Bricks, Masonry, Asphalt and Concrete - Foudation leaking water into crawlspace - how to attack it

(Note: I tried to search on 'foundation' but the search feature on the forum isn't working. Pardon if this gets asked all the time).

A 1950's house on a crawlspace foundation (block/brick) has a few cracks in it. The only one that bothers me, and rightfully so, is one that allows water to go into the crawlspace during rain. From the crawlspace it doesn't look like a large crack (heck, it could just be where the original morter in between the bricks has disintegrated).

The ground level on the outside of the foundation is about 1.5' - 2' higher than on the other side of the foundation at the problem spot. My intention, before reading any responses I might get, is to dig a 5ft wide, 2ft deep (or as deep as I need to go) trench, power-wash the brick, 'seal' the creak (not sure which filler material), and then apply 2 coats of a foundation sealer, including mesh.

I know a picture is worth a thousand words, and as I have started digging I have no pictures, but might anyone have pointers/advice based on the above?

Thnaks,

Chris

Part of your idea is correct. Dig all the way down to the footing. There is no need to power wash it. In fact, you want to dry it, not wet it. We used to use a heavy torch to dry the foundations, then seal them with a membrane, available at building supply houses.

Could you elaborate on this membrane you're referring to?

I 'thought' that the powerwashing was necessary to make the surface cleaning for the application of a thick, black foundation sealing substance. I assumed I'd fill the crack (with morter) and then brush on two coats of this stuff. If the membrane solution doesn't require as much prep then I'm all for it.

Thanks,

Chris

The membrane comes on a roll & is sold at building supply houses. It comes with a milk like substance that we referred to as la leche but it's nothing more than liquid glue that you squirt on the wall after you dry it with a torch. We always let the air get at the wall for an hour or so before we used the torch. Then the glue is applied & the membrane pressed against the wall. Tar can be used where the pieces of the membrane meet. The membrane should be a few inches above grade & a few inches below the footing. Throw some #8 gravel at the bottom of the hole before you back fill. Make sure no dirt get's behind the membrane during backfill.

Once again, don't waste your time pressure washing. I worked as part of a crew when we used the above method. We did many condo foundations & never had a problem.