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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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Second time with FRS and incredibly pleased. All 3 of the crew were friendly and knowledgeable.

Second time with FRS and incredibly pleased. All 3 of the crew were friendly and knowledgeable.

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Very pleased with the work Sadon, Matthew, and Daylan did with our basement gutter system. They were a professional and polite crew that…

Very pleased with the work Sadon, Matthew, and Daylan did with our basement gutter system. They were a professional and polite crew that did the job carefully and went above and beyond to make sure everything was taken care of. Sadon communicated clearly throughout the project and they cleaned up the site thoroughly before leaving.

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We are very pleased with our crawl space encapsulation. We signed contract on a Thursday night and they started & finished the job on the…

We are very pleased with our crawl space encapsulation. We signed contract on a Thursday night and they started & finished the job on the following Tuesday in 4 hours. Our humidity level went from 77% to 52%. It’s looks so good under there. I highly recommend.

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Had an appointment with Foundation Recovery System’s sales rep Chad Thompson. Chad was very knowledgeable, Courteous and polite. He took…

Had an appointment with Foundation Recovery System’s sales rep Chad Thompson. Chad was very knowledgeable, Courteous and polite. He took plenty of time to answer all my questions and make sure I understood everything thoroughly.

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Although I felt as though I was in a three-ring circus as the workers were digging, raising the foundation, and returning tlhe dirt, I was…

Although I felt as though I was in a three-ring circus as the workers were digging, raising the foundation, and returning tlhe dirt, I was very pleased with the courteous workers. All of them were willing to answer my many questions. I did write down the names so I wouldn't forget – lost the list. I believe the hard–working men were Charles(Chet), Brandon, and Andre. Charles ran the backhoe and the others assisted with other work. Two others came to complete the poly-urathene. They were courteous as well. I do apologive for the names forgotten.

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Everyone associated with THE company was very knowledgeable and easy to work with. Joseph and his crew did an absolutely wonderful job of…

Everyone associated with THE company was very knowledgeable and easy to work with. Joseph and his crew did an absolutely wonderful job of installing our sump pump and tile. I’d certainly recommend them to anyone.

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Paul Winder and Chance Gorn came out for my second annual service inspection and went over all the systems testing them making sure they’re …

Paul Winder and Chance Gorn came out for my second annual service inspection and went over all the systems testing them making sure they’re working properly. He showed up on time. Very professional!

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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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Shae was amazing and was very informative! Definitely recommend him for future jobs!!

Shae was amazing and was very informative! Definitely recommend him for future jobs!!

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David McDaniel is AMAZING! He went above and beyond finding the best solution for our leaking basement. He was so kind and easy to talk to…

David McDaniel is AMAZING! He went above and beyond finding the best solution for our leaking basement. He was so kind and easy to talk to about everything. He bent over backwards to get us great pricing. We’re so thankful for him and his hard work.

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Dave Palmer was amazing. Efficient. Helpful. Insightful. Got my system back up and running in less than an hour!

Dave Palmer was amazing. Efficient. Helpful. Insightful. Got my system back up and running in less than an hour!

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Wayne H. and Judah D. did excellent work that was completed on time and offered helpful suggestions to reduce the possibility of future…

Wayne H. and Judah D. did excellent work that was completed on time and offered helpful suggestions to reduce the possibility of future settling of my driveway.

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Had 13 piers placed around my house 2 weeks ago and not gonna lie this is a very big nerve racking job when it is on your home. Made me…

Had 13 piers placed around my house 2 weeks ago and not gonna lie this is a very big nerve racking job when it is on your home. Made me very anxious,however Drake Johnson Jason Koch Taylor braswell Made a good team and was very reassuring the entire time and worked very hard in the cold temps to get things done and to explain to me the step by step process. I could not have asked for a better team of guys to do the job!! If you are needing this big of a project I would highly recommend!

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Eric S. was extremely helpful and professional when he came to evaluate my basement water problem. He was knowledgeable and dedicated to…

Eric S. was extremely helpful and professional when he came to evaluate my basement water problem. He was knowledgeable and dedicated to identifying the unusual issue, and he was straightforward about the best approach to fix it.

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Kent Clayberg was so helpful and throughly explained the issues and process. I appreciated his knowledge and feedback.

Kent Clayberg was so helpful and throughly explained the issues and process. I appreciated his knowledge and feedback.

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Adam was FABULOUS and found the water leak in my basement! Would highly recommend this company!

Adam was FABULOUS and found the water leak in my basement! Would highly recommend this company!

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Had our inspection with Camden Bales and was very impressed! Excellent communication and customer service. Highly recommend!

Had our inspection with Camden Bales and was very impressed! Excellent communication and customer service. Highly recommend!

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I had Terry Bentz come out to take a look at some foundation concerns, and he was great. Showed up right on time, explained everything…

I had Terry Bentz come out to take a look at some foundation concerns, and he was great. Showed up right on time, explained everything clearly, and gave an honest, detailed quote. I appreciated that there was no pressure—just solid information and professionalism. Definitely recommend if you need someone trustworthy to assess your foundation!

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Nick mata was a great guy and told us everything we need to know without any questions

Nick mata was a great guy and told us everything we need to know without any questions

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Zach sanders came out did and excellent job. Very nice young man. Explained eveything very well. Highly recommend. Been a customer since…

Zach sanders came out did and excellent job. Very nice young man. Explained eveything very well. Highly recommend. Been a customer since 2015.

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