Crack in wall block wall

[mreynolds]

My mother in law has a basement that is 8 years old, a vertical crack has developed up 8 courses and there is water on occasion. Is this normal?

[Rich]

As with any concrete or masonry it doesn't take much by way of ground movement or continual freeze / thaw cycles to develop some type of cracking. The water could be a problem if it is present during a freezing period - further cracking. An extreme measure would be to dig up the area and waterproof the wall again. Or find a low expanding sealer for the interior side. Structurally it shouldn't be a problem as long as it doesn't get too big.

[mreynolds]

After further investigation I found out that she had new landscaping done around that area. Could this be a case where the soil is too permeable above the crack?

[Rich]

It could definately be a major contributing factor. Whats the weather been like around the timeframe of the crack appearing?

[mreynolds]

I am not sure when the crack appeared. I know the work was done in the summer, I also notice by the amount of water that stained the walls that it was probably there during some of the heavy rains we had in August. Would it be possible that the landscapers could of done it with their excavator?

[Rich]

It's entirely possible if it was close enough for a prolonged period of time. The problem with big machinery next to structures is not them sitting there for prolonged periods but working there for prolonged periods and actually vibrating or shaking the ground.

Does the crack go all the way to the top of the wall? It not, it's a good sign that it was caused by some type of large weight above ground. If it went all the way up it's most likely from below grade movement.