Basements that leak water in through the joint where the floor and wall meet or through cracks in the foundation after a rain or snow melt are considered to be the most common wet basements. Most basements rarely leak water through the floor. Surface water collects and builds up in a pocket around the foundation causing pressure. Water then is forced throught the joint where the floor and wall meet or through the cracks that eventually occur in foundations.
In some cases, it is impossible to completely eliminate dampness from a basement. One of the reasons is that construction doesn't always take into consideration the basic principles of good drainage.
An accurate diagnosis of the main cause of persistent basement wetness may lead to a recommendation of redirecting water away from the foundation or into drainage or pumping systems.