Heavy rains can do a number on your house, and when the heavens open up, you can be sure that much of the deluge will head straight for your basement.

Times like this call for serious pump action, and if you haven’t been on top of your sump pump maintenance, you could find yourself racing to call a plumber. Joe Klosterman Plumbing has been a top plumbing company in the Cincinnati, OH area since 1983. Joe says that if the air in your basement feels damp and musty, you likely have an issue with moisture creeping in—and an efficient sump pump is the most effective way to keep it out.

A sump pump is like an appendix: You don’t notice it until it is causing a major problem. Many homes, however, are equipped with sump pumps, particularly if they are newly constructed or located in low-lying areas or places that endure harsh winters. The job of a sump pump is to prevent flooding and keep the basement and foundation dry. It is usually located in the lowest part of the