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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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Awesome customer service! Dusty was very friendly and straight forward and very knowledgeable about the company.

Awesome customer service! Dusty was very friendly and straight forward and very knowledgeable about the company.

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Hunter Holmes, inspector for Foundations Recovery Systems was very helpful. He was on time, excellent pre arrival communication. He was…

Hunter Holmes, inspector for Foundations Recovery Systems was very helpful. He was on time, excellent pre arrival communication. He was cordial while here, offering to wear white booties in the house over his shoes and very polite. Thorough! Spent time educating me and showing me all the options for helping me with my crawl space. Look forward to seeing good quality work! More to follow with the actual work, but the initial inspection and consultation gets 5 stars easily.

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Jordan Mathiesen was courteous and professional

Jordan Mathiesen was courteous and professional

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Matt came out this morning to do an inspection and give a project quote. He was very professional and explained every very well. Would…

Matt came out this morning to do an inspection and give a project quote. He was very professional and explained every very well. Would definitely recommend!

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Would highly recommend this company! Josh E, Da’Shawn K, Lueck W and Ryam R were very professional and efficient in what they came to do!…

Would highly recommend this company! Josh E, Da’Shawn K, Lueck W and Ryam R were very professional and efficient in what they came to do! Thanks guys!

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Robert Todd took the time to explain throughly what needs attention and he took his time to really pay attention to detail. Plan to move…

Robert Todd took the time to explain throughly what needs attention and he took his time to really pay attention to detail. Plan to move forward with the project soon!

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Zach Sanders was very throughly with the inspection. Found and explained my doubts and questions on how the systems works. Everything went…

Zach Sanders was very throughly with the inspection. Found and explained my doubts and questions on how the systems works. Everything went great and everything is working as expected. Thank you Zach.

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FRS did our crawl Space 2 years ago. Smooth results . Steven G was the sales engineer. Now we are doing the basement . Glad Steven is still …

FRS did our crawl Space 2 years ago. Smooth results . Steven G was the sales engineer. Now we are doing the basement . Glad Steven is still with the company. I didn't feel the need to get other estimates. Professional Top to bottom!

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I had Brian Cox from FRS come out and give me an estimate for a basement water solution. Brian was friendly, thorough, professional, and…

I had Brian Cox from FRS come out and give me an estimate for a basement water solution. Brian was friendly, thorough, professional, and honest in his assessment. He provided multiple options, explained issues with clarity, and discussed various payment options and potential discounts. All in all it was a great experience that I would highly recommend for anyone in need a thorough solution plan.

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Chris is awesome! Very professional, thorough and considerate. Highly recommend him. Prices are great,

Chris is awesome! Very professional, thorough and considerate. Highly recommend him. Prices are great,

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I had a very positive experience with Foundation Recovery Systems. Foundation repair is a big investment and can cause anxiety, but Stephen,…

I had a very positive experience with Foundation Recovery Systems. Foundation repair is a big investment and can cause anxiety, but Stephen, Camden and Dawson make it a doable worthwhile adventure. Stephen helps set up financial means, assesses the problems, and rolls up his sleeves to make it work. Camden and Dawson do the heavy lifting and explain everything along the way. They are a great team! They never leave you hanging: they respond to calls right away, answer all questions, and reassure anxious home owners. They were able to stay within the original price estimate. I really love these guys!

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Jesse was very good to explain everything!

Jesse was very good to explain everything!

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Tahlor Fowlkes was very professional and thorough and took time to explain things and answer my questions.

Tahlor Fowlkes was very professional and thorough and took time to explain things and answer my questions.

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Collin and his team did a amazing job I was told that it would take two days to finish my project which I was in disbelief til I seen them…

Collin and his team did a amazing job I was told that it would take two days to finish my project which I was in disbelief til I seen them at work and they practically finished the job in a day Collin was super friendly and stayed in constant communication with me definitely recommend them to anyone

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Foundation Recovery Systems did a great job raising our front porch and a section of our driveway in the summer of 2023. Today we had a…

Foundation Recovery Systems did a great job raising our front porch and a section of our driveway in the summer of 2023. Today we had a follow-up inspection performed by Ryan Swift, a service technician with the company. Everything is still looking good and Ryan was very thorough and professional while performing and explaining the inspection. I highly recommend Foundation Recovery Systems.

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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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Very professional, great communication, good with pets in the home. Really appreciated the calls with an ETA before they began work for the …

Very professional, great communication, good with pets in the home. Really appreciated the calls with an ETA before they began work for the day. Will be recommending Cliff and his crew Nolan and Rylee to my family for their basement repairs

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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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Jeremy and his crew did an outstanding job with regards to lifting and leveling half of my house. They answered any questions I had, and…

Jeremy and his crew did an outstanding job with regards to lifting and leveling half of my house. They answered any questions I had, and always with a smile. They were kind, professional, and punctual. The quality of work these gentlemen did in below freezing temperatures is beyond what I expected. I am a customer for life. Thank you FRS!!

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From the time Jeremy Higgins (Sr Field Inspector) arrived in our home to provide the assessment/estimate, to Jeremy Raby (Foreman) arriving …

From the time Jeremy Higgins (Sr Field Inspector) arrived in our home to provide the assessment/estimate, to Jeremy Raby (Foreman) arriving with his crew to complete the work, it was 5 stars all the way. Jeremy H. did a great job listening to our history and concerns. He left our home with an appointment scheduled for the work to be done and a full review of what to expect. Jeremy R. arrived yesterday (Dec 26th) with his crew (Travis & Demetri) and completed the job with perfection. Jeremy provided me a full review of the plan and jumped right in with his crew to finish the project. Hardwood floor protection was placed prior to any work beginning. Upon completion of the job, they vacuumed all traveled traffic areas. Jeremy R. is quite mindful of a homeowner's space and the importance of respecting this space. It was clear in his performance, as well as, the performance of his crew. We highly recommend Foundation Recovery Systems!

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