Common 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.
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Moldy Basement
Mold and dampness in your basement can be signs of structural damage, but they can also cause huge amounts of damage on their own!
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Basement Sump Pump Failure
Sump pumps are a vital piece of equipment in your basement to keep water out and prevent your basement from flooding. If your sump pump fails to activate or becomes clogged with debris, your home could quickly become flooded.
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Plumbing Flood
Plumbing leaks can come from any pipes, toilets, sinks, tubs, faucets, and other pieces of your home plumbing. Unfortunately, these kinds of leaks can be hard to avoid as things start to rust or break down over time.
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Basement Flooding Repair
A flooded basement is one of the most frustrating things that can happen in a home. Thankfully, we know how to prevent it.
Is your basement wet and leaking? 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, so waterproofing your basement is the best way to protect your home.
A Crack in Your Foundation Shouldn't Break the Bank
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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 building 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 commonly used 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. Furthermore, 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





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They installed 14 feet of I-Beam, 6 lift procedures, 3 jacks. Very thorough and kept us well informed. Logan Rycraft, Quintan Hadley, and Chris Horton. Great people and very knowledgeable about their craft.
View review Read Layne Stubbs's review for Foundation Recovery Systems -
Installed 14′ ibeams. 3 Jack’s. 6 lift procedures. Very thorough and kept us informed. Logan Rycroft, quintan hadley, and Chris Horton were great and very professional. Thank you guys.
View review Read Kat Richmond's review for Foundation Recovery Systems -
Luke, Nez and Drew did an excellent job repairing a floor joist and bracing a wall. They were very friendly and cleaned up after themselves. I would recommend them to friends to do any foundation repair. Brian
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Zach was great to talk to about our concrete leveling. He recommended what would work the best and helped us get the best deal vs our bid with Helitech.
View review Read Shannon Smith's review for Foundation Recovery Systems -
Corey was very informative. As a contractor myself he was very professional and had answers to any questions (some known myself) I will refer him and foundation recovery to anyone that has a service they provide.
View review Read Carl Rodgers Ii's review for Foundation Recovery Systems -
**Photos are from a few hours before the work was finished** They are the epitome of professionalism. Sean Linder is the absolute best to assess what is needed for your specific job. At no time did I feel like I was being “sold” something. He is…
View review Read Lauren Becker's review for Foundation Recovery Systems -
Kd and John were right on time went right to work and did let up until completed. Once completed we did a total walk through reviewing the completed job.
View review Read Charles Evans's review for Foundation Recovery Systems -
Professional crew with professional equipment. They showed up when they said they would and were finished (swept up and all) when they said they would as well.
View review Read Zack Kemp's review for Foundation Recovery Systems -
Lee, Camryn, and Ethan worked in our crawlspace to install a support beam and jacks to level sagging floors. These men were respectful of our home, putting down protective floor coverings in work areas, and of us as they showed us their progress…
View review Read Terry Rogers's review for Foundation Recovery Systems -
Nathan Bright was professional, thorough, and helpful in helping me understand the inspection process.
View review Read Katie Johnston's review for Foundation Recovery Systems -
ood group of dudes and a great job well done big shoutout and thank you to Logan Rycraft, Quintan Hadley, and Chris Horton!
View review Read Chris Whitehead's review for Foundation Recovery Systems -
On site foreman/workers Cliff and Jackson were very good to work with. Great attention to detail. I am very happy with the work and completion of project. Crewmen were attentive to my questions and thorough.
View review Read Leanne Otting's review for Foundation Recovery Systems -
Had a great experience from estimate, scheduling and work performed. Everyone was polite and professional. They poly lifted our front porch, stairs, sidewalk and part of our driveway several inches. The repairs look great and I am sure the poly…
View review Read Ray Harper's review for Foundation Recovery Systems -
Great job by the moberly crew including Lee, Ethan, and Cameryn. Very professional and got the job done quickly and left the yard clean. Highly recommend.
View review Read Jake Blickhan's review for Foundation Recovery Systems -
Ryan Lee was very pleasant and professional. He explained all the areas that needed fixed. Explained it in easy terms.
View review Read Jackie Manwaring's review for Foundation Recovery Systems -
Corey was a fresh breath of air in the home repair industry! His knowledge was incredible, his demeanor, so gentle yet strong and definitive. I felt like I not only learned about my own home, but gained great piece as a homeowner. After a full…
View review Read Walter Disney's review for Foundation Recovery Systems -
Great company! Very professional and friendly. David McDaniel was the professional that came and explained the whole process from start to finish. We highly recommend this company!
View review Read Nathan Ballard's review for Foundation Recovery Systems -
Kevin Macdonald is a very professional and explained the reason of the problem to me. I appreciate his visit
View review Read Ligia Ferguson's review for Foundation Recovery Systems -
Corey was helpful in providing information and steered me in the right direction.
View review Read Dp4ine's review for Foundation Recovery Systems -
Luke H, Chris S, and Robbie S did an amazing job. They were able to squeeze us in less than a week after consultation. They arrived on time, were polite and respected my home. They got the job done super fast and cleaned up after themselves.…
View review Read Elizabeth R's review for Foundation Recovery Systems
Basement Waterproofing Solutions
Here are some of our permanent basement waterproofing solutions that stop leaks, ensuring your home is safe, healthy, and dry.
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SafeDri™ Sump Pump System
Sump pump designs have drastically improved throughout the years, coming up with new and better features to protect your basement from flood damage.
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Basement Drainage System
Not all basement drains are treated equally. Some function differently, and some work better than others.
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Basement Dehumidifier System
If you have a humid basement or notice any condensation or mold growth, consider our self-draining, energy-efficient basement & crawl space dehumidifier!
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WallSeal™ Vapor Barrier
This vapor barrier is a high-quality, effective solution to improve and protect your basement!
A Crack in Your Foundation Shouldn't Break the Bank
Learn More About This PromotionTake advantage of
up to $525 off
any job over $2500

