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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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Great experience all around! Our service tech Travis Stevens did an awesome job at explaining everything! Definitely will recommend!

Great experience all around! Our service tech Travis Stevens did an awesome job at explaining everything! Definitely will recommend!

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Terry was honest and forthright about his ability to repair our problem. I would wholeheartedly recommend Terry to come and provide an…

Terry was honest and forthright about his ability to repair our problem. I would wholeheartedly recommend Terry to come and provide an estimate to anyone who has a concern.

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Joel, Coleman, and Cameron did a great job jacking up my 125 y/o house. Their work was clean and organized. I can definitely feel the…

Joel, Coleman, and Cameron did a great job jacking up my 125 y/o house. Their work was clean and organized. I can definitely feel the difference in the stability of the house. Before the work began they used a laser level to determine the issues with the foundation and were able to solve the problem for a good price. Highly recommend!

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Travon Dom and Harley were very professional and personable. Arrived on time and got the job done. We were able to communicate on a level…

Travon Dom and Harley were very professional and personable. Arrived on time and got the job done. We were able to communicate on a level this senior could understand. Would have no trouble using this team again

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Gary Duvall, Justin Geigling, Luke Fowler, and Kyle M. They were all great. Great communication very neat and very experienced.

Gary Duvall, Justin Geigling, Luke Fowler, and Kyle M. They were all great. Great communication very neat and very experienced.

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F.R.S.- Jeremy H. came out for the inspection. He patiently walked through all my concerns offering practical solutions. The pricing was…

F.R.S.- Jeremy H. came out for the inspection. He patiently walked through all my concerns offering practical solutions. The pricing was fair considering the amount of work involved and three other contractors offering no solutions but a $10-$12K sump pump system. My crawl space lacked the necessary 24-18 inches required for sealing. Gary D, Luca B., Todd D., & Jordan M. came through and completed an excellent job. Mike R. & Trey E. we're assigned my driveway leveling & crack sealing also completing an excellent professional job. THANK YOU

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I had a great experience with FRS. Chad did the initial estimate/ evaluation. He was honest and didn’t try to force or lure us into a…

I had a great experience with FRS. Chad did the initial estimate/ evaluation. He was honest and didn’t try to force or lure us into a more expensive repair. The bid was about 60% of a competing company. We were booked to have the repair within a month. Lee, Kyle, and Cody were our crew. Lee was the lead and kept me informed every step. This crew started at 7:30 AM and worked tirelessly until 7:30 PM. A brief break for a late lunch and that was about it. Incredible hard workers! They clearly knew what they were doing. They were efficient and friendly. Some of the best help I’ve ever had!

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Chris cliff and tanner did an excellent job on my basement and downspouts. Highly recommend this company

Chris cliff and tanner did an excellent job on my basement and downspouts. Highly recommend this company

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Corey Badder is extremely professional and knowledgeable about all things related to foundations and crawl spaces. Be sure to ask for him…

Corey Badder is extremely professional and knowledgeable about all things related to foundations and crawl spaces. Be sure to ask for him by name!

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Recently we had Foundation Recovery Systems come out and do some work in our basement. The guys did an amazing job! Our basement looks…

Recently we had Foundation Recovery Systems come out and do some work in our basement. The guys did an amazing job! Our basement looks fantastic and not a drop of water has come in since! Chris, Cliff and Zion were the crew that came out and they were professional, quick and extremely easy to work with. They took care to pick-up the construction mess and their communication was fantastic. The project even got done faster than expected. I appreciate the work they put in and would 100% recommend them to anyone.

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I am so thankful for booking this appointment. My inspector Nick Mata was so great he made sure I understood everything that was wrong and…

I am so thankful for booking this appointment. My inspector Nick Mata was so great he made sure I understood everything that was wrong and found a solution for my needs. I will be recommending Foundation Recovery Systems for friends and family! Thank you Nick your the best!

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Jordan, Bryce and Brandon were all very nice to work with. They answered all our questions, and did excellent work. On time and cleaned up…

Jordan, Bryce and Brandon were all very nice to work with. They answered all our questions, and did excellent work. On time and cleaned up afterwards.

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Grant Butler came to our home and helped us make a decision that would improve our home! He knew his stuff and our our home is just as…

Grant Butler came to our home and helped us make a decision that would improve our home! He knew his stuff and our our home is just as sound as when we purchased 20 years ago! Thank you Foundations!

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Work done to my home was professional and these guys got it done in a timely manner. Very pleased with their work. John Murphey Robert…

Work done to my home was professional and these guys got it done in a timely manner. Very pleased with their work. John Murphey Robert Marquez Cisco Munoz

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Jesse was very good to explain everything!

Jesse was very good to explain everything!

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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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Alex and Harley went above and beyond. Alex communicated all day with me. They had some issues that delayed them but stayed late, completed …

Alex and Harley went above and beyond. Alex communicated all day with me. They had some issues that delayed them but stayed late, completed all the work, cleaned up the previous work (which wasn't the best), and made everything look brand new, even better than the previous work!! Alex and Harley are highly recommended from me. I would ask for them anytime!! Take care of these guys. Great crew!!!

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I had Ryan, Chris, and Brandon complete my intellbrace install today. These gentleman were very thorough explaining when they would be…

I had Ryan, Chris, and Brandon complete my intellbrace install today. These gentleman were very thorough explaining when they would be arriving, went over the work they would be doing, communicated any issues that came up and resolved them immediately then went over all of the work they completed before they left. They were very kind and thoughtful and cleaned up as much as they could afterwards (which was pretty darn good). I would definitely recommend this company and this install crew out of Bloomington!!

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Zach C did an amazing job! Great communication and very knowledgeable

Zach C did an amazing job! Great communication and very knowledgeable

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Kent Clayberg is Very Professional and knowledgeable and Friendly…

Kent Clayberg is Very Professional and knowledgeable and Friendly…

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