Bricks, Masonry, Asphalt and Concrete - chimney base

heavy rain causes water to come in my poured concrete basement through the base of the oil burner chimney. The house foundation/base is three feet above ground. Gutters/downspouts working properly, soil pitched away from house, new brick chimney with liner and storm cap. Chimney base foundation was not water proofed. House foundation was, I water proofed base and added sand. Should the base have been waterproofed with foundation when house was built 35 years ago? Can the concrete base be hollow with soil up to a few feet? Can heavy rain cause water to come up the base and spill into the flue base opening? Happens in the fall/winter. Please advise what solution is possible. Thanks

What you describe is a typical water table rise problem.

After extended or heavy rains, the water level in the soil rises above the concrete slab floor and finds entry into your basement.

The solution is to install french drain basement dewatering systems.

You can find help here:


http://www.extension.umn.edu/distribution/housingandclothing/DK7051.html