The drain service of Pure Mechanical GroupMetro Vancouver + Fraser Valley
No. 21 · Done by Pure Mechanical Group

Drain tile replacement: what it involves and what it costs

A full replacement digs around the foundation, installs new perforated pipe in drain rock, and connects it to a sump. It is the permanent fix for a wet basement on an older house.

Typical cost$9,989–$59,989
How it starts$269 on-site estimate
If you go aheadThe $269 comes off the price
Who does itPure Mechanical Group, the company behind Unclog.it
WhereMetro Vancouver + Fraser Valley
A house outline with the full perimeter drain around its foundation marked in red
Fig. 21: drain tile replacement

What drain tile replacement typically costs

One side of a house$9,989–$19,989Excavation, new pipe, drain rock and backfill.
The full perimeter$29,989–$59,989Depends on the size of the house, depth and landscaping.

Typical prices in Metro Vancouver and the Fraser Valley in 2026, before tax. They are a guide, not our quote. Too much depends on your home to price these jobs unseen, so your price is set on site, in writing, before any work starts.

When you need it

  • The original drain tile is clay or concrete and has failed in several places
  • The basement takes on water every winter
  • You are finishing a basement and want it dry first

What changes the price

Perimeter lengthPriced largely by the linear foot around the house.
Depth and accessDeep basements and tight side yards need more labour and smaller machines.
What gets addedWaterproofing the wall, a new sump and cleanouts are usually done while the trench is open.

What the job involves

  1. Inspect the existing system and plan the route, the sump and the discharge.
  2. Excavate around the foundation down to the footing, one side at a time.
  3. Clean the wall and apply waterproofing while it is exposed.
  4. Lay new perforated pipe in drain rock with cleanouts at the corners, connected to the sump.
  5. Have it inspected, backfill in layers and restore the surface.
Time on site
Usually 1 to 2 weeks
Permits
A permit and inspection are usually required.

How pricing works for this job

There is no one price for drain tile replacement, because the factors above change it from one home to the next. It starts with an on-site estimate for $269. A Pure Mechanical Group plumber looks at the job and gives you a price in writing, good for 30 days. Approve it and the $269 comes off the price. If you do not go ahead, the fee covers the visit. Anything found once work has started is priced and approved before it is done.

Call 1-800-604-0631.

Questions people ask

How much does drain tile replacement cost in Metro Vancouver?

One side of a house: $9,989–$19,989. The full perimeter: $29,989–$59,989. Typical prices in Metro Vancouver and the Fraser Valley in 2026, before tax. They are a guide, not our quote. Too much depends on your home to price these jobs unseen, so your price is set on site, in writing, before any work starts.

How long does new drain tile last?

Decades, when it is laid in clean rock with filter cloth and has cleanouts so it can be flushed.

Is it worth waterproofing the wall at the same time?

Yes. The wall is already exposed, so the extra cost is small compared with digging it up again.

Can I stay in the house during the work?

Yes. The work is outside. Access around the house is restricted while each side is open.

Is the estimate free?

No. A Pure Mechanical Group plumber comes out, looks at the job and gives you a written estimate. Approve it and the $269 comes off the price. If you do not go ahead, the fee covers the visit.

What if you find something unexpected once work starts?

The estimate is based on what can be seen. Anything found once a wall, floor or the ground is open is shown to you, priced and approved before it is done.