Are foul smells emanating from the basement? Sump pump odors are telling you something’s wrong. A sump pump is an essential safeguard against flooding from interior or external sources. Situated in a covered basin in the floor, the pump may be activated by groundwater rising up from below the foundation, by an inundation due to a ruptured pipe in the house above or  floodwater entering from outdoors.

Unfortunately, excess moisture is fairly common in the basements of Massachusetts houses. If your basement is damp and musty-smelling, you can verify your suspicions with this test: Tape a 2-foot-square section of plastic sheeting to any wall or surface where you suspect moisture may be entering or accumulating. Check it in a day or two. Any wetness indicates a moisture problem in that part of the house.

If you do find a problem, you can first try to solve it with a dehumidifier. Then examine your gutters for leaks or plugged areas, make any necessary repairs, and make sure the gutters are directing water away from your house's foundation. Then do the plastic sheeting test again. If you still have moisture, it's time to consider a sump pump.

Heavy rainfall from storms or rapidly melting snows can be a source of flooding in basements or crawl spaces. Standing water in either situation can cause water damage that is not covered under standard homeowner's insurance. A sump pump can automatically eliminate standing water in these situations by pumping out the excess water into septic tanks or other areas suitable for drainage.

The sump pump might not be the most glamorous part of your home, but it's certainly one of the most important. Whether you have a full basement or just a crawlspace, this device helps prevent flooding, which can landslide into a host of other problems. The only thing that your sump pump asks in return is a little care, maintenance and cleaning.