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 solutions are an effective way to protect your home from these risks.
Foundation Recovery Systems offers 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, antifreeze discharge line attachments, and sump pump backup batteries.
FAQs
Every home is unique, and each project calls for different solutions. We can customize basement waterproofing solutions specific to your repair needs. Your inspector will take into consideration your repair goals, the severity of damage or problem areas, square footage, and your budget. It’s not just a “one size fits all” fix. So, what works for your neighbor down the street may not necessarily be what your home needs.
Contacting us for an expert opinion is your best bet. We will not try to throw Band-Aids on the problems, push you to buy “everything but the kitchen sink,” or offer sub-standard quick fixes.
Here are some telltale signs of basement waterproofing problems that are not mended by a do it yourself fix. You should instead seek reliable advice if you notice:
- Any kind of water seepage on basement walls and/or floor
- Bulging foundation walls
- Failing or inefficient sump pump system
- Lack of efficient interior and exterior drainage
Along with top-notch solutions installed by a reliable team when you choose to work with us, what you are really paying for is peace of mind and a safer home.
Not only will basement waterproofing benefit you during the time you live in the house, but it will have a lasting impact for the future resale of the house. You are investing in the health and wellness of the structure.
When having your home inspected for real estate transactions, even partial fixes or temporary bandages could raise a red flag along with water or structural damage. You’ll have to spend more time and money trying to address the issues, so why not make an educated decision and sound investment with us and our trustworthy repair solutions?
Our system effectively removes standing water and prevents future water damage for a safer living environment.
Our basement waterproofing solutions involve interior drainage to control water inside your home, consisting of three main parts:
- catching the water
- directing water to a sump pump
- funneling water away from the house
We drill “weep holes” into the block walls’ bottom courses, relieving pressure and allowing water to drain. The water is then intercepted by our BasementGutter™ system and directed to one of our reliable sump pumps. The sump pump then pumps the water through discharge lines directed to a drain far from the house or to the street.
Our patented, top-quality solutions are tested and proven to work to keep water out of your home for a safer living environment.
Cheaper, quick fixes like paints and wall coatings are only temporary bandages that will not address or tackle the root of the problem. Yes, you can apply a special sealant to your walls and floor, but it will pop and flake indicating a lingering moisture problem. Water also follows the path of least resistance. If it cannot enter through one location, it will find another way in.
So, don’t waste your time and money on fast fixes. You need our quality permanent solutions. We use reliable, custom equipment and state-of-the-art technology to install these various systems.
Water intrusion and damage can be detrimental to your home for a variety of reasons. Along with ruining any stored belongings, leaking water can lead to mold growth and unpleasant odors, and even result in flooding conditions.
These issues also result in unhealthy conditions that affect the rest of your home. Because of the stack effect, air circulates through your home from top to bottom, like a chimney. So, whatever is in your basement and/or crawl space (mold, moisture, odors) is in the rest of your house.
While building code calls for vented crawl spaces for air drying purposes, this is harmful to the home. Hot and humid air enters the crawl space during the summer, which contributes to high levels of moisture and humidity in the crawl space and home. This can lead to sagging, soft, buckling floors above, and result in problems to hardwood floors. Similarly, cold air is vented in during the winter, making the above floors feel chilly and overtaxing your furnace. (Additional resource: Liabilities of Vented Crawl Spaces, Their Impacts on Indoor Air Quality in Southeastern U.S. Homes and One Intervention Strategy)
Leaking water also affects your home’s structural integrity. If you have block foundation walls, water can easily saturate and seep through the porous material and find its way inside through any crack or gap. If water has nowhere to go, it starts building up inside the walls. Coupled with hydrostatic pressure, this results in an unsafe mess for your foundation walls and basement floor.
Your home is a significant investment, and it is important to ensure its health and safety today and for the future. The longer you neglect these issues, the more costly future repairs will be. A wet, nasty basement also affects the value of and ability to sell a home.
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 basement waterproofing:

