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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 had Troy conduct a mold inspection on my basement. Communication up to the appointment was excellent, and his professionalism was…

I had Troy conduct a mold inspection on my basement. Communication up to the appointment was excellent, and his professionalism was outstanding. Found no concerns with my basement and did recommend equipment that could aid with future problems. Would highly recommend this company!

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Nick Gunther came today for our annual inspection. He was very professional and polite and did a good job checking our speedy channel. …

Nick Gunther came today for our annual inspection. He was very professional and polite and did a good job checking our speedy channel. He is an asset to your company. Linda Carter

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Joe was at our home at the appointed time And gave us a thorough inspection. Very courteous and very professional.

Joe was at our home at the appointed time And gave us a thorough inspection. Very courteous and very professional.

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Cody came by this morning and did our home inspection for foundation repair and basement waterproofing. He was very professional, thorough, …

Cody came by this morning and did our home inspection for foundation repair and basement waterproofing. He was very professional, thorough, and honest with the inspection. Cody explained why our basement had water coming in and put together a very detailed plan to solve our water and foundation issues. If you are questioning the health of your foundation and/or have water coming in the basement I would highly recommend having foundation recovery systems come inspect your home.

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Scott Cisco is a great project manager, and our crew did an excellent job. In and out in a day, no issues!

Scott Cisco is a great project manager, and our crew did an excellent job. In and out in a day, no issues!

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on time, courteous, friendly, great work. Highly recommend

on time, courteous, friendly, great work. Highly recommend

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Kevin Macdonald was great , couldn't have asked for any one better to go through the process 5 stars

Kevin Macdonald was great , couldn't have asked for any one better to go through the process 5 stars

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Terry Bentz drove at least an hour and a half to take a look at the foundation of my home. I feel bad about that when I could have probably …

Terry Bentz drove at least an hour and a half to take a look at the foundation of my home. I feel bad about that when I could have probably just him one picture and could have diagnosed the problem. Mr. Bentz knew what he was doing and did an excellent job explaining certain concerns and potential fixes. He was honest and said his company doesn’t offer the certain fix and recommended another. Good communication and a great company.

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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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Paul Winder explained every thing he did and why he did it. He was very thorough. He laid out all our options and told us what they would…

Paul Winder explained every thing he did and why he did it. He was very thorough. He laid out all our options and told us what they would do for us. He went above and beyond our expectations. I felt he was very trustworthy, honest and professional. Will definitely be dealing with him in the future.

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Joe came out and inspected our new home purchase. He gave us wonderful insight on the process of repairs on the damage presented….

Joe came out and inspected our new home purchase. He gave us wonderful insight on the process of repairs on the damage presented. Reasonable quote and also provided said quote in a timely fashion to help with our closing. I’m very satiated with this company and plan on using them when we get to the time of repair.

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I had Jeremy K out for an inspection of work we had completed. Jeremy was extremely efficient ensuring all previous work was in tip top…

I had Jeremy K out for an inspection of work we had completed. Jeremy was extremely efficient ensuring all previous work was in tip top shape as it was from original work. Jeremy was very nice, well dressed, considerate and informative. 👌 He is a 10.

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Im in the process of getting my crawlspace done and Bruce was more than happy to come out and look at my issue and break down how i would…

Im in the process of getting my crawlspace done and Bruce was more than happy to come out and look at my issue and break down how i would benefit from this service and got me set up rather quick and was willing to work with me with financing it overall great company and i look forward to telling others about it once i get mine done

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Cesar Munoz was a very knowledgeable salesman. Answered all my questions and put me at ease about this project. Really appreciated his…

Cesar Munoz was a very knowledgeable salesman. Answered all my questions and put me at ease about this project. Really appreciated his insights about costs and quality of Foundations work. Very personable man to work with.

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My concrete front porch had developed an 8 to 10 inch void underneath it and I didn't know how to fix it, but knew it needed attention. …

My concrete front porch had developed an 8 to 10 inch void underneath it and I didn't know how to fix it, but knew it needed attention. Foundation Recovery was the solution. They were quick to perform an assessment and get the jod done. I am very pleased with the services provided by Foundation Recovery. Chet, the service rep, was very courteous, professional, and he answered all of my questions. Anthony and Hunter were also very professional and completed their work and left no mess behind. Anthony also answered all of my questions and explained what he was doing as he performed the work. Extremely satisfied!

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Had FRS come out for a review of basement floor cracks today. Matt Hodges provided an honest review and didn't try to sell me work that I…

Had FRS come out for a review of basement floor cracks today. Matt Hodges provided an honest review and didn't try to sell me work that I didn't need. Appreciate that.

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Had a foundation gutter system and pump installed, then unexpectedly had to put my house up for sale. My inspection was this morning,…

Had a foundation gutter system and pump installed, then unexpectedly had to put my house up for sale. My inspection was this morning, 11/5/24, after a crazy 36 hours of rain. 10 inches where I lived. The inspector came, basement was BONE DRY. Phenomenal system installed. And it took these guys a day to install it. On top of it all I was pleasantly surprised with the price, and the level of customer service was outstanding. Wholeheartedly recommend.

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The Foundation Recovery Systems crew that straightened and anchored our basement wall was the best. Mike Williams, foreman, Tyler Bennett, …

The Foundation Recovery Systems crew that straightened and anchored our basement wall was the best. Mike Williams, foreman, Tyler Bennett, co-foreman, and Kanen Carlson, installer, were very professional, polite, and knowledgeable. They explained every step in the process, and did an outstanding job. They called to let us know they were on the way and arrived promptly, worked steadily all day, and completed our project as promised. I highly recommend Mike, Tyler, and Kanen for all your foundation needs.

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I haven't actually had the work performed yet, but Michael Drebes was wonderful about going over my issues & making sure it's going to be…

I haven't actually had the work performed yet, but Michael Drebes was wonderful about going over my issues & making sure it's going to be taken care of. The man actually picked up limbs & leaves from my yard!!! A little added bonus goes a LONG way!

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Forman- Alex Zike and co formans- Austin Heuer and Robert Smith did a excellent job.

Forman- Alex Zike and co formans- Austin Heuer and Robert Smith did a excellent job.

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