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FRS Crew member installing interior drainage system

Basement Waterproofing

We offer basement waterproofing solutions to homeowners all over the states of Missouri, Kansas, Arkansas, Illinois, and Iowa. Find out what waterproofing your basement can do for your home and health here.

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Is your basement leaking and wet? Do you see white, chalky powder (likely efflorescence) or water stains on the walls or floor? Water in your basement can cause mold, mildew, and damage to your home’s structure; basement waterproofing is the best way to protect your home.


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The Causes of a Wet Basement

A wet basement affects the value and ability to sell a home. How did your basement get to be like this in the first place?

When the soil around your foundation absorbs moisture, it expands and puts pressure on the foundation. This pressure, known as hydrostatic pressure, can cause cracks and inward bowing of foundation walls, compromising their structural integrity.

The “clay bowl effect” happens when a house is built and the contractor digs a hole where they then pour concrete for the foundation. The gap between the foundation walls and the existing earth is then filled with excavated soil. However, this soil is looser and more aerated than the surrounding soil, so water collects around the foundation walls and cracks them due to hydrostatic pressure.

A functional sump pump system is crucial for keeping basements dry, serving as the heart of a basement waterproofing system. However, failing sump pumps allow water to collect in the basement, and some popular sump pump systems have metal basins with poorly fitting or no lids.

These systems are ineffective as they can rust, corrode, and allow water to evaporate back into the basement, leading to unpleasant odors and moisture issues. Additionally, debris and objects can fall into the system and damage the pump if the sump pit is partially covered.

Improper exterior drainage can cause water to pool next to your home and seep into porous block foundation walls. 

The best way to prevent water from entering your home is to bury downspout conductor lines and direct them away from your home. However, the buried drainage system should be in good condition so it does not crack or collapse, resulting in basement flooding. Additionally, some traditional underground downspout conductor lines may become clogged with dirt and debris, causing water backup and overflow issues.

Award-Winning Service

Groundworks, LLC BBB Business Review

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Jared is my go to guy in the foundation business, not only is he knowledgable but he’s fair. Gives honest advice and always shows up with…

Jared is my go to guy in the foundation business, not only is he knowledgable but he’s fair. Gives honest advice and always shows up with a smile on his face. 5 Stars all the way around! Keep up the good work!

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Professional and straightforward company.

Professional and straightforward company.

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Had an inspection done by Ed Macdonald to review the extent of the damage done by extended exposure to moisture. He was very thorough and…

Had an inspection done by Ed Macdonald to review the extent of the damage done by extended exposure to moisture. He was very thorough and detailed in his examination. He provided a list of recommendations on what steps could be taken to help. I am very happy with the recommendations.

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Zach sanders came out and gave us a good annual maintenance and was very helpful

Zach sanders came out and gave us a good annual maintenance and was very helpful

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Yandel and Triston came out to help with our sump pump, and they did a great job. Their work was great, but the communication was…

Yandel and Triston came out to help with our sump pump, and they did a great job. Their work was great, but the communication was spectacular.

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The technician named Austin was very professional and thorough. We decided to start a new contract with this company.

The technician named Austin was very professional and thorough. We decided to start a new contract with this company.

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Kevin Estes came to thoroughly inspect our house and came up with a service plan to address a couple areas of concern. I feel so much…

Kevin Estes came to thoroughly inspect our house and came up with a service plan to address a couple areas of concern. I feel so much better knowing we will be preventing future foundation shifts. I learnt a lot and he showed us the existing issues and what caused them, patiently answered all our questions, and he was very professional and courteous. I am so glad we had them come out for a free quote and are moving forward with the recommendations using a payment plan!

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Kent Clayberg was awesome!

Kent Clayberg was awesome!

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I would highly recommend FRS! I had just inherited my home after my dad’s passing, and I was tired of looking at the crack above the…

I would highly recommend FRS! I had just inherited my home after my dad’s passing, and I was tired of looking at the crack above the kitchen doorway. I knew I would eventually remodel, but after inspecting the crawl space, I discovered the north wall had begun to cave in. This house was built in 1950 by my grandfather, so repairing and preserving it was very important to me. FRS did a great job. One unexpected expense came up after the original quote, but they split the cost of the additional work, and I truly appreciated their fairness and transparency. Their team was professional, respectful, and clearly skilled. I will definitely be calling them back to wrap my crawl space and level the concrete. They helped protect and restore a home that

Heather Kelly (Indie Music Room)

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Kevin Macdonald I highly recommend. Kevin McDonald very professional. He did a great job and hopefully somebody else will use him too. Very …

Kevin Macdonald I highly recommend. Kevin McDonald very professional. He did a great job and hopefully somebody else will use him too. Very recommended.

