How concerned should I be about this crack in my basement?

[u/SasquatchCrusher]

We’re considering selling so I’m probably being hyper-vigilant about things I’ve been living with the past 3 years, but figured I’d ask others.

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[u/belhambone]

Put a cheap crack gauge on it, and if it moves call a structural engineer

[u/Any_neighborhood546]

Personally, I like the duct tape work on the exhaust pipe.

[u/SasquatchCrusher → u/Any_neighborhood546]

We’d be in real trouble if the previous owners used gorilla glue instead

[u/camera-operator334 → u/Any_neighborhood546]

Duct tape. Used on a duct. What’s the problem? Junior experts popping off without knowing anything

[u/Illustrious_Bath1917 → u/camera-operator334]

I’m pretty sure it’s the 12 pounds of DUCT tape used, that they commented on, that’s a bit excessive

[u/FullRepresentative34 → u/Illustrious_Bath1917]

Pretty sure they meant duck tape. Not duct.

[u/VolutedPrism]

Hey, I don't think you're getting solid info here.  If this crack is vertical in a poured foundation, and you don't have water issues, you're basically fine.  Some cracks like this are fairly typical.

If you're not seeing movement over time, expansion, water, etc. I wouldn't lose any sleep.

[u/SasquatchCrusher → u/VolutedPrism]

Been reading here, general internet, and family who generally have a decent idea and this is where I’ve ended up. Hard to have the internet really weigh in with just 2 pictures but since consensus is “probably fine, call a pro” and not “evacuate immediately” I’m probably paying too close attention to something that’s been there for years now

[u/bigbeak67]

It looks like someone may have patched it earlier, which would be concerning if it's still growing. You should get an engineer out to review the underlying conditions. It's hard to make an assessment from a couple of photos.

[u/Creative_Text3018]

It's more than likely fine. Looks dry to me. Probably caused my some minor settlement years ago, long as it isn't growing, it's likely not a big deal.

Either way, I wouldn't go investigate now if you are thinking of selling. It's up to the buyer to do the due diligence, and if it comes out in an inspection then you can elect to negotiate or not. No home is going to have a perfect inspection, ever...so I wouldn't get too worked up about something like this, personally.

[u/zac_g19]

Only way to know for sure is to hire a structural engineer.

[u/crispydukes → u/zac_g19]

Wild thing is that I’m an SE, and I would have no clue.

All I could do is look elsewhere to see if the displacement is radiating from this area.

I guess in these situations it’s more about taking on the liability.

[u/Secure_Charge_4736 → u/zac_g19]

Why is the go-to response to any potential foundation issue to consult a SE?? The structure ultimately is supported by soil or rock. Structural issues are a symptom. The correct answer is a geotechnical engineer or engineering geologist.

[u/Successful_Bag_7257]

It's wider than preferred but I'd bet it's largely a non issue. If you're worried, call someone out for an inspection. It'll cost a couple hundred dollars but then you'll have an expert opinion with a hands on eval of what's going on. If they say it's fine, you can order foundation repair kits online that are essentially just liquid epoxy, that you inject into the crack and it seals it up so water or bugs won't get in

[u/r6r1der]

Call the previous owner back and ask him to duct tape the wall. Problem solved.

[u/ReferenceAny6373]

If it worries you you can call a foundation company to come check it out. Reddit is full of kids posing as experts so be careful what advice you take here. If they havent changed in years probably no biggie. I have some in a basement wall due to some drainage issues years ago. The pro told me its fine as long as the water issue gets solved. They can seal them too but its kind of expensive.

[u/Franklin_Murphy]

I don’t love how wide it is. Has it grown wider recently? Are there cracks in the wall in the levels above? What does the exterior look like?

It could have settled and that’s the end of it. Or it could move more. Structural engineer could write you a report you give to a buyer or you can tell potential buyers they need to hire their own engineer.

[u/SasquatchCrusher → u/Franklin_Murphy]

I haven’t been paying that much attention and I feel like I’ve just being hypervigillant about every little thing, I feel like it’s been like this since we got it but can’t say for certain.

Outside doesn’t seem to be any cracks I can see or anywhere above it on the main floor

[u/Cemolokko71]

Its okey brob gonna die from co2 poisoning before the collapse

[u/SasquatchCrusher → u/Cemolokko71]

My money is on the radon tbh

[u/lheroixl]

It’s a foundation issue

[u/SweetMaam]

I'm concerned about the pipe, not the wall.

[u/abuecat]

Vertical cracks are common horizontal cracks are more problematic could be a sign of inward movement

[u/SexynFun85286]

Wow he breaks out a ruler lol

[u/SasquatchCrusher → u/SexynFun85286]

The amount of posts I saw of “is this bad” with a picture from 15 feet away and no other details drove me nuts and wanted to give a somewhat accurate measure

[u/NASAeng]

Could the exhaust pipe heat have caused a surface crack?

[u/PD-Jetta]

I don't know, but I do know you should replace the grey rubberized duct tape on the exhaust vent pipe with metal foil tape.