Two years ago: HISTORIC FLOOD IN AMERICA’S THIRD WORLD COUNTY!
Not so “historic now. Last time, for example, flood waters rose two feet on our basement walkout door, resulting in ~3” of water in the basement. This time, water was came up to about five feet on that door, but still, only about 4”-4.5” inside.
Main Street “nearly historic” WPA bridge in downtown Third World County Central still (JUST) standing, BUT the creek it once straddled has a new bank, and the bridge is detached from the street. Bridge built better than the land it was attached to? *huh*
Here’s a pic of the bridge before the high water hit, and several hours before it receded and the street washout could be seen.
Had a LOT of flotsam come OVER our 4′ tall fence and into our back yard, including a completely sodden, very heavy heavy bag (for boxing training). Most of my “tire garden” washed up against the far south boundaries of our yard (fence caught that), though four “tire-garden” lil planters with plants stayed put, and the plants look to be OK (some tomatoes and peppers, none bearing, and no longer flowering, *sigh* though the one surviving squash plant has hung onto a flower). Yes, as noted, a bit more water in basement than 2 years ago, but with the HUGE additional surge in water, apparently my mods at the basement walkout served to effect some moderation. Probably have to rent a “destruction dumpster” and just toss MUCH of furniture, etc. from downstairs.
Actually, this is probably all for the good. I may be able to save a couple of the pieces of furniture downstairs–or at least usable portions, like cushions?–or at least abate any water damage/mold issues and donate them, but the rest? Like I said, rent a dumpster and have it hauled off, then get everything down to bare walls again.
Was talking with a (sort of former) neighbor this AM, after he checked out a large storage building he owns that sits just west of our property line. Explored the idea with him of tearing down my fence and replacing it with a stabilized rammed earth wall, about 2′ wide by 5′ tall. *heh* Maybe taller would be better. Have to check that out. That’s a HECK of a lot of tamping of sand/clay/cement mix. . .
Oh, but FIRST I have to repair a leak in a water fitting just south of our water heater. Yes. Water’s been turned off since Saturday afternoon (and no, we don’t stink. . . now. Spent the night at an Econolodge last night. Rates aren’t all that economical, but the amenities are. *heh* No, seriously, they were good folks, and the room and amenities were OK. Certainly better than camping out here with no water and no power. And yeh, the power was off until today, too). Gonna try something fun on the very minor leak at a plumbing fitting, ‘cos major repairs to plumbing ain’t in the picture until all the flood stuff’s dealt with. Check out the YT video below. The best mini-infomercial I have seen in a long time.
Took a while to fix the plumbing problem. Leak fixed. Oops. Another leak. *sigh* Ended up with both replacing couplings and using some, urm, unique (or offbeat? Definitely offlist) solution for a plumber’s putty substitute (though I had both teflon tape and plumber’s putty available), and. . . water retstored.
A PITA, but one I was quite happy to deal with. . . once it was dealt with.