They and their dogs spent the night with family in Wanganui East, but were unable to return to their house yesterday.
"I'm dreading what we'll find when we go back."
Shawn Laurence was one of the few Burton Ave residents who did not evacuate. He and his family watched the floodwaters carefully, and Mr Laurence moved his car on to the road as a precaution.
"That was just in case we had to get out in a hurry."
Eventually Mr Laurence decided to stay put and his decision was rewarded - the water was lapping at the steps, but did not go into the house.
However, the street has problems with backed up sewage and the family is flushing the toilet as little as possible.
They are also keeping well out of their back garden, as it is covered in sewage.
"We rang Civil Defence and they said to keep away from it," Mr Laurence said.
By lunchtime yesterday most of the water had drained out of Burton Ave.
Richard Booth and his family also stayed put in their Kaitoke home.
"We don't really have a choice because the road leading up to our place is under about five feet of water."
Mr Booth managed to make it home on Saturday after a trip into town - the road became impassable not long afterwards.
"We've got the fire going, the power's been restored, and we have plenty of water. We are doing all right," Mr Booth said.
About 20 volunteers gave up their Saturday night to fill sandbags for roading contractors Downer to use. The sandbags were used around town to help prevent flooding.