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We were very impressed with the level of communication from our initial scheduling call (on a Sunday) and inspector (Chad) calling back…

We were very impressed with the level of communication from our initial scheduling call (on a Sunday) and inspector (Chad) calling back same day. Inspection visit was great with Chad, he was easy to understand and made it more comfortable for us. We knew we didn’t need to look any further after talking to him.

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Travis is very professional. Showed up to check our foundation. Very knowledgeable and explained everything clearly.

Travis is very professional. Showed up to check our foundation. Very knowledgeable and explained everything clearly.

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Sales manager Kevin Estes did a great job of inspecting my building and recommending appropriate solutions. He was friendly, professional,…

Sales manager Kevin Estes did a great job of inspecting my building and recommending appropriate solutions. He was friendly, professional, knowledgeable and a pleasure to work with. I hope the products perform as well!

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They are incredibly friendly and pinpoint the exact nature of the problem. I highly recommend them for any issues related to foundations.I…

They are incredibly friendly and pinpoint the exact nature of the problem. I highly recommend them for any issues related to foundations.I am extremely satisfied.

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Second time with FRS and incredibly pleased. All 3 of the crew were friendly and knowledgeable.

Second time with FRS and incredibly pleased. All 3 of the crew were friendly and knowledgeable.

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The crew of Matt (the supervisor), Nick and Niko of Foundation Recovery Systems were excellent. Professional, courteous and hard working….

The crew of Matt (the supervisor), Nick and Niko of Foundation Recovery Systems were excellent. Professional, courteous and hard working. Every step of the job was fully explained to me and all questions answerd. I would highly recommend their expertise.

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Initial communication with company wasn’t great but the installation was easy and flawless. Greg and his team did an amazing job on 11/27…

Initial communication with company wasn’t great but the installation was easy and flawless. Greg and his team did an amazing job on 11/27 installing the waterproofing system

Jaime Haro Guadarrama

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They did a great job was scheduled quickly within initial consultation completed all work in 1-2 days. Very professional. Quality work….

They did a great job was scheduled quickly within initial consultation completed all work in 1-2 days. Very professional. Quality work. Payments reasonable for the quality and package you get. Crew was excellent. Strongly advise anyone to contact them for foundation issues.

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Jared Wyatt is amazing! Very thorough, knowledgeable, kind, experienced, and communicative. Would definitely use again if there wasn’t a…

Jared Wyatt is amazing! Very thorough, knowledgeable, kind, experienced, and communicative. Would definitely use again if there wasn’t a lifetime warranty! 10/10 would recommend

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Corey B. was very professional, personable and did a great job of explaining the work that needed to be done.

Corey B. was very professional, personable and did a great job of explaining the work that needed to be done.

Is Basement Waterproofing the Right Solution for Me?

If you have a leaking basement, yes. 

Ignoring even a small amount of water can lead to significant damage such as mold and mildew growth, damage to your belongings, and structural damage, all of which can threaten your family’s health and your home’s safety. Customized basement waterproofing, or foundation waterproofing, solutions are an effective way to protect your home from these risks.

Waterproofing basement areas includes an interior drainage systems to catch leaking water and reliable sump pump systems to pump the water out of the basement and away from your home’s foundation. Our comprehensive basement waterproofing services also include dehumidifiers, vapor barriers, anti-freeze discharge line attachments, and sump pump backup batteries.

Basement Waterproofing Systems FAQs

Water can enter due to poor drainage, high water tables, cracks in the foundation, hydrostatic pressure, or improper landscaping.

A sump pump removes accumulated water from the basement, preventing flooding and reducing hydrostatic pressure.

Costs vary depending on the method used and the extent of the issue, ranging from a few hundred dollars for minor fixes to several thousand for extensive repairs.

