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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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Tyler Sprague and Brayden Johnson did a great job with the installation to replace our sump pump. They were friendly, professional, on time,…

Tyler Sprague and Brayden Johnson did a great job with the installation to replace our sump pump. They were friendly, professional, on time, knowledgeable, cleaned up everything before leaving and spent time answering any questions I had. Overall a great experience and could highly recommended them.

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Bret was awesome 👌 very knowledgeable and informative ! Thank you very much

Bret was awesome 👌 very knowledgeable and informative ! Thank you very much

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I received great information regarding my service-related question. Joshua was very friendly in his approach and very honest about the…

I received great information regarding my service-related question. Joshua was very friendly in his approach and very honest about the service I needed. He explained the different options the company offers for fixing the issue.

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I had Jeremy K out for an inspection of work we had completed. Jeremy was extremely efficient ensuring all previous work was in tip top…

I had Jeremy K out for an inspection of work we had completed. Jeremy was extremely efficient ensuring all previous work was in tip top shape as it was from original work. Jeremy was very nice, well dressed, considerate and informative. 👌 He is a 10.

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Very professional and thorough annual check up services. Well worth the peace of mind that our basement will have no issues after the…

Very professional and thorough annual check up services. Well worth the peace of mind that our basement will have no issues after the installation of their system.

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Bob was very professional. Took all the measurements necessary and explained in detail everything that your company can do to mitigate the…

Bob was very professional. Took all the measurements necessary and explained in detail everything that your company can do to mitigate the water problem in my basement. Really put my mind at ease by providing solutions to the problem.

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We were extremely impressed with how thorough and informative Chad was during our inspection. His communication was excellent both before…

We were extremely impressed with how thorough and informative Chad was during our inspection. His communication was excellent both before and during his visit to our home. He took the time to clearly explain the entire process, what the home needed, and what costs we could expect. Chad was wonderful to work with and guided us every step of the way. We highly recommend him and Foundation Recovery Systems.

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Corey was honest. I did not need foundation work. Corey pointed me in the right direction of what I needed. If I do need any foundation…

Corey was honest. I did not need foundation work. Corey pointed me in the right direction of what I needed. If I do need any foundation work FRS will be the company I call!

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Eli shared his foundation knowledge with us and gave us the confidence to move forward with the project. We are thrilled to have the…

Eli shared his foundation knowledge with us and gave us the confidence to move forward with the project. We are thrilled to have the experience, the 5 year warranty, and qualified company, with owner employees. Great business model for the consumer, like us. Thank you, Eli.

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We had a great experience with Foundation Recovery Systems from start to finish. Jeremy H did the inspection and was very thorough and…

We had a great experience with Foundation Recovery Systems from start to finish. Jeremy H did the inspection and was very thorough and listened to all the concerns we had with the foundation. He explained the recommendations and installation process in a way that was very easy to understand and follow. The repairs and installation went very smoothly. The foreman, Gary, and his crew, Luke and James were very professional the entire time. They kept checking in during the process and clearly explained what was going on and what to expect next. They also did a great job cleaning up and making sure everything was good to go before leaving. The communication throughout the whole process was fantastic (during the inspection, setting up the install appointment, and during installation) and we always knew what was going on. Highly recommend Foundation Recovery Systems for any foundation issues!

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The boys at FRS did a great job. Worked late and got the job done in the schedule in which was given. Cameron Erwin, Kalvin Harris and Niko …

The boys at FRS did a great job. Worked late and got the job done in the schedule in which was given. Cameron Erwin, Kalvin Harris and Niko Basham did great. Thanks for you hard work and professionalism and communication.

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I reached out to Foundation Recovery Systems because of significant cracks along the left and back walls of my detached garage. I had…

I reached out to Foundation Recovery Systems because of significant cracks along the left and back walls of my detached garage. I had already received two other quotes, but neither company provided much detail beyond telling me that piers or plates were needed to address the issue. Kyle B. truly went above and beyond. He took thorough measurements, tested the soundness of the concrete pad, and took the time to explain the entire process from start to finish. He answered every question I had and was incredibly kind, patient, and knowledgeable throughout the visit. When Foundation Recovery Systems says they are transparent, they genuinely mean it. I feel confident moving forward with this project and can’t wait to have my garage stabilized so I can use the walls without worrying about the cracks getting worse. I’ll update this review once the work is completed, but so far I’m extremely happy with my decision to choose Foundation Recovery Systems over their competitors. Thanks again, Kyle B.!

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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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Excellent review for Jacob and Zach. They are friendly, good to each other, respectful and they did an excellent job. I would recommend to …

Excellent review for Jacob and Zach. They are friendly, good to each other, respectful and they did an excellent job. I would recommend to anybody. They answered every question I asked. They did an amazing job.

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Kevin Macdonald was a great help to solving our leaking basement issues. He was very knowledgeable and informative. He was also very…

Kevin Macdonald was a great help to solving our leaking basement issues. He was very knowledgeable and informative. He was also very friendly and loves pets. I would highly recommend his services and the company he works for.

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The worked performed was well done as stated in the contract. The team members on day one, Forman Camryn, co-foreman Josh, installer Tanner …

The worked performed was well done as stated in the contract. The team members on day one, Forman Camryn, co-foreman Josh, installer Tanner all worked well together. They were all hardworking, conscientious about their work, communicated well as to work procedures they were performing and they were punctual. On day two we also had Lee and Kaden come to help with the last bit of work to be completed and they as well displayed all the qualities of the crew on day one. We were very satisfied with the work and would recommend them to others needing foundation work.

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Colton and his team worked a long, cold day to finish our basement system. They were very professional and courteous. Colton returned to…

Colton and his team worked a long, cold day to finish our basement system. They were very professional and courteous. Colton returned to finish up later and made sure we were completely satisfied!

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Andy and his crew just finished a job for me and they did fantastic work. I had some cracks repaired and 3 screw jack posts installed. Andy …

Andy and his crew just finished a job for me and they did fantastic work. I had some cracks repaired and 3 screw jack posts installed. Andy was very professional and explained what he was doing. The work was timely and they cleaned up afterwards. I would highly recommend Foundation Recovery Systems, and will use them again.

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Travis S completed our 2nd year maintenance. He was thorough and explained all the steps he was taking beforehand. After the service he…

Travis S completed our 2nd year maintenance. He was thorough and explained all the steps he was taking beforehand. After the service he went over all the results in detail. Highly recommend.

Larry “Lars” Burklow

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Brandon C, Dylan E, Darrion R, and Chris S were all amazing! They were professional, quick, answered all my questions, and really gave me…

Brandon C, Dylan E, Darrion R, and Chris S were all amazing! They were professional, quick, answered all my questions, and really gave me peace of mind! Thank you!

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

2401 SE Creekview Dr.
Ankeny, IA 50021
(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