
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.
Schedule Free InspectionCommon Basement Problems
Water infiltration and damage can have severe consequences for your home. Mold might grow and give off unpleasant odors, or it may even begin to flood.

Basement Mold
Resolve your basement mold issue with state-of-the-art water management solutions from Foundation Recovery Systems.

Water in Your Basement
A wet basement can lead to mold growth and structural problems. Rely on Foundation Recovery Systems for durable solutions.

Musty Basement Smell
Foundation Recovery Systems provides solutions to neutralize musty basement smells and resolve the root causes behind them.

Leaking Basement Windows
FRS specializes in providing solutions for leaking basement windows, preventing structural damage, mold, and water intrusion.
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.
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.
Basement Waterproofing Systems
Here are some of our permanent basement waterproofing solutions that stop leaks, ensuring your home is safe, healthy, and dry.

Basement Vapor Barrier
Learn how to combat basement moisture with Foundation Recovery Systems’ WallSeal™ Vapor Barrier. Book your free inspection now!

BasementGutter™ Interior Drainage System
Choose Foundation Recovery Systems for lasting solutions to basement moisture with our BasementGutter™ Interior Drainage System.

Basement Dehumidifier
The basement dehumidifier from FRS is the solution for a dry and comfortable living space, stopping dampness effectively.

AquaStop™ Basement Sump Pumps
Secure your basement against water with the high-performance, reliable sump pump solution from 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

Our Locations
3349 Southgate Ct SW,
Cedar Rapids, IA 52404
(319) 220-5034
14678 E 925 North Rd, Building 5
Bloomington, IL 61705
2401 SE Creekview Dr.
Ankeny, IA 50021
(515) 373-8491
7280 NW 87th Terrace, Suite C-210
Kansas City, MO 64153
(816) 774-1539
211 SE State Route 150
Lee's Summit, MO 64082
(816) 774-1539
1872 State Hwy M
Moberly, MO 65270
(660) 202-8662
3020 N. Martin Ave.
Springfield, MO 65803
(417) 612-8286
1625 Larkin Williams rd.
Fenton, MO 63026
(314) 207-9995