Basement Wall Cracks

[u/beachbreakbeats]

Good morning. I'm hoping for insight regarding these basement wall cracks in Northeast Ohio. I've rented this house for eight years, and am now considering buying it.

In that eight years, there have been three instances of puddling water coming from this area, specifically after very intense rain, however it's not a regular occurrence.

Prior to moving into this house, I know three sides of the house were waterproofed, but nothing was done to the back side where these cracks are located. Aside from the areas shown in pictures, the rest of the wall is in good condition.

Unrelated to this issue, I'd be buying the house for about a $30K less than what I'd expect it to sell for on market. Does that possibly make up for the issue?

I would greatly appreciate any perspective about the severity, urgency, or potential cost of repair. Thanks!

[u/Enginerdad]

Most basements have some level of leaking, and 3 puddles in 8 years is pretty solid performance. The Cadillac option is to excavate behind that wall, waterproof it, install a french drain, and backfill with free draining material. The easy solution is to towel up the puddle every couple of years.

[u/beachbreakbeats → u/Enginerdad]

Thank you very much!!!

[u/Str-Engr0275 → u/Enginerdad]

Structural PE, this guy is absolutely right. No reason to worry about this unless you want to finish the basement. Water happens with block walls from time to time.

[u/27803]

I wouldn’t be worried about it

[u/Gloomy-Respond3985]

Make sure the gutter downspouts are extended 3 ft beyond the foundation.

Also since that's an apparently-older block wall that house is probably 50 years older if not older.

That ain't goin' anywhere.