Maintenance, attention, and waterproofing are the answer. In order to prevent basement water problems, you need to waterproof your basement walls. You can do this by:
Installing a french drain and covering the walls from the outside (exterior basement waterproofing);
Digging a drain and applying water-resistant materials to the inside of your basement walls to channel the water away (interior basement waterproofing);
Sealing all the cracks and making sure that your foundation’s structural soundness is not compromised (crack repair and foundation repair).
Remember, waterproofing your basement is one of the best things you can do for your home. This will improve its overall condition, keep it smelling fresher longer and increase its resale value.
All of it can be implemented in a DIY style, but it would never guarantee success, unless you’re a specialist yourself. Waterproofing is a complex process that requires experience, skills and a set of commercial-grade tools.