When a crack is leaking
Water may show up as a wet line, staining, mineral deposits, or active seepage during rain. A targeted repair can make sense when the crack itself is the clear place water enters and broader groundwater issues are not driving water elsewhere.
When to look beyond the crack
If several areas of the basement are wet, water is appearing at the wall-floor joint, or the crack shows signs of movement, the problem may require a wider evaluation than simply sealing one location.
Structural concerns
Bowing, significant displacement, or other signs of foundation movement should be evaluated for the appropriate structural response. Waterproofing and structural repair are related in some situations, but they are not the same service.