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
Basement 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 help contribute to mold and mildew growth. It’s a good idea to also have an energy-efficient dehumidifier installed to help control moisture and humidity as well as decrease odors and the chance for 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, and that 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 important, 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.
Find your service area

Kansas City, MO
Kansas City has clay-like, expansive soils with a climate that experiences heavy rainfall that leads to flooding in the spring that can damage your home’s foundation, basement, concrete, and crawl space.

Moberly, MO
If you live in Moberly, where it rains a lot and the soil is fertile clay, you can expect water damage to your foundation, basement, concrete, and crawl space.

Springfield, MO
Gravelly soil in Springfield is prone to erosion and creates an unstable base for your foundation. Give your home the extra support it needs to stand strong.

St. Louis, MO
Clay-like soils and a wet climate in St. Louis can cause flooding, resulting in structural damage to your home's foundation as well as the basement, concrete, and crawl space.

Des Moines, IA
Water damage can harm your home's foundation, basement, concrete, and crawl space if you live in Des Moines, Iowa, because of the city's silty-clay loam and humid climate.

Springfield, IL
Don’t let rain and snow cause problems for your foundation in Springfield. Too much of either can cause the soil in your yard to become weak and unstable. Foundation Recovery Systems has tools designed to combat the effects of soil damage on your home.

Peoria, IL
On average, Peoria receives a high amount of rain and snow every year. Unfortunately, precipitation puts your foundation at risk as it breaks down soil and building materials over time. Don’t worry, FRS has various solutions to this problem.

Rockford, IL
Without proper safeguarding, your foundation can be damaged by Rockford’s above-average snow and rain. With solutions from Foundation Recovery Systems, you can stop foundation damage in its tracks and keep your home protected year-round.