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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.


no interest if paid in full within 24 months. interest is billed during promo period but will be waived if the amount financed is paid in full before promo period expires.

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.

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Groundworks, LLC BBB Business Review

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Neil did a great inspection! He answered all of our questions and ran all of the options we wanted to see without making us feel pressured!

Neil did a great inspection! He answered all of our questions and ran all of the options we wanted to see without making us feel pressured!

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From the folks I spoke with in the office to Jeremy H. who came out to do the inspection to the crew who did the work, everyone was…

From the folks I spoke with in the office to Jeremy H. who came out to do the inspection to the crew who did the work, everyone was friendly and professional. I received several emails and texts leading up to the appointments, preparing me for what to expect, as well as phone calls the mornings of the work to let me know the crew was on their way and when they'd arrive. After the inspection, I was given options about the repairs, and it was all clearly explained. A few weeks after the inspection, I had several piers installed around my foundation. For two days, Brandon C., Dylan E., and Darrion R. worked so hard and communicated in a clear and friendly manner with me as I pestered them with questions. FRS really made repairing my foundation as painless a process as possible. I would absolutely recommend them to anyone.

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Wayne, Judah Gabe, did an amazing job. They were all very professional and cleaned up after themself and left my property very neat. The…

Wayne, Judah Gabe, did an amazing job. They were all very professional and cleaned up after themself and left my property very neat. The work they did looks great. Thank you to Foundation recovery system for doing such a great job.

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Camden Daniel came over and did a thorough inspection of our property. He measured moisture levels in the walls and floors and came with…

Camden Daniel came over and did a thorough inspection of our property. He measured moisture levels in the walls and floors and came with several solutions we could choose from.

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I had foundation recovery system install a sump pump in my basement. They were very friendly and got it installed in 2 days. Sadon, Daylan…

I had foundation recovery system install a sump pump in my basement. They were very friendly and got it installed in 2 days. Sadon, Daylan and Matthew did a great job of installing it. I would recommend this company to others.

James “Jumbles” Brinkmeyer

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The whole crew was very knowledgeable in their expertise. Any questions we had were answered. The crew was quick and efficient they were…

The whole crew was very knowledgeable in their expertise. Any questions we had were answered. The crew was quick and efficient they were even able to finish sooner than expected. Great communication throughout with the whole process. Thank you for your help Joe, Tanner, Tanner, Chris, and Alex you all made a home owners nightmare a walk in the park.

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Zach Sanders was wuick and efficient

Zach Sanders was wuick and efficient

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Bradley Cooper did a great job showing me what's was wrong.

Bradley Cooper did a great job showing me what's was wrong.

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I recently had the pleasure of working with Drake Johnson (foreman), Kole sumpter (co Forman), and Bryan Robinson (labor). When they…

I recently had the pleasure of working with Drake Johnson (foreman), Kole sumpter (co Forman), and Bryan Robinson (labor). When they arrived they took the time to explain the process thoroughly, ensuring I understood every step of the way. They arrived on time and worked efficiently, demonstrating exceptional professionalism and expertise. They were very personable and when they were finished they made sure everything was cleaned up. From start to finish they did a great job! Thank you for a job well done! — Feel free to customize it with specific details or names!

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Jonathan Fikes was awesome hands down the best I’ve ever had look at the foundation. Was very knowledgeable and helped me through the…

Jonathan Fikes was awesome hands down the best I’ve ever had look at the foundation. Was very knowledgeable and helped me through the process

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Very professional and knowledgeable about product. Presentation was good. Very friendly & personable.

Very professional and knowledgeable about product. Presentation was good. Very friendly & personable.

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Johnathan fikes was on time and professional

Johnathan fikes was on time and professional

Marlin Lutes (Angry Bee Racing)

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Stephen came out today to assess my crawl space foundation. He is very professional, kind, and knows his stuff. He provided pictures,…

Stephen came out today to assess my crawl space foundation. He is very professional, kind, and knows his stuff. He provided pictures, recommendations, and a sound plan of care for my house that was built in 1930. His estimate for the job is fair and doable. I'm excited to give back to my house, and Stephen is already making the journey satisfying. Thank-you, Stephen!

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Outstanding and professional job, Jeremiah, Denzel and Gabe went above and beyond what I expected. They were efficient, knowledgeable, and…

Outstanding and professional job, Jeremiah, Denzel and Gabe went above and beyond what I expected. They were efficient, knowledgeable, and cleaned up when they were finished. They took the time to go over everything in the beginning and once they were done. I would highly recommend their service to others In the future.

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Landen, Sergio and Gustavo were polite and friendly, they completed their work in a timely manner. Overall, the team was professional.

Landen, Sergio and Gustavo were polite and friendly, they completed their work in a timely manner. Overall, the team was professional.

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Timber Shelton did a great job explaining how they will fix my wet basement. I feel more confident in the investment after speaking with…

Timber Shelton did a great job explaining how they will fix my wet basement. I feel more confident in the investment after speaking with him.

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Had issues with our sidewalks dropping in the front and sides of our church. From our first contact, Dakota to the two gentleman that…

Had issues with our sidewalks dropping in the front and sides of our church. From our first contact, Dakota to the two gentleman that actually came out to do the repairs, Denzel and KD, it was a great experience. Worked with us on a reasonable price and went above and beyond on service.All were very professional, courteous and knowledgeable. The repairs look fantastic. I would recommend.

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Excellent service. Very informative. Ed Macdonald from Foundation Recovery Systems was the best.

Excellent service. Very informative. Ed Macdonald from Foundation Recovery Systems was the best.

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I've been experiencing water in my basement for some time. I contacted Foundation Recovery in regards to my issues. Brian Gertler came out…

I've been experiencing water in my basement for some time. I contacted Foundation Recovery in regards to my issues. Brian Gertler came out and went over the process of the system and how it works. In turn, Tyler Sears came out to install the system and explain how it works and what to expect. I'm very pleased at this point. In my area the last couple days we've had rain. Last night (3-27-25) we had significant rain. I checked my basement this morning and I'm very pleased to see the system worked. No more worries. Good Investment. A Shout out to Brian and Tyler on work well done! I appreciate your business as well as your great TeamWork.

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Sending out solid thanks to a great crew! Travis Clark, Brian Eskridge, Justin Geigling, and Tyler Davies… anyone would be lucky to have…

Sending out solid thanks to a great crew! Travis Clark, Brian Eskridge, Justin Geigling, and Tyler Davies… anyone would be lucky to have these guys working for them. Very down to earth, approachable & respectful. They took time the time to explain the process fully, including any concerns our family had during the renovation… They treated our home as if it were their own, making sure the job was done right. I appreciate and respect the professional, human nature with which they completed the job. Travis… great communication. Always took time whenever I called. Reliable, honest, his heart in the right place. Made sure the thing was done right. Hard to find this kind of help these days… Kudos and gratitude to the whole crew ~ Thank you guys!

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:

mold on basement wall

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.

cracking and bowing wall

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.

couple standing in front of a home

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

2401 SE Creekview Dr.
Ankeny, IA 50021
(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