Ugh, water everywhere in the basement

[homemaker carol]

Thankfully we only have a partial basement. However, the walls in our basement are huge stones. So you can imagine has the water table has risen with all the rainfall we have had, there is water everywhere. Its coming in through spaces between the stones. (First time since we've moved here.) They are forecasting 60% chance of more rain today and rain all day Wed. and Thurs.

We also don't have cement floors - see where I'm heading. The smell is horrible. I'm also very concerned about mold, having 2 asthmatics in our home.

Anyone know anyway to get the smell out? And to prevent any mold from coming?

[homemaker carol]

I just read an article Sara posted at fv in regards to natural cleaners.


Remove mold: If stubborn mold is a problem on walls and ceilings (in basements, for example), scrub with a solution of 2 cups water and 2 teaspoons tea-tree oil.


Has anyone tried this?

[Sara]

Can you run fans? When my house was flooded the recovery team set fans up. They sprayed something to prevent mold, but I'm not sure what it was. Can you call your homeowner's insurance?

[homemaker carol]

Bob is looking at running fans. Hopefully we can find some electrical wire so we can get a plug-in in the basement. If the water gets into our furnace, we will have to call our insurance company. I'm going to have to get our insurance policy out and read it.

[Kimberlina]

When our main drain backed up a few months ago (leaving sewage sludge and wetness all over) we first sprayed with a power washer, which you won't need to do, then applied a mild bleach solution. I hate bleach, but I thought in this case, it was indicated.

[debbiepittman]

I've never tried that. Tea tree oil is something I use on the girls hair to help run lice away. Boric acid or borax (like 20 mule team) is supposed to be good for mold killing.

Debbie

[jlxian]

We have a stone-walled partial basement also. And a very high water table. We get water in the basement whenever there is a lot of rain. The previous owners put in a sump pump (thank goodness).

We run a dehumidifier and also will open the outside cellar door if it gets too damp down there.

If you can borrow or rent (??) a dehumidifier that could be a big help in getting rid of the dampness once the standing water is gone.

Good luck! I feel for you!