Wet Basement Syndrome: Some Possible Solutions

     This time of year, you never know what Mother Nature may throw at you next. A month of sunshiny days could lull you into a false sense of security -- then you get deluged with a solid week of flash-flood-inducing rains. So it definitely pays to be prepared.

     In summertime, our basement drain is almost always being replenished by runoff water from the central air conditioner. It helps to dehumidify, but in the event of a heavy outside downpour, we're faced with a dilemma.

     Years ago, Dad invented an excellent drain plug by nailing a rubber ball to a clothesline pole. Whenever there's a heavy rain, we simply wedge the plug-pole into the basement drain hole. But when the air conditioner is on, the spillover hose is in need of a new home -- perhaps the sink?

      For these reasons, sometimes we are faced with a wet basement -- which fortunately, usually stays in the laundry room. So how have we dealt with this dampness?

     First, a movable dehumidifier has been a godsend. It also helps to flatten out the warped particleboard basement paneling. But it's just not enough to do all the "heavy lifting."

     Therefore, usually we employ a number of rather-scruffy rugs, along with a powerful box fan. Laying the rugs across the mess, it soaks up the moisture. Then, I progressively move the rugs back and advance the fan, until the room is as dry as possible. (This also helps to "put a damper" on those pesky fungus gnats, which like to propagate around house plants.)

      A sump pump is also a good idea, especially if you get a major "infestation" of water. My oldest brother has used this in the past, but unfortunately, he still lost some of his prized comic books at one of his many country homes. So if you own any printed materials or record albums, try to keep them in the higher floors if you want them to stay dry!

     Building a dam around the drain (or leaky area) is also a good idea -- even with something as simple as sandbags. Tire inner tubes also make dandy receptacles for sand. I do a lot of exercises in the basement (walks, etc.) so something like this would come in handy. A slip-proof "cat walk" to bridge across the wet areas, would make a lot of sense. Or combine a few of these concepts. So my next home improvement investment may well be a very long and "thirsty" rubber mat! 

     If you can get the sun to shine into the basement more, this may also help the evaporation factor. But remember if you do use a drying fan, don't put it directly in the water -- and try not to step on and detach the plug like I did the other day!

     Lou Manfredini (of WGN radio and other fame) probably has some more advanced products to really help you manage basement moisture -- though they may be quite expensive. In the meantime, use your imagination and ingenuity, and you may come up with something extraordinarily useful.

     And never forget the power of good old "elbow grease" -- a robust mop or broom can also work wonders. Also, please let me know if there's a durable, long rubber mat that you would especially recommend. (I predict a Home Depot gift card will enter my life in the near future!).

      Altogether, nature keeps us on our toes with constant challenges, to sharpen our innovative acumen. Prepare for those rainy times ahead -- then you won't have to escape in your own form of Noah's Ark!