Is there a maintenance contract and a warranty?
  • Is the offer listed in detail with material, machines and disposal?
  • Are there positive reviews and references?

Conclusion: Drainage protects house & garden in the long term

A correctly planned and installed drainage system reliably drains rainwater and seepage away from the house. It prevents damp cellars, mold and damage to foundations or paved areas. Specialist companies take care of planning, approvals and the entire installation - saving you money in the long term and protecting the value of your property.

Tip: Always obtain at least three quotes and ask specifically whether the company works according to the relevant DIN standards. This will ensure that your drainage house costs are well invested.