Basement Blues

The basement water situation rages on...

First, let me say that yes, we do have a sump pumps, 2 of them.  We do sometimes get a bit of water in the area of our basement which is and was going to remain unfinished. 

Once, during Hurricane Floyd in 1996, we got water on the other side, that Hubby began to finish.  This storm was supposed to be a once in a 100 years storm.  The amount of water that fell in 24 hours was staggering. 

Alas, while some parts of the US are in drought, we have been getting a lot of rain.  The ground just cannot absorb any more.  So, when the 4 inches fell yesterday, even though half the amount of Floyd, it was just like that... actually worse.  Worse because Hubby laid a moisture barrier and plywood down for flooring and framed out the entire 'usually' dry half of the basement.  Ugh.

We cannot put it thru to insurance because we are doing the construction sans permit, and don't want to draw attention to it.  Also, the only things ruined are basically the plywood and what not so far. 

What hurts is not monetary so much as undoing all the labor that Hubby has done on his own to do the construction so far.  <<sigh>>

Interestingly enough (being sarcastic here), the flooding came to the kitchen last night!

Hubby could not get one of the extra pumps he borrowed to work.  Our basement slop sink was backed up and had something pumping into it and so was the bathroom in the basement. 

Hubby filled our kitchen sink and put the pump into it.  Nothing happened, at first.

I should describe to you that our kitchen sink has a window, and framing the window, 3 shelfs on either side.  On shelves are some knick knacks and our meds, the kids, and Hubby's and mine.  Even the dog's meds were are there.  Right next to the sink are two coffee makers to the right and to the left a bread box,a mixer etc.

Suddenly, the pump exploded into action and literally threw all the water of the FULL sink up into the air! 

Into Hubby's face, and all over the kitchen sink window, shelves and for three feet in either direction next to it!

And, it wasn't just water, it was globs of rust and dirt that had apparently been clogging up the pump!!!  Ewwww....

I screamed and leapt backward, the kids ran out of the family room, and my dad who was just behind Hubby, yanked the plug out of the wall.

For a second, we all just stood there, and then Hubby started to laugh!!!  I was relieved because I didn't want him to lose it and scare the kids with yelling... but we all just laughed and laughed for minute. 

Poor Hubby.  He was soaked before it happened but now... well, he was truly drenched.  I was just glad it missed my dad - he cannot stand anything messing up his hair!  lol

Well, this was about 8pm and Hubby and dad headed back to the basement to finish up for the night.  They had been there since 2pm... and Hubby just couldn't take anymore. 

I started to clean up the kitchen.  I first took all the knick knacks and medicines and wiped them down and started to clean the shelves, starting at the top, and working my way down.   In between, I got the kids upstairs to bed, where they read for an hour before sleeping.

Hubby came up from the basement at 9pm and took over cleaning the rest of the area and the floor from me.  I took the time to more thoroughly clean some of the knick knacks and stuff. 

About 10pm, Hubby was showered and done and we settled down to eat some pizza and watch the Amazing Race and the Sopranos. 

Hubby went to bed about midnight and I took the time and quiet to put the kitchen back together.  All the knick knacks, appliances and the medicines etc., put back to where they belonged. 

Oh yeah,and during the driving rain and wind, my parents found that there ceiling leaked at bit, from the roof (which is new, but my dad says with wind, it happens) and their bed got wet.  Thankfully, most of it was absorbed by their pillow shams and not the part they sleep on.  Ugh!

Last night we had more heavy rain and it has been steady all day today.  Hubby got home at 12:30pm to start working in the basement again.

There is about 2-3 inches of standing water just about everywhere down there now.  Hubby has 2 electrical places calling him at about 3pm when their pump deliveries are supposed to come in.  Keep your fingers crossed!!! 

Well, I guess those plague frogs may come after all!

We are all okay... sore, frustrated, but hey, it could be worse.  Much worse.  Some people are flooded and have no electric.  Some schools were closed, too.  It truly could be worse!

be well,
Dawn

Tags: noreaster, rain, flooding, basement, could be worse