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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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Absolutely outstanding work by Foundation Recovery Systems! I can't recommend them highly enough. From the initial inspection with Adam,…

Absolutely outstanding work by Foundation Recovery Systems! I can't recommend them highly enough. From the initial inspection with Adam, who was incredibly thorough and explained everything clearly, to the completion of the project, I was consistently impressed. My basement wall was in terrible shape, leaning inward by almost six inches, lots of cracks, and the entire foundation needed significant repair and waterproofing. Jeremy, the crew lead, along with Kyler and Justin, faced unbelievably challenging conditions. They worked tirelessly through freezing temperatures, a brutal winter storm, and then the subsequent muddy mess from the thaw. Despite these obstacles, they remained professional, courteous, and dedicated to doing an exceptional job. The results are truly remarkable. My foundation is now solid and straightened, I couldn’t believe the difference from before. They waterproofed a portion of my basement that had significant water penetration and the new pump they installed is already helping a lot. They clearly knew what they were doing and took great pride in their work. The communication throughout the process was excellent, and they kept me informed every step of the way. If you need foundation repair or waterproofing, I absolutely recommend Foundation Recovery Systems. Their expertise, dedication, and ability to overcome extreme conditions are truly commendable. Five stars!

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Work done and exceeded expectations. Forman. Alex Zike. Co Formans: Austin Heuer and Robert Smith.

Work done and exceeded expectations. Forman. Alex Zike. Co Formans: Austin Heuer and Robert Smith.

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Tanner Spurlock, Bryson Yowell, Josh Zike delivered Great customer service great communication and they worked very well as a crew. 10/10…

Tanner Spurlock, Bryson Yowell, Josh Zike delivered Great customer service great communication and they worked very well as a crew. 10/10 recommend

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I appreciated working with Foundation Recovery Systems for my dehumidifier and drain tiles. Shaun was knowledgeable, congenial, and…

I appreciated working with Foundation Recovery Systems for my dehumidifier and drain tiles. Shaun was knowledgeable, congenial, and professional. I enjoyed working with him.

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Thank you to Matt, Brandon, Lucas and Vincent for doing an amazing job to fix a basement leak. This crew showed up on time, explained what …

Thank you to Matt, Brandon, Lucas and Vincent for doing an amazing job to fix a basement leak. This crew showed up on time, explained what they would do, never took a break, and completely cleaned up afterwards! Appreciate their hard work and commitment for a job well done!! Thank you!!

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They arrived on time, allowed me to explain in full detail my water problems in the basement and gave me an honest answer for the solution….

They arrived on time, allowed me to explain in full detail my water problems in the basement and gave me an honest answer for the solution. They gave me good suggestions on how to solve the problem saving me lots of money.

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Foundation Recovery Systems did an excellent job, and exactly as expected following their estimates, waterproofing my basement, anchoring a …

Foundation Recovery Systems did an excellent job, and exactly as expected following their estimates, waterproofing my basement, anchoring a primary basement wall, and installing sump pumps and downspout drains. The installers Ayden Land, Derrick Bushnell and coordinator Josh Howard were all top notch in their work ethic and results. I couldn’t be happier following the completion of their work! Thanks guys!

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Joe Bevis was professional and thorough. Greatly appreciated his help in addressing our crack.

Joe Bevis was professional and thorough. Greatly appreciated his help in addressing our crack.

Elizabeth & Justin Rancour

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Matt and Leland did an amazing job! Explained everything every step of the way! Very professional guys!

Matt and Leland did an amazing job! Explained everything every step of the way! Very professional guys!

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We were pleased with the initial visit from Chad where he gave us the information we needed to complete our work. We received an…

We were pleased with the initial visit from Chad where he gave us the information we needed to complete our work. We received an appointment quickly and the workers kept us informed as they worked. They worked very hard and was completed before the end of the day just like Chad told us.

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Austin Benton was amazing to work with. Thorough, transparent, efficient, and polite. 10 out of 10 experience working with him and his team….

