any tips on drying up the basement? Most of the water is gone. I can't run my dehumidifier because the cellar is to cold so the dehumidifier won't work. I've got the windows open, the bulkhead open, not sure if I want to use fans because there is still water on the floor.

By Dawnk777 on Thursday, May 18, 2006 - 11:18 am:

A dehumidifier would have been my idea. DH says that if your basement is at least 55 degrees, that a dehumidifier would work. Could you put a fan on a table, so that it's not on the floor? Without something to circulate air, it's going to take a long time to dry out.

DH also says that his dad used to keep the dehumidifier off the floor as well and had no trouble with it.

By Trina~moderator on Thursday, May 18, 2006 - 11:23 am:

Do you have a wet vac? It's too cold for your dehumidifier? We have ours running in the basement now. I would also consider professional help concerning mold. If the flood damage isn't properly taken care of you could have a mold problem on your hands, which would be a health issue.

By Colette on Thursday, May 18, 2006 - 11:45 am:

The dehumidifier coils freeze up if operated when temps are below 65. According to the manual it came with. I'll try putting it on a table.

By Ginny~moderator on Thursday, May 18, 2006 - 12:55 pm:

Can you borrow a wet-dry vacuum cleaner, or buy a cheap one, to get the remaining water off the floor. Fans will definitely help. We get water in the basement a few times a year from heavy rains because my area has a high water table and clay soil, and some of it just comes through the walls at the corners (yes, I am planning to waterproof "one of these years"). After I wetvac up any standing water, I run a fan or two, putting the fans up off the floor.

By Colette on Thursday, May 18, 2006 - 01:14 pm:

I have a wet vac, that got the rest of the standing water, but the cement is still wet. The dehumidifier is now working, I did put it up on a table, so hopefully that will do the trick. I might put some more fans down there too.

What a pain in the butt!

By Tripletmom on Thursday, May 18, 2006 - 01:21 pm:

I'm sorry you're dealing with this.When we had a flood at our old house.The insurance company did the wet vac and then used lots of fans.I think the fans will help you lots.((HUGS))

By Dawnk777 on Thursday, May 18, 2006 - 06:13 pm:

It's no fun having a wet basement! BTDT, too.

By Eve on Thursday, May 18, 2006 - 06:23 pm:

I have no advice, but wanted to give you a ((HUG)).

By Sandysmom on Friday, May 19, 2006 - 06:46 am:

ditto, Eve ((((hugs))))