Sorry about your basement, but I agree that your DVDs are probably salvageable. Last year I installed a backup sump pump in my basement, and the peace of mind was worth every penny.

While researching sump pumps, I saw where a water-operated one is actually the most reliable kind you can install. (You can even use it as your primary pump and never worry about blackouts.) However, the logistics of mounting it to the ceiling and connecting it to our water line was not possible. So I ended up going with a battery-powered one instead.

There's absolutely no reason to boil the discs. If they're dirty/grimy, dip them in a bucket of warm soapy water, use your fingers to wipe off the dirt, rinse, and finally dry off with a non-abrasive cloth.

Wow, sorry to hear about that! That would be a nightmare.