Common clues
- A crack becomes wet during rain
- Mineral deposits remain after moisture dries
- One section of wall is consistently damp
- Water tracks down to the floor
- Moisture appears near a penetration or joint
Check outside too
Water collecting next to the foundation can increase the burden on the basement wall. Gutters, downspouts, grading and exterior drainage are worth checking alongside any interior symptoms.
Possible repair paths
A leaking crack may be a localized repair. Repeated or widespread seepage may point toward drainage or waterproofing work. An on-site look is the best way to distinguish the two.