Austin Benton was amazing to work with. Thorough, transparent, efficient, and polite. 10 out of 10 experience working with him and his team. Would highly recommend to anyone who needs small or large jobs taken care of properly.

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Representative Timber visited my home and was polite, thorough, and knowledgeable. I would not trust my 130 year old home with anyone else.

Representative Timber visited my home and was polite, thorough, and knowledgeable. I would not trust my 130 year old home with anyone else.

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We are constantly recommending Foundation Recovery Systems to our friends—primarily because of how great Shae Weber is. He just brings an…

We are constantly recommending Foundation Recovery Systems to our friends—primarily because of how great Shae Weber is. He just brings an extra level of care to the project. He has a sharp eye for detail and really knows his stuff. We did foundation work on one well and waterproofing with a sump pump. Shae was so great at coordinating the team, communicating with us, and making sure the work was top-notch. There was one hiccup in the project, and Shae made sure to come back out and fix it himself when the team was busy. He really went above and beyond. When it came to do another wall, we made sure to call and ensure we had Shae involved in the job. When our friends have mentioned needing foundation repair or waterproofing, we always recommend FRS. But if Shae went anywhere else, we would follow him.

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We had sagging floors cracked staircase we knew when the washer was spinning from out side on the deck , all of that was fixed in one day…

We had sagging floors cracked staircase we knew when the washer was spinning from out side on the deck , all of that was fixed in one day when Robert stuck and his crew installed beams and piers we have a few drywall seams that showed up after but have been in my plans for refinishing . Can’t wait to seal the craw space Very hard workers good job Don’t like the cost but I can live with it Thank you Robert,Trever and Zach

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Zach Sanders was my tech. He was courteous, professional, informative and time efficient. I will be using them again.

Zach Sanders was my tech. He was courteous, professional, informative and time efficient. I will be using them again.

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Zach sanders, great job, great guy, explained everything easy to understand. A+ job…

Zach sanders, great job, great guy, explained everything easy to understand. A+ job…

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Called to get a quote on floor sagging and foundation repair. They sent Jared Wyatt out with in a week to do the inspection. He was really…

Called to get a quote on floor sagging and foundation repair. They sent Jared Wyatt out with in a week to do the inspection. He was really thorough, friendly, and professional. He went around took pictures and measurements to get an understanding of the lay out and what we were needing done. Sat down with us and listened to our concerns and explained in detail what our options were, what they would be doing. Went over and explained all of their different payment options they offered and they different discounts as well. Would recommend if you’re having the same issues.

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Bryce and AJ did a great job.

Bryce and AJ did a great job.

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Dustin did a fantastic job when he came to view my property and addressed the issue with a professional persona the entire time. He…

Dustin did a fantastic job when he came to view my property and addressed the issue with a professional persona the entire time. He pencilled a thorough plan of my home and then talked this through with me explaining every detail of waterproofing and installation of a sump pump. I was able to see a computerized version of the waterproofing process. Dustin responded to all of my questions in person and through text message. I was really fortunate to get booked in for the following week and Dustin continued to remain in contact and offered support on preparing my basement for the waterproofing. The visit was so helpful and informative that I decided to go with this company immediately. I had had another company visit that same morning and the difference between another representative and Dustin was apparent and so marked the moment he came into my home. I hope to never need waterproofing again; however, I would recommend this company and Dustin to anybody in need of water leaks. I have never met a more helpful and knowledgeable contractor in home repairs. Thank you, Dustin, for making this process so much more manageable.

rachael lindsay Pasierowska

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Had Jeremy come out! He was great!! The thing I liked the most about him, he didn’t try and force us to get something we didn’t need! He…

Had Jeremy come out! He was great!! The thing I liked the most about him, he didn’t try and force us to get something we didn’t need! He was honest and his integrity stood out when he told us nothing that his company does would be a solution for our small problem! I would use this company again and request Jeremy as the person to come for my inspection!

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