Well, it happened - water in basement!

Are there any national services that you could call that would have local franchise offices or regional offices in your area?
 

I contacted a junk removal business this morning, but they haven't returned my inquiry yet. Probably every water remediation and trash service is swamped (pun intended) right now.

On the way back from meal delivery yesterday, I saw the trucks of two water remediation businesses at homes near me. They happened to the ones that haven't responded to my inquiries By the time I had lunch and checked my email and walked over the where they had been, they were gone.
 
debodun said:
I contacted a junk removal business this morning, but they haven't returned my inquiry yet. Probably every water remediation and trash service is swamped (pun intended) right now.

On the way back from meal delivery yesterday, I saw the trucks of two water remediation businesses at homes near me. They happened to the ones that haven't responded to my inquiries By the time I had lunch and checked my email and walked over the where they had been, they were gone.
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Deb... this is an emergency.. why didn't you just stop your car when you saw them and speak to them then..why wait until you've had lunch and checked emails?..
 

I put out more fabric items out on the deck to dry in the hot summer sun. Wet sweaters sure are heavy and soak up a lot of moisture. Some pieces have been out there since 7:30 am and they are still wet and it's about 90F in direct sun! I still have to wear boots, rubber gloves and a face mask when I go down there. I did hear from the junk removal business. He wanted photos of what needed to be taken so he could estimate the price. Now waiting again to hear back.
 
I'm probably going to have to trash most of the things that came in contact with water anyway like paper, cardboard and cloth. They got stained and smell musty even after they're dry. I don't want to put filthy items in the washer other than my clothes. I can't explain why I am drying things I'll be tossing, I just have a thing about throwing away damp things.
They are all stuff I brought from the old house and they've been in the basement for going on 3 years and I haven't used a single thing from those boxes and bags. It like I'm moving again. I know the rug looks okay in the pics, but it's still squishy (better that it was Friday, but still squishy) to walk on. I have a oscillating fan going down there, but I don't think it's very effective. These are the photos I sent to the clean-out guy:

damage1.jpgdamage2.jpgdamage3.jpg
 
PeppermintPatty said:
Deb! I’m proud of you. This clearly isn’t an easy thing to do but you are stepping up to the plate and getting things done. Good for you. It truly is an emergency. ‼️
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Thank you. I'm not used to dealing with sudden emergencies - like the proverbial deer in the headlights. My parents always took care of things so I never learned any street smarts, but I don't have that available anymore. I can't ask neighbors for help - they are in the same situation. We've had heavy rains before and there was no water in the sump well, so I never thought to check it until later that evening.
 
debodun said:
Thank you. I'm not used to dealing with sudden emergencies - like the proverbial deer in the headlights. My parents always took care of things so I never learned any street smarts, but I don't have that available anymore. I can't ask neighbors for help - they are in the same situation. We've had heavy rains before and there was no water in the sump well, so I never thought to check it until later that evening.
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Well you ARE dealing with it. You’ve got someone coming over to pick up all the excess stuff you don’t need. THAT’S a HUGE step. Give yourself a good pat on the back.

Once that stuff is gone, try and find a contractor that can help you with those mouldy carpets. They can’t be saved. They seriously need to go.

Why not go to your neighbours and ask if they know someone that can help? Once all that ‘stuff’ is picked up your basement won’t be so overwhelming to you or to others. They will know you are SERIOUS!! They might recommend a contractor. Let them know you need help. Your health and peace of mind is worth the effort.

I’ve watched a few hoarders shows and they say if you haven’t used something in 6 months, then toss it or give it away. There’s nothing worth giving away. Your health is in jeopardy here.

Step one- get rid of stuff. Leave your emotions out of this.

Step two - find a contractor who is willing to rip up that carpet and toss it.

Note: you might need to get a dumpster to put all this stuff in. When we moved we threw out a dumpsters worth of stuff

Step three- find a contractor willing to buy you a dehumidifier, and a sump pump and add that to your basement. There’s a way that your dehumidifier will pick up gallons of water a day and get rid of it without you having to haul the water up the stairs.

Note: this might cost you a couple of thousand dollars but it will be the smartest money you ever spent. PLEASE believe me.
Find someone who definitely knows about this.

This IS DOABLE. You can do this. You moved to escape this type of mess. This is a very unhealthy way to live.

1/. Hire the right people.
2/. Get a dumpster if they recommend one
3/. Be willing to part with your money. You might as well spend it on yourself and your health.
4/. Talk to your neighbours - get references.
Tell them you need help desperately

Time is of importance here. You should have called up ‘meals on wheels.’ And told them you are in a crises and that you couldn’t go in AND used that time to talk to the people who were helping your neighbours out.

A mouldy basement is horrible for your health
Break this down into steps. Follow through on a plan. Ask meals on wheels to help you. Reach out to everyone you know. This IS an emergency ‼️
Treat it like one
 
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You've admitted not being any good at home repairs or maintenance, what you need to do is have the names of three or four handyman at the ready. A great source for them would be your local Nextdoor site, or a neighbors recomendation. Pre call them, ask about the scope of their abilities, any specialities, hourly rate, hours of availability, licensing and insurance, anything else you can think of.

You've got to be proactive.
 
I haven't read through all the responses, can you call someone and pay to have this water pumped out? This is terrible. I feel very bad for you experiencing this.
 
Remy said:
I haven't read through all the responses, can you call someone and pay to have this water pumped out? This is terrible. I feel very bad for you experiencing this.
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Now there's nothing to pump. The water was absorbed in the laundry room with a cement floor after I hand bailed out the sump crock. I just had a few puddles to mop up. The only problem now is the wet carpet in the finished area which also soaked the bottoms of cardboard storage boxes.
 
debodun said:
Things will eventually get resolved. My biggest problem is finding people to help. I am still a bit miffed about the unresponsiveness of the clean-out companies.
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Do you have a phone number for them?
Keep messaging them. Be in their face about this.

Are you paying them for this service or do they think this stuff is salvageable?

Consider knocking on your neighbours door and ask who they used.

Look up ‘dumpster’ and ask if you can rent one. Ask if they hire out contractors. Let them know you are a senior citizen and can’t manage picking all this on your own but you are willing to pay .

Once people know you have rented out a dumpster, then they’ll know you’re ready and serious about doing this. We had our dumpster for 2 weeks.

Keep looking up contractors and asking for a quote.

Maybe even call Meals on Wheels. See if they know any reliable contractors
 
debodun said:
I also haven't hear back from the clean-out guy to whom I sent the photos. Maybe he figures is too small a job, but at least he could let me know that.
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Would it be possible to gradually move the damaged items to the garage and set them out with your normal trash over several weeks?

Probably many items would be scavenged before the trash man arrives.

I know it’s a lot of work but it’s also a lot of good exercise. 😉
 
debodun said:
That the biggest challenge.
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I'm so sorry about the cute felt bunny.

I do agree with you here in finding someone reliable and ethical than can more permanently fix the problem. You being a single female are at added risk for jerks. Can you ask around your neighborhood or people you know for someone they have had come out and did a good job?
 

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