Short answer: Most wet basements are caused by surface water (gutters, downspouts, grading) or water pressure against the wall. Fix the cheap outside causes first; interior drains and sump pumps are the usual next step; exterior excavation is the most expensive.
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Fixes from cheapest to most expensive
- Clean gutters, extend downspouts at least several feet, regrade soil away from the house.
- Seal cracks that leak.
- Interior perimeter drain with a sump pump.
- Exterior excavation, membrane and footing drain.
Charlottesville data
USDA soil data flags a shallow water table on about 5% of Charlottesville city's mapped land and 8% of Albemarle County. If your lot is in a low spot or near a stream, groundwater may be the cause and an interior drain may be needed. On most lots, surface drainage is the first suspect.
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Sources
- USDA soil survey summary for Charlottesville city (foundationsoils.com): https://foundationsoils.com/va/charlottesville-city/
- USDA soil survey summary for Albemarle County (foundationsoils.com): https://foundationsoils.com/va/albemarle-county/
- Virginia DCR, soil surveys: https://www.dcr.virginia.gov/soil-and-water/ssurveys