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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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Had FRS come out and encapsulate my crawlspace as well as do some foundation repair. The crew of Robert, Trevor, Joe, Conner and Konan…

Had FRS come out and encapsulate my crawlspace as well as do some foundation repair. The crew of Robert, Trevor, Joe, Conner and Konan came out and in 2 days did all the work and cleaned up after wards. Highly recommend for an easy process.

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Camryn H. Joshua F. Skyler C. Kamryn P. Thanks guys. Great job!!

Camryn H. Joshua F. Skyler C. Kamryn P. Thanks guys. Great job!!

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Camryn H, Joshua F, and Tanner from the Moberly office did a great job at our home. They had to deal with radiant heat in the floor and…

Camryn H, Joshua F, and Tanner from the Moberly office did a great job at our home. They had to deal with radiant heat in the floor and worked with a person from our heating and cooling guys to pinpoint where they could drill. Our lot is on a hill and they worked hard to not disrupt the area where they had to dig along the outside of the foundation. It wasn?t cheap to use FRS but the work was was worth it. Thanks Camryn, Tanner, and Joshua!

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Eli was great at explaining the scope of work needed and the solutions for my foundation issues. I received this quote after another…

Eli was great at explaining the scope of work needed and the solutions for my foundation issues. I received this quote after another company and Eli provided me with the correct resolution to my issues and truly cares about my home and the work being done correctly. Definitely 5 star service and Eli is great!

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JORDAN was professional and offered good solutions for my driveway and garage issues.

JORDAN was professional and offered good solutions for my driveway and garage issues.

Christopher Rampton

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Shae Weber came out to do our inspection. Was very helpful and didn’t try to overcharge us with add-ons. Great experience!

Shae Weber came out to do our inspection. Was very helpful and didn’t try to overcharge us with add-ons. Great experience!

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The team I was sent arrived at an early time to start the installation for pillars for my foundation. Camryn H., Skyler C., Elijah H., and…

The team I was sent arrived at an early time to start the installation for pillars for my foundation. Camryn H., Skyler C., Elijah H., and Brennon G. all got the project done in a clean, smooth, and well organized fashion. Highly recommend this group for anyone needing work done. Excellent work gentlemen!

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Tyler, Bryce and Brandon were all professional, informative and patient with our many questions. They made us feel as if we were the most…

Tyler, Bryce and Brandon were all professional, informative and patient with our many questions. They made us feel as if we were the most important clients ever. Superb job on our driveway!

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Brad Locker provided an easy feeling during the whole process. Much appreciated to work with.

Brad Locker provided an easy feeling during the whole process. Much appreciated to work with.

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Gary and Luca were very helpful with what my homes needs were. Very professional

Gary and Luca were very helpful with what my homes needs were. Very professional

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Miguel and Abby were very professional, they did a great job, in not only leveling out my extremely old, multiple cracked up, totally…

Miguel and Abby were very professional, they did a great job, in not only leveling out my extremely old, multiple cracked up, totally uneven driveway (2 to 3 inches unlevel in parts), but also the sealing of it, especially between my driveway and garage and the driveway and porch … I just love it! Then, the levelingand sealing of my back porch was just as outstanding!

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Nick Mata was incredible to work with. He came highly recommended to us after we started dealing with home insurance difficulties. Nick…

Nick Mata was incredible to work with. He came highly recommended to us after we started dealing with home insurance difficulties. Nick took the time to come out and explain what was happening with our home and a few options to fix it. He also made sure to explain specifically how serious/not serious each issue was so that we could make an informed decision. I would highly recommend this company to anyone feeling overwhelmed with how to allocate their finances to make their home safe for the family.

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Cliff, Nolan and Riley came and did a great job on my foundation repair. On time, clean and very respectful. They made sure everything was…

Cliff, Nolan and Riley came and did a great job on my foundation repair. On time, clean and very respectful. They made sure everything was done to my satisfaction. I will definitely call them again and pass their name along to my friends if the need arises! Thanks guys!

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Sale man inspector so helpful Travis smothers was so very nice told me several things to do on my own explain everything very thorough-…

Sale man inspector so helpful Travis smothers was so very nice told me several things to do on my own explain everything very thorough- super pleasure to have him

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Ryan Howard was Excellent! Great Communication and Punctual. Very detailed oriented during the inspection. Talked to us Step by Step of all …

Ryan Howard was Excellent! Great Communication and Punctual. Very detailed oriented during the inspection. Talked to us Step by Step of all our situations and presented us Visual Aid also for our family to fully understand our situation and repair that is needed.

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I had a great experience with Foundation Recovery Systems, especially their Certified Field Inspector, Travis Stevens. He was professional, …

I had a great experience with Foundation Recovery Systems, especially their Certified Field Inspector, Travis Stevens. He was professional, explained everything clearly, and made sure I understood all my options. He truly went the extra mile, and it showed. I’d give 6 stars if I could, highly recommend!

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Thank you, Byron Bartolacci, Jake Weis and Ernie Boggs for the great work you did on our basement. Respectful of our home and we…

Thank you, Byron Bartolacci, Jake Weis and Ernie Boggs for the great work you did on our basement. Respectful of our home and we appreciated that. I would have you all back again!

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We had our driveway, front sidewalk and patio lifted. They also ran our down spouts underground. Wayne H. and Judah D. We’re wonderful and…

We had our driveway, front sidewalk and patio lifted. They also ran our down spouts underground. Wayne H. and Judah D. We’re wonderful and did an excellent job with a smile on their faces. I will definitely recommend this to my friends and family

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Foreman Alex Zike. Foreman Austin Hever Foreman SmithRobert..They where hard workers. Alex answer my questions that i had.They cleaned…

Foreman Alex Zike. Foreman Austin Hever Foreman SmithRobert..They where hard workers. Alex answer my questions that i had.They cleaned everything up. They where a nice bunch of guys. They are keepers.

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Terry Bentz was amazing! Incredibly honest when looking at our home and giving us great advice. We thankfully didn't need to fix the…

Terry Bentz was amazing! Incredibly honest when looking at our home and giving us great advice. We thankfully didn't need to fix the foundation but happy to call him up anytime I notice issues. Especially with signs he told me to look for in the future. 10/10

Shilo Acebedo-Moore

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