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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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Kevin Macdonald was very personable and did a far better job explaining solutions to our needs resulting in a favorable contract.

Kevin Macdonald was very personable and did a far better job explaining solutions to our needs resulting in a favorable contract.

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Alex is as very nice and helpful. Meeting with him was very informative and if we go ahead with this project, he will be our first choice!

Alex is as very nice and helpful. Meeting with him was very informative and if we go ahead with this project, he will be our first choice!

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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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I had an awesome relationship with Foundation Recovery in the repair/waterproofing/stabilizing of my basement/home!! From the beginning,…

I had an awesome relationship with Foundation Recovery in the repair/waterproofing/stabilizing of my basement/home!! From the beginning, Doug Y with the home inspection & suggested work to be done to Becky & Neeley for scheduling everything to the actual work done by Cory B, Dakota R, Gaige L & Daryn H they were professional, personable, patient, effective & efficient in all they did for me!! I had at least a million questions for them throughout the entire process & they always acted as if they had all the time in the world & answered them all for me! They finished ahead of schedule & did a super job of cleaning up afterwards. I have to mention that not once with all of the demolition work to my old moldy walls, ground work & such did I ever hear a “discouraging word”. Their language was always respectful & clean!! Not something you get these days!!! I’m very proud to highly recommend Foundation Recovery for any & all of your concrete, home or basement needs!!

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We are an animal rescue and have been in our building for 6.5 yrs. We knew we needed concrete repair and we reached out to Foundation…

We are an animal rescue and have been in our building for 6.5 yrs. We knew we needed concrete repair and we reached out to Foundation Recovery Systems for their help. Patrick Turrieta was great to work with, was very knowledgeable and explained everything well. If you are in need of your concrete lifted, repaired, and warrantied, then Patrick is the guy to ask for and no one else will do. Todd and his crew that did the work were very easy to work with, on time, good clean up and it looks great. We highly recommend them.

Foster Pet Outreach

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Brendon Roe was very professional. He took time was very knowledgeable and knew what he is talking about. Highly recommend him.

Brendon Roe was very professional. He took time was very knowledgeable and knew what he is talking about. Highly recommend him.

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Dalton did a great job explaining the work he was very professional and took his job seriously

Dalton did a great job explaining the work he was very professional and took his job seriously

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Cameron Carlson is a great guy who we trust to assist in any foundational questions or work we have! He is not only knowledgeable in his…

Cameron Carlson is a great guy who we trust to assist in any foundational questions or work we have! He is not only knowledgeable in his trades but a true family man and looks out for his customers. We cannot recommend him enough to anyone in need of this service.

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Jordan Mathiesen was courteous and professional

Jordan Mathiesen was courteous and professional

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CALLED TRAVIS SMOTHERS WITH ISSUES WE HAD WITH OUR HOME AND DRIVEWAY. HOUSE HAD SETTELING ISSUES AND DRIVEWAY NEEDED HELP. HOUSE NEEDED…

CALLED TRAVIS SMOTHERS WITH ISSUES WE HAD WITH OUR HOME AND DRIVEWAY. HOUSE HAD SETTELING ISSUES AND DRIVEWAY NEEDED HELP. HOUSE NEEDED PIERS ETC. AND DRIVEWAY NEEDED POLY. TRAVIS WAS PROMPT, EXPLAINED ALL TO US AND WAS ON TOP OF IT. I FELT HE WAS VERY TRUSTWORTHY! I HIGHLY RECOMMEND

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Brian German did a great job. Very thorough!

Brian German did a great job. Very thorough!

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Bryce and Alex provided great communication to their anticipated arrival, completed the job to proficiency and provided excellent…

Bryce and Alex provided great communication to their anticipated arrival, completed the job to proficiency and provided excellent communication regarding their efficiency and knowledge based skills yo completing a job well done!

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"I was impressed with Elliot M. from Foundation Recovery Systems. Incredibly knowledgeable and professional. I had gotten several bids…

"I was impressed with Elliot M. from Foundation Recovery Systems. Incredibly knowledgeable and professional. I had gotten several bids already, but I put the whole thing off because I was overwhelmed by being told this and that by one company and then being told something totally different from another, but Foundation Recovery Systems eased a lot of my concerns. Elliot took the extra time to carefully explain the process in detail and answered all of my many questions. I'm looking forward to finally getting my basement work done! Feeling confident in the overall assessment and would highly recommend them to anyone in need of foundation repair services.”

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They were very professional and efficient. Friendly and did a great job

They were very professional and efficient. Friendly and did a great job

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Kevin Macdonald came to our house and spent a very long time going over and explaining everything about the process of fixing our…

Kevin Macdonald came to our house and spent a very long time going over and explaining everything about the process of fixing our foundation. He was very thorough and patient during this process.

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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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Company rep, Landon, was prompt and explained his svc visit thoroughly. We were very pleased with his professionalism

Company rep, Landon, was prompt and explained his svc visit thoroughly. We were very pleased with his professionalism

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We had Trevor Atwell as our service technician today and we couldn’t have asked for someone better. He was very friendly and knowledgeable. …

We had Trevor Atwell as our service technician today and we couldn’t have asked for someone better. He was very friendly and knowledgeable. Walked us through every question and concern we had. He was very thorough with our inspection and our new concerns that we had brought to his attention. Highly recommended Trevor and hope he is our technician in the future!

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Honest and provided recommendations on how to monitor current cracks, did not try to oversell or fear monger

Honest and provided recommendations on how to monitor current cracks, did not try to oversell or fear monger

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Joe did a great job for us. He was polite and professional. There was a heat advisory but Joe kept going until the job was done. I highly…

Joe did a great job for us. He was polite and professional. There was a heat advisory but Joe kept going until the job was done. I highly recommend this company.

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