disaster yet again

We have a problem with the basement flooding every May when big rains hit and have been looking into these things called Trench Drains.

http://www.zurn.com/operations/flothru/pages/home.asp

After some investigation, it turns out the water was leeching through the floor (stupid home builder idea involving planting cinder blocks in the concrete but not sealing the gap) so they're not going to be needed, but it might work out for you.

Sorry to hear about all the crap Paul but I can sure relate to continuing bad luck. Last Saturday our fridge died ... but all we can do is keep our chins up and hang in there! :-D