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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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Having a 25 year career with a world class engineering firm, my knowledge and experience qualifies my comments on this team. While…

Having a 25 year career with a world class engineering firm, my knowledge and experience qualifies my comments on this team. While withholding any review on the functionality and results of the push-piers, this review focuses entirely on the FRS crew, Derrick (inspections & sales coordinator), Byron B. (Team leader), and Kris B. (Apprentice/skilled technician), of whom I believe to be world class, as well. I can’t say enough about this team. Working through lunches both days, this team brings professionalism to the workplace with no complaints – period. All responses were “Sir, yes sir”. Laying protective coverings in high traffic areas, listening and working with customer’s concepts and requests, explaining their work, and equally important – cleaning up behind themselves, leaving only the refined work to indicate their presence. Thank you so much for your excellent work ethics and respect to our property, Byron and Kris!

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Brent Claphan came to look at my basement. Gave me great insight with affordable pricing to fix my basement. Shared information about the…

Brent Claphan came to look at my basement. Gave me great insight with affordable pricing to fix my basement. Shared information about the basement and other issues to help me out with a lifetime opportunity for your home. Great information!

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Kevin was very thorough professional and extremely knowledgeable. Very helpful in decision making and walking through the whole process….

Kevin was very thorough professional and extremely knowledgeable. Very helpful in decision making and walking through the whole process. Top notch inspection.

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Kevin Estes was our saleperson/inspector and very professional,knowledgeable and courteous. We are happy with the experience and…

Kevin Estes was our saleperson/inspector and very professional,knowledgeable and courteous. We are happy with the experience and anticipating the project.

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Elliot arrived on time and was easy to talk to and understand. He went right to work checking out my crawl space on a freezing cold day….

Elliot arrived on time and was easy to talk to and understand. He went right to work checking out my crawl space on a freezing cold day. When he was done he shared his findings with me and drew up a foot print of the house and the work he recommended. It was all well explained and understandable me. He also gave me a quote for the work. It took about 2-3 hours and I'm confident he did a quality job.

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Darrell was professional, courteous and considerate of our situation. Gave us a quote that was extremely comprehensive and lower than we…

Darrell was professional, courteous and considerate of our situation. Gave us a quote that was extremely comprehensive and lower than we expected. He thoroughly explained the work that would be done and patiently answered our numerous questions. I trust that his professionalism is indicative of Foundation Recovery Systems as a whole. Very highly recommended!

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Nick C helped identify cracks in my foundation- Quality came out and sealed the cracks-and stopped the leaks! Great Job!

Nick C helped identify cracks in my foundation- Quality came out and sealed the cracks-and stopped the leaks! Great Job!

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A crew came out the day after Thanksgiving and had my crawlspace waterproofing knocked out in half a day. Then another crew came out after…

A crew came out the day after Thanksgiving and had my crawlspace waterproofing knocked out in half a day. Then another crew came out after the snow cleared and put my drain in. They were all so polite and thorough. They did a fantastic job! I would definitely recommend them.

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So far, we have had an excellent experience with this company. Scheduling our appointment was easy and the staff was very courteous on the…

So far, we have had an excellent experience with this company. Scheduling our appointment was easy and the staff was very courteous on the phone Michael Bonali came out for our estimate and was very knowledgeable and great to work with. He did an excellent job explaining the process. He provided us with a detailed estimate the same day and scheduling has been seamless. We really appreciated his professional.

michelle schierling

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Could not be more pleased and impressed with the entire process. Matt, Jonny, and Andrew were on time, conducted themselves well and were…

Could not be more pleased and impressed with the entire process. Matt, Jonny, and Andrew were on time, conducted themselves well and were excellent representatives of your business. The most amazing part of our experience was the consistency of the communication we received from everyone involved. The work that needed to be completed had been needed for quite some time, and we are thrilled with the results. Please feel free to use us as references, I would be honored. Thank you again to everyone, Matt and Lorrie Stranimier

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I had Jamie, Luke, and Cordell install my drainage system. Remarkable, hardworking group doing quality work. You can feel comfortable these …

I had Jamie, Luke, and Cordell install my drainage system. Remarkable, hardworking group doing quality work. You can feel comfortable these guys can get it done and answer any questions you may have.

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Colton, Kyle and Connor did a great job in our basement. We appreciate their hard work.

Colton, Kyle and Connor did a great job in our basement. We appreciate their hard work.

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Justin came out and gave me a thorough inspection of my property. He addressed my problem areas and gave me a quote for the work that…

Justin came out and gave me a thorough inspection of my property. He addressed my problem areas and gave me a quote for the work that needs to be done. He was courteous of my time, knowledgeable and professional which is why I will be using Foundation Recovery Systems after getting bids from other companies.

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Had a service visit today with Brian German. Not my first rodeo with Foundation Recovery Systems (they are awesome!) but first time meeting …

Had a service visit today with Brian German. Not my first rodeo with Foundation Recovery Systems (they are awesome!) but first time meeting Brian. He explained his findings and recommendations extremely well and we look forward to working with him on our next project. He was extremely nice and professional as well as thorough in his inspection. Five stars!

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Bryce and AJ did a great job.

Bryce and AJ did a great job.

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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.

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So impressed with this team of young men from sales to installation. Professional, hard working, completely prepared to finish our sump…

So impressed with this team of young men from sales to installation. Professional, hard working, completely prepared to finish our sump pump install! Thank you Travis Clark, Brian Eskrige and Jeremy Raby.

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Had FRS come out for a review of basement floor cracks today. Matt Hodges provided an honest review and didn't try to sell me work that I…

Had FRS come out for a review of basement floor cracks today. Matt Hodges provided an honest review and didn't try to sell me work that I didn't need. Appreciate that.

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Foreman Alex Zike. Foreman Austin Hever Foreman SmithRobert..They where hard workers. Alex answer my questions that i had.They cleaned…

Foreman Alex Zike. Foreman Austin Hever Foreman SmithRobert..They where hard workers. Alex answer my questions that i had.They cleaned everything up. They where a nice bunch of guys. They are keepers.

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Matt was professional, thorough, and friendly. No pressure. Just an honest evaluation of our situation and follow up monitoring appointment …

Matt was professional, thorough, and friendly. No pressure. Just an honest evaluation of our situation and follow up monitoring appointment for next year. These guys are pros. Can’t go wrong.

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