Can you waterproof a brick basement?

Yes, but brick is more porous and flexible than concrete, making it harder to seal. Type A (Tanking) can be used, but it requires the removal of all plaster and often the application of a render coat to smooth the surface first. However, Type C (Cavity Drain) is often the preferred method for brick basements. It effectively manages the seepage that inevitably passes through old brickwork without relying on the substrate's tensile strength, which might be poor in older buildings.