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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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David McDaniel is a great! He explained all the issues and worked with me on financing. Much appreciated.

David McDaniel is a great! He explained all the issues and worked with me on financing. Much appreciated.

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Everything went great. Gage Esry called the day before the original scheduled date and discussed setting up a new service date. Due to the…

Everything went great. Gage Esry called the day before the original scheduled date and discussed setting up a new service date. Due to the recent snow our state road was completely covered. Set up a new date for a few days later. Thought this was great because in the past some techs just did not show up or even touch base until the day of. We appreciated it. John and Debbie.

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Dalton was very professional and knowledgeable to work with.

Dalton was very professional and knowledgeable to work with.

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Best in the industry!

Best in the industry!

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My experience with Travis Stevens, today was excellent!! He went above and beyond explaining things to me to where I could understand. he…

My experience with Travis Stevens, today was excellent!! He went above and beyond explaining things to me to where I could understand. he explained to me about the downspouts and keeping the water away from my house and took his time with me. I would recommend Travis to anybody and Foundation Recovery as I want Travis to be my service rep for any and all repairs maintenance.

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Stabilized footings. Austin, Tanner, snd Alex performed the job well, professionally, and timely

Stabilized footings. Austin, Tanner, snd Alex performed the job well, professionally, and timely

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The work done on my foundation was done in an incredibly professional manner. CJ Schlater and Brian Williams did a great job!

The work done on my foundation was done in an incredibly professional manner. CJ Schlater and Brian Williams did a great job!

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Cesar was very helpful

Cesar was very helpful

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Very professional and courteous. They explained each step and kept us informed on the progress. They finished the job on time.

Very professional and courteous. They explained each step and kept us informed on the progress. They finished the job on time.

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Every aspect was professional and fast. We are very happy with the results. We had our driveway leveled and stabilized. The driveway…

Every aspect was professional and fast. We are very happy with the results. We had our driveway leveled and stabilized. The driveway looks like it did when it was new. It was only a week from the estimate to the finished job. The entire process was painless.

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Very respectful and friendly and trough. Communicated every step of the quote process as well as giving me information for all my options…

Very respectful and friendly and trough. Communicated every step of the quote process as well as giving me information for all my options moving forward. Would definitely recommend. Plan on moving forward with this company pending inspection from structural engineer.

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Waterproofing the house starts here. Cost is reasonable and service is fast. Torrential rains over the past years have tested and proven…

Waterproofing the house starts here. Cost is reasonable and service is fast. Torrential rains over the past years have tested and proven quality of work. They can partner up with lender too if financing is needed. I use to worry about basement leaks – now I can rest easy. Money well spent for peace of mind. Product included three sump pumps one being battery operated when power goes out.

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Jonathan Cossey did an exceptional job of making sure that my basement pumps worked properly. He was very professional and cleaned up…

Jonathan Cossey did an exceptional job of making sure that my basement pumps worked properly. He was very professional and cleaned up after himself. He left our home better than he found it by taking extra time to make sure that everything was clean and tidy. He changed his shoes outside before coming in. Even stayed late to complete the job and make sure that I was satisfied with the system. Answered all of my questions and concerns.

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Had 13 piers placed around my house 2 weeks ago and not gonna lie this is a very big nerve racking job when it is on your home. Made me…

Had 13 piers placed around my house 2 weeks ago and not gonna lie this is a very big nerve racking job when it is on your home. Made me very anxious,however Drake Johnson Jason Koch Taylor braswell Made a good team and was very reassuring the entire time and worked very hard in the cold temps to get things done and to explain to me the step by step process. I could not have asked for a better team of guys to do the job!! If you are needing this big of a project I would highly recommend!

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Stephen came out today to assess my crawl space foundation. He is very professional, kind, and knows his stuff. He provided pictures,…

Stephen came out today to assess my crawl space foundation. He is very professional, kind, and knows his stuff. He provided pictures, recommendations, and a sound plan of care for my house that was built in 1930. His estimate for the job is fair and doable. I'm excited to give back to my house, and Stephen is already making the journey satisfying. Thank-you, Stephen!

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Adam, Devon, and Puden installed a support system in my crawl space today. They were on time, polite, considerate, and cleaned up. They…

Adam, Devon, and Puden installed a support system in my crawl space today. They were on time, polite, considerate, and cleaned up. They explained the process again to me and got to work. They laid plastic to cover my floors and the stairs and cleaned up when they were done. I feel safer in my home now and would like to thank them for their hard work. I would highly recommend Foundation Recovery Systems and their employees.

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Todd Bryce AJ, a+

Todd Bryce AJ, a+

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Ronnie Alesandrini just finished a job here at my home. I give him a A+. I am a senior and appreciated Ronnie explaining everything…

Ronnie Alesandrini just finished a job here at my home. I give him a A+. I am a senior and appreciated Ronnie explaining everything clearly. Trustworthy n kind. Connie Molohon Raymond

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We had an excellent experience with Cole, Nate, Brian, and Clayton. From the very beginning when Cole met with us to talk about our options,…

We had an excellent experience with Cole, Nate, Brian, and Clayton. From the very beginning when Cole met with us to talk about our options, he was very friendly, spoke plainly in a way we could understand, and was genuinely looking out for our best interest. I contacted Cole frequently throughout the whole process with questions or concerns, and he would contact me back quickly and was always able to help me. Cole made the project go smoothly from beginning to end. They did great work in our basement. Nate, the foreman, communicated well with us when questions arose and listened to our thoughts and concerns. We would highly recommend Foundation Recovery.

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Really good and efficient flooring feels level and solid after they fixed our foundation.

Really good and efficient flooring feels level and solid after they fixed our foundation.

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