So we had some flooding today, and more rain due tonight. Nothing that hasn't happened before - except it's been a while since we've had this problem. Water came in from the patio to my dad's study - it is his "man cave" and has his recliner where he sleeps. Stanley Steemer came in and ended up taking up the carpet to remove the pad underneath, then replacing the carpet and removing most of the water. (they were awesome by the way.) Dad had trouble finding the ph# of the handyman he usually uses.I found it for him on the computer. I also went downstairs to make sure the basement had not flooded. It hadn't. I checked the water level in the sump pump and felt it was too high. I know what the sump pump does but no idea how to check it. Dad came down with me but could not see the level of the water (the pit that the sump pump is in is dark, and so is the sump pump itself.) Stanley Steemer guys were nice enough to go down and take a look and they agreed the sump pump did not seem to be working. I found a number for a sump pump repair person (Mom wasn't sure what heading to look under for sump pump.) Mom called the technician who told her how to check. She went right down to the basement. I was afraid to fiddle with it so I got on my computer to see if there was any online instructions. Mom came back up, was annoyed that I hadn't come down, said she did what the tech said and it didn't seem to be working. Repair people will be here in the morning. Please cross your fingers for us. Mom doesn't like to throw stuff away so if that basement floods it will be catastrophic. Sorry for the novel I'm trying to describe how disorganized this evening was. It was made worse because my father couldn't seem to remember how we handled this situation in the past, and he was moving very slowly. (Poor guy had to deal with stairs that he normally doesn't use.)
My point to all this: my father has handled any repairs etc. the house has needed. Thank goodness he is very organized, I know where he keeps his info, etc. Here is a sexist question - my apologies in advance. In my opinion, men seem to have some built in knowledge of things like how to fix a toilet or figure out why the back yard doesn't drain properly. As executor or whatever it's called sometime in the future I will have full responsibility for maintaining this house, although I don't plan to live here the rest of my life. My dad once made the (unappreciated) comment that I did not make enough money to maintain this house. so how do I handle big events like today? The house once held a family of five, so it's multi level and a good size. I have been a homeowner but it was a lot smaller and had not had the amount of work/improvement this house has had. thanks for reading!!!
One of my stepdaughters and one good female friend are awesome at this kind of thing. I'm not sure it is an in-born gender difference. I just know I'm not into that kind of thing!
I'm now the main caregiver for dad. Like your father, when I used to ask him advice on the leaking shower or the toilet, etc...he would struggle hard to remember and just can't. I tried my nephews of next door - but they don't know how to solve the problem. So, I now call the plumber to do the repairs.
As for YouTube... I'm too scared to try it, and then get stuck halfway. Then have to wait until morning to call the repairman.
I enjoy the home maintenance stuff, I have even installed a few dishwashers, changed out faucets, etc. Sure it take me longer to do these things, but I'm insane and find it relaxing!
Put bowls of kitty litter and/or baking soda in the basement to absorb any odor.
Fix and/or replace the sump pump; if you're not comfortable with the repairman's suggestion or attitude, call another one.
You can put bricks (since they're nonabsorbent) in the basement and set the bags of stuff on them, unless the stuff is wet and/or moldy, in which case it's better to throw it out unless it's really valuable. I've read that some clean-up companies can dry things out.
Run a dehumidifier as well to control the moisture.
Call your insurance agent and report the damage. Your homeowners' insurance should cover any damage and repair costs due to flooding.
Second, there are some excellent DIY and repair forums. This Old House has one, but there are some competing alpha males and that rivalty can sometimes be tedious if they're arguing over whose answers are more right.
My favorite is boards.diynetwork/eve?a=cfrm
. There are at least 2 remodeling contractors, some very experienced DIYers, including one female who knows more about plumbing than most men. There's also an electrician, a plumber, and a lot more DIY'ers.
If you explain that you're a novice and ask for extra details, you'll get it.
Third, as to the continued flooding issue, if this has gone on for sometime and the sump pump can't solve the problem, contractors would recommend installation of a French drain. This is a lot of work and costly though, so see what the insurance agent and repair person has to say.
Fourth, although a lot of people recommend Angie's List, I've found them to be aggressive in trying to get me to join and had to be quite rude to get them to stop unsolicited e-mails. In addition, one of the contractors whose truck claimed an Angie's List endorsement was a plumbing contractor whose service was terrible. The work was done, but the plumbers were unprofessional. One blew a fuse and ruined a telephone. The other bitched about the brand of faucet I bought.
I've found the best contractors by calling the building inspection department of my city and asking who does a lot of work in our city. They shouldn't really be recommending any specific contractor, but they can tell you who they've successfully worked with a lot.
You can also watch the DIY network if you have it. The Mike Holmes (Holmes Makes it Right) and John DeSilvia (Rescue my Renovation) series focus on problem solving, generally much broader than most of us would face, but there's a lot to be learned.
I was so proud of myself about a month ago though -- before a long road trip, I popped the hood on my car, and checked my fluid levels! I replaced my window washing fluid myself, and then drove to the mechanic to have him add oil and whatnot.
Fortunately I am married to a Renaissance Man who can fix anything, even if it needs a 25 pound sledge hammer. He calls it "The Persuader".