Properly installed waterproofing systems can last decades, with some solutions offering lifetime warranties.

The Benefits of Basement Waterproofing

Not all homes are built with proper basement waterproofing or drainage systems, and any sub-standard material can break down and fail over time. Here are some of the most common reasons for a basement waterproofing system:

Stops Mold and Mildew

Basement waterproofing fights against mold and keeps your home healthy and dry. After a significant basement leak, it only takes up to 48 hours for surfaces to develop mold. Mold gives off musty odors, and it can irritate your respiratory system, and it’s especially problematic for people with existing lung conditions. There are many different types of mold, but black mold, in particular, is considered to be the most harmful.

Fixes Wall Cracks and Foundation Damage

Basement waterproofing means no more wall cracks and foundation damage. A cracked foundation and wet basement form a vicious cycle of damage. Overly saturated soil increases hydrostatic pressure around your basement, cracking them further and allowing water to leak inside. If both issues are not repaired, they will continue to worsen and could lead to flooding, structural instability, and even a wall’s complete collapse.

Restores Home Value

Foundation waterproofing can restore your home’s value when it comes time to sell. Most buyers want a turnkey property free of basement problems. A wet basement with mold and other damage reduces the value of your home. Buyers may ask for a lower selling price to get repairs, or they might ask you to repair the damage before they make an offer. So, it’s best to have any basement waterproofing done prior to listing your property.

Common Basement Waterproofing Tips & Mistakes

3 Helpful Tips to Consider:

  • Even with a basement waterproofing system in place, including interior drainage and a sump pump, humidity and condensation can still wreak havoc on your basement and contribute to mold and mildew growth. It’s also a good idea to install an energy-efficient dehumidifier to help control moisture and humidity, decrease odors, and reduce the chance of mold growth.
  • Areas like Kansas City, Springfield, St. Louis, and Des Moines are no stranger to frequent rains. If you live in an area that sees a lot of precipitation and storms, it’s a good idea to have a battery backup sump pump installed. This helpful addition to your sump pump system ensures it will continue to work to keep your basement dry even during power outages.
  • Along with high-quality basement waterproofing solutions inside your home, you also need to pay attention to exterior systems like your gutters and downspouts. Making sure they are properly functioning and free of debris and clogs helps keep water away from your basement.

3 Mistakes to Avoid:

  • Many homeowners look for a “quick fix” to their wet basement problems, including so-called “waterproof” paint. Anyone can get DIY basement waterproofing solutions at hardware and big-box stores, but they are temporary at best. You would have to continue purchasing and reapplying them to the basement, which may cause even more damage.
  • You need more than a footing drain. When homes are constructed, the builders generally lay a footing drain next to the foundation. This helps keep water away from the basement. However, because it is buried so far underground, the weight of the soil can weaken and crush the fragile pipes, allowing water to leak inside the basement. You need more basement waterproofing solutions in place.
  • Having a dehumidifier is essential, but many believe any dehumidification unit will help all spaces. Because basements are completely or partially underground, they are naturally more humid than other areas of your home, so a conventional dehumidifier won’t cut it. You need a professional-grade dehumidifier and a comprehensive basement waterproofing system to match.

Providing Expert Basement Waterproofing in Missouri, Iowa, Illinois, and Kansas

Pennsylvania trusts FRS for reliable basement waterproofing, crawl space, foundation, gutter, and concrete repair services. Contact us for a free inspection!  

Top Cities We Serve


FRS service area

Our Locations

Cedar Rapids

3349 Southgate Ct SW,
Cedar Rapids, IA 52404
(319) 220-5034

Central Illinois

14678 E 925 North Rd, Building 5
Bloomington, IL 61705

Des Moines

6300 NW Beaver Dr.
Johnston, IA 50131
(515) 373-8491

Kansas City

7280 NW 87th Terrace, Suite C-210
Kansas City, MO 64153
(816) 774-1539

Lee's Summit

211 SE State Route 150
Lee's Summit, MO 64082
(816) 774-1539

Moberly

1872 State Hwy M
Moberly, MO 65270
(660) 202-8662

Springfield

3020 N. Martin Ave.
Springfield, MO 65803
(417) 612-8286

St. Louis

1625 Larkin Williams rd.
Fenton, MO 63026
(314) 207-9995