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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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I live in townhouses that are older and while we are renting and had the foundation in our basement repaired. It was nothing we were…

I live in townhouses that are older and while we are renting and had the foundation in our basement repaired. It was nothing we were looking forward to as we were told it would be a week long process by our owners and they came in on Monday, Josh Eaton, Chris Horton and Aaron Hernandez. They were very polite and very clean! They did an amazing job doing whatever needed done I just know my floor is smooth and it only took them 2.5 days!!! So quick! Great over all experience if we ever needed help with a house in the future going to be giving them a call!!! Also the amount of rock they had to carry up the stairs and equipment they don’t get paid ENOUGHHH! So much hard work!

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Travis S. Was very professional and polite! Checked out my sump pump system and foundational settlements, without the pressure to buy…

Travis S. Was very professional and polite! Checked out my sump pump system and foundational settlements, without the pressure to buy unnecessary products or services! Thanks!

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Jeremy H is absolutely wonderful! He’s very responsive, and detailed. When asking questions he gave a technical but simplified answer so I…

Jeremy H is absolutely wonderful! He’s very responsive, and detailed. When asking questions he gave a technical but simplified answer so I understood the scope of work and why he suggested it that way. 10/10 recommend Jeremy for your field inspector.

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Thank you to Matt, Brandon, Lucas and Vincent for doing an amazing job to fix a basement leak. This crew showed up on time, explained what …

Thank you to Matt, Brandon, Lucas and Vincent for doing an amazing job to fix a basement leak. This crew showed up on time, explained what they would do, never took a break, and completely cleaned up afterwards! Appreciate their hard work and commitment for a job well done!! Thank you!!

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We are an animal rescue and have been in our building for 6.5 yrs. We knew we needed concrete repair and we reached out to Foundation…

We are an animal rescue and have been in our building for 6.5 yrs. We knew we needed concrete repair and we reached out to Foundation Recovery Systems for their help. Patrick Turrieta was great to work with, was very knowledgeable and explained everything well. If you are in need of your concrete lifted, repaired, and warrantied, then Patrick is the guy to ask for and no one else will do. Todd and his crew that did the work were very easy to work with, on time, good clean up and it looks great. We highly recommend them.

Foster Pet Outreach

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Zach sanders came out and gave us a good annual maintenance and was very helpful

Zach sanders came out and gave us a good annual maintenance and was very helpful

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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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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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All work completed as promised. Very clean process. Thanks to Joe Bevis, Donovan, Garret and Dave. Thanks again.

All work completed as promised. Very clean process. Thanks to Joe Bevis, Donovan, Garret and Dave. Thanks again.

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My house sunk 2" on the south side. FRS crew were on time and had great work ethic. FRS did a great job NOT tearing up my manicured lawn. …

My house sunk 2" on the south side. FRS crew were on time and had great work ethic. FRS did a great job NOT tearing up my manicured lawn. Mike W. (forman) kept me informed on the progress of my repairs. His crew Byron B. And Brain W. did a great job! Thank you to everyone at FRS for a job well done!

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Very professional young men, went beyond what was expected. They knew what they were doing

Very professional young men, went beyond what was expected. They knew what they were doing

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Justin did an excellent job!! We were impressed with his knowledge, professionalism and is ability to explain things clearly! We felt…

Justin did an excellent job!! We were impressed with his knowledge, professionalism and is ability to explain things clearly! We felt comfortable working with Justin and know we made the right choice! Stacy and Jim Singer

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Josh was super nice and helpful. He answered all of my questions and explained everything from start to finish. I highly recommend him,…

Josh was super nice and helpful. He answered all of my questions and explained everything from start to finish. I highly recommend him, thank you Josh!

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Greg came to inspect the setup that Foundation Recovery Systems installed last year. It was discovered that one of our sump pump was…

Greg came to inspect the setup that Foundation Recovery Systems installed last year. It was discovered that one of our sump pump was damaged. Thankfully, he was able to repair it and get it running properly.

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Our whole experience with FRS was positive. From the inspection to the final walkthrough every single employee we dealt with is…

Our whole experience with FRS was positive. From the inspection to the final walkthrough every single employee we dealt with is knowledgeable, professional and polite. The work was done on time. They get extra praise for their customer communication through out the whole project. Thank you Renee, Chris, Craig, John, James and Derek and the rest of the team.

Marcia Coughennower

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They drove up with a backhoe to dig in the back yard. My yard is not accessible except thru a small gate. Leo, the crew leader resolved the …

They drove up with a backhoe to dig in the back yard. My yard is not accessible except thru a small gate. Leo, the crew leader resolved the issue with a different system than what was originally planned and the work was done efficiently in about 5-6 hours. The metal braces look sufficient to support the bowed basement wall and apparently need adjusted periodically to actual correct the bowing. I wasn't aware of this since the original system was different. The crew did a good job and cleaned up well before leaving.

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Grant Taylor was excellent. The driveway repair was done exactly as we were promised. Grant did a great job of explaining everything. …

Grant Taylor was excellent. The driveway repair was done exactly as we were promised. Grant did a great job of explaining everything. Final product was excellent. They were able to raise our driveway two inches and repair the cracks. Dennis

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Just had an estimate done with Jason Carte. He was very very professional, courteous, and not like other companies who pressure you. No…

Just had an estimate done with Jason Carte. He was very very professional, courteous, and not like other companies who pressure you. No pressure at all. Explained everything in understanding ways. Also gave me other issues I could be having. Very nice young man. I would highly recommend this company and Jason.

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Super great people, who take pride in the job they do! Foreman Cliff and Co-Foreman Rylee gave many opportunities for questions, encouraged …

Super great people, who take pride in the job they do! Foreman Cliff and Co-Foreman Rylee gave many opportunities for questions, encouraged us to fully understand the job and products they were using. Cleaned up impeccably everyday even though we told them not to worry about it. Gave us confidence back in our home!

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Jason Carte came out today to give me an estimate on lifting the cracked patio slab in my backyard. He was very patient as he explained the …

Jason Carte came out today to give me an estimate on lifting the cracked patio slab in my backyard. He was very patient as he explained the process and we talked about time frame for the work. Looking forward to getting the process started in the future!

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