Gutter and downspout problems
Clogged gutters and improper downspout discharge.
Wet basements
Basement Waterproofing
If you have water in your basement, it could be a sign of a drainage issue. We inspect your home and recommend the waterproofing solution that fits your needs.
- Free estimates
- ECP waterproofing products
- Drains + sump pumps
1978Family-owned since
48Years in business
ECPEarth Contact Products systems
MO + KSMissouri and eastern Kansas
Stains are early warningsThe root cause
Where the water comes from
A wet basement is almost always a drainage problem first. Rain and snowmelt soak the soil around your foundation. Clay soil, which is common across the Kansas City area and much of Missouri, holds that water instead of letting it drain away. The water builds up pressure against the walls and under the floor, then finds the easiest way in: the joint where the wall meets the floor, a crack, a window well, or a pipe opening.
Outside the house
Gutters, downspouts, and grading
Gutters and downspouts make a big difference. A clogged gutter or a downspout that empties right next to the wall can put hundreds of gallons of water against your foundation in a single storm. Grading that slopes toward the house does the same thing.
- Clogged gutters
- Downspouts that empty next to the wall
- Grading that slopes toward the house
Know the warning signs
Common signs
Some of these show up outside the house before you ever see water inside.
Mulch that washes across the lawn after a storm, or soil that has pulled away from the foundation, tells you where water is going. Inside, white chalky deposits on the walls are minerals left behind as water seeps through the concrete and evaporates.
Why it matters
Left alone, that water does more than ruin carpet and storage boxes.
It feeds mildew and mold, damages masonry, and adds pressure that can contribute to cracked and bowing foundation walls.
Our methods
Our waterproofing systems
Waterproofing products are made by Earth Contact Products. We recommend what fits your house, not a one size fits all package.
No digging up the yard
Interior waterproofing
Perforated drain pipe is installed inside the footing perimeter to collect water that comes through the walls or up at the floor joint and carry it to a sump pit, without digging up the yard.
Stops water outside
Exterior waterproofing
The foundation is excavated and protected on the outside with a membrane, drainage board, and perforated drain pipe, so water is handled before it reaches the wall.
Moves water out
Sump pumps and pits
Heavy-duty sump pumps and pits move collected water out and away from the house.
Handles yard water
French drains and surface drainage
French drain systems, surface drainage, and water collection systems deal with water in the yard and at the downspouts, which is often where the problem starts.
Step by step
How a waterproofing job works
From the first look to the walkthrough, here is what to expect.
- 1
Free estimate and inspection
We look at where the water shows up inside, then walk the outside to check gutters, downspouts, grading, and the condition of the walls.
- 2
A plan that matches the problem
Sometimes the fix is surface drainage. Sometimes it is an interior drain and sump pump, or exterior waterproofing. We tell you which one and why.
- 3
Installation
Our crew installs the system and makes sure water has a clear path out and away from the foundation.
- 4
Cleanup and walkthrough
We clean up the work area and show you how the system works, including the sump pump.
Is interior or exterior waterproofing better?
Both work. Interior systems collect water at the footing and send it to a sump pit without excavating the yard. Exterior systems keep water off the wall from the outside. The right choice depends on your house, your lot, and where the water is coming in.
Will cleaning my gutters fix a wet basement?
Sometimes it helps a lot. Clogged gutters and downspouts that discharge next to the foundation are common causes. If water is also coming through cracks or the floor joint, you may need a drain system too.
What are the white deposits on my basement walls?
Those are mineral deposits left behind when water moves through concrete or masonry and evaporates. They mean moisture is getting through the wall.
Can water problems damage my foundation?
Yes. Saturated soil adds pressure against basement walls and can contribute to cracking and bowing. If you see horizontal cracks or a wall leaning in, see our foundation repair page.
I have a crawlspace, not a basement. Can you help?
Yes. See crawlspace encapsulation.
Water and settlement
Related services and areas
Water and settlement often show up together. Check out foundation repair for cracked or bowing walls, crawlspace encapsulation for damp crawlspaces, and polyjacking for sunken slabs and sidewalks that send water back toward the house.
Foundation repairPush piers, helical piers, tiebacksLearn more →
PolyjackingLift and level settled concreteLearn more →
Crawlspace encapsulationVapor barrier moisture controlLearn more →
Service areasKansas City metro, mid-Missouri, eastern KansasLearn more →Free estimates are available for homes and businesses across the Kansas City, MO and KS areas, including Overland Park, Raytown, Columbia, and surrounding communities. See the full list on our service areas page.
Free estimates
Tired of a wet basement?
Call for a free estimate. Kansas customers can reach us at (913) 383-1800.