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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.

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Groundworks, LLC BBB Business Review

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Jonathan came out and inspected our property, was very knowledgeable and professional. He was able to point out other issues that we just…

Jonathan came out and inspected our property, was very knowledgeable and professional. He was able to point out other issues that we just simply weren't aware of. We loved that he SHOWED us how he determined the extent of the problem rather than just spouting a bunch of numbers without proper context. We learned a lot about our home that day. He made us feel comfortable about addressing the issue, which was a relief because work like this on the home can be overwhelming and mentally exhausting. Turns out the solution was a simple fix, just four piers and that corner of the home was lifted back to level and now we can finally fix the drywall damaged by the foundation settling.

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I had my foundation fixed and was treated like family!!! Eric and Gage did what a said and finished the job quick!!! I would used them…

I had my foundation fixed and was treated like family!!! Eric and Gage did what a said and finished the job quick!!! I would used them again for any of my foundation problems! The salesman Adam made the transaction seamless!!! Thank you!

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I do not typically write reviews but I have to say I could not be more pleased with the exceptional service I received from the Foundation…

I do not typically write reviews but I have to say I could not be more pleased with the exceptional service I received from the Foundation Recovery Team in Lees Summit. Shayne, Dakota, Landon and Tyler were outstanding! They thoughtfully guided us through every step of the process and ensured we understood what was going to happen to ease our nerves. It is scary having your entire house lifted, and they were so knowledgable and transparent that I felt confident leaving my house while the work was being done. They were on-time, considerate and trustworthy. Our house is back to level, the big gaps between our foundation and doors are closed, and our floor is now level. I am thrilled with the work they did and will sleep well at night knowing our homes foundation is fixed!

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Took time to explain the process. Very personable

Took time to explain the process. Very personable

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Scott Cisco reviewed our foundation issues. He arrived on time and was very courteous. He was very professional and thorough. He walked me…

Scott Cisco reviewed our foundation issues. He arrived on time and was very courteous. He was very professional and thorough. He walked me through all the measurements he was taking and took the time to answer all my questions. He determined that the foundation did not require any repairs. I was so relieved and appreciated his honesty.

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Brian Gertler and Trent the installer were friendly, knowledgeable, and professional. The two gentlemen were honest and the installation…

Brian Gertler and Trent the installer were friendly, knowledgeable, and professional. The two gentlemen were honest and the installation went great, and I am a happy customer!

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The team, Greg, Cody, Garrett, and Jesse, from Foundation Recovery Systems were exceptional from start to finish!! All the guys were very…

The team, Greg, Cody, Garrett, and Jesse, from Foundation Recovery Systems were exceptional from start to finish!! All the guys were very personable and professional. They were very meticulous in the job process, especially the cleanup. I would highly recommend them. Rhonda

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Came on time. Very professional and courteous. Did not leave a mess. Was meticulous about making sure my sidewalk sections were level….

Came on time. Very professional and courteous. Did not leave a mess. Was meticulous about making sure my sidewalk sections were level. Did a great job sealing each sidewalk section. Thank you Todd and Randy

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Foundation Recovery Systems did an excellent job, and exactly as expected following their estimates, waterproofing my basement, anchoring a …

Foundation Recovery Systems did an excellent job, and exactly as expected following their estimates, waterproofing my basement, anchoring a primary basement wall, and installing sump pumps and downspout drains. The installers Ayden Land, Derrick Bushnell and coordinator Josh Howard were all top notch in their work ethic and results. I couldn’t be happier following the completion of their work! Thanks guys!

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Appreciate the help from Brad in evaluating our basement for a remodel in Prairie Village

Appreciate the help from Brad in evaluating our basement for a remodel in Prairie Village

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Everything went great.Mike and Brandon did a wonderful job!

Everything went great.Mike and Brandon did a wonderful job!

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Very pleased with our experience. Tahlor came out on time, listened to our goals, performed the inspection, and took the time to explain…

Very pleased with our experience. Tahlor came out on time, listened to our goals, performed the inspection, and took the time to explain what he found, what it would take to repair the issue and answer questions. I have been receiving a string of poor customer service lately…this was a breathe of fresh air. I would highly recommend FRS to anyone.

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We could not be happier with the job done on our foundation! Dawson, Jaydan and Dusty worked hard all day to get it done and done the right …

We could not be happier with the job done on our foundation! Dawson, Jaydan and Dusty worked hard all day to get it done and done the right way. They answered all of our questions and put our minds at ease. We will definitely recommend you!

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We had cracks repaired and some lifts done for our driveway and patio. We have used Foundation Recovery in the past and they have been…

We had cracks repaired and some lifts done for our driveway and patio. We have used Foundation Recovery in the past and they have been great to work with. Zack was our Tech for the most recent job. He did a great job and he was pleasant to talk to. He did nice work and the finish actually turned out great.

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Mike Bonali – was super kind and authentic. Grateful he was able to come out and lead me in the right direction. Would recommend him!

Mike Bonali – was super kind and authentic. Grateful he was able to come out and lead me in the right direction. Would recommend him!

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Jaxon and Wesley worked on my foundation today. They kept me informed throughout the project. I am pleased with their work and timeliness…

Jaxon and Wesley worked on my foundation today. They kept me informed throughout the project. I am pleased with their work and timeliness with the project.

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Thank you Cesar for all your help and excellent expertise. Foundation Recovery Systems is a great company with great people

Thank you Cesar for all your help and excellent expertise. Foundation Recovery Systems is a great company with great people

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Bryce and Alex provided great communication to their anticipated arrival, completed the job to proficiency and provided excellent…

Bryce and Alex provided great communication to their anticipated arrival, completed the job to proficiency and provided excellent communication regarding their efficiency and knowledge based skills yo completing a job well done!

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Jake & KD did a fantastic job!!! Highly recommend.

Jake & KD did a fantastic job!!! Highly recommend.

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Zach Sanders was very throughly with the inspection. Found and explained my doubts and questions on how the systems works. Everything went…

Zach Sanders was very throughly with the inspection. Found and explained my doubts and questions on how the systems works. Everything went great and everything is working as expected. Thank you Zach.

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

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