Thanks for all the kind words @bushkill, and you're right... definitely nothing major this time around. We have, however, dealt with similar things in the past as what happened with your uncle (from blocked water pipes, to a frozen pipe that burst).

"Luckily" for us, the damage was contained early enough that it didn't cause nearly as much damage as it sounds like your uncle went through. Also probably helped that there are pumps on standby in the basement to help deal with just such occurrences.

Regarding my "new role", let's just say that it wasn't really planned (though perhaps it was subconsciously, as we're all getting a bit "up there" age-wise)... lol

I'm still rather terrified about the whole thing. I dunno about being "great", but I'll certainly give it my best! :)