We're trying to sell our 12-yr. old two-story house with a poured full basement. Last night we noticed water coming down the wall in the basement where the 1st floor fireplace alcove is. My foundation ends about 2-1/2 ft. above ground on the outside of the house, and the brick fireplace goes up from there. The water seems to be coming in where the concrete foundation and brick meet. My husband has checked every place he can think of where the water could be coming in and even sealed with silicone in some places, but the leak is getting worse. Any suggestions other than calling a high-priced professional?

hi Marlene

pics would be helpful....the opening(S) could be Anywhere from ground level, UP. Might be open mortar joint(S), loose/cracked/porous bricks,openings around the chimney flashing,cap and so on.

Sometimes these openings are very small so ya gotta look real close!

Now, IF the grade has been built up on the outside of where you see water entering inside then there could be openings along the brick ledge or in any mortar joint where the dirt/soil was raised against UN-sealed bricks.

People need to understand that if they want to Raise the grade/soil around the house then they had best seal the brick ledge and ALL bricks and mortar joints where soil will be up against.....parge it,tar it... whatever. Hate ta be a pain but....pics would help Call me i you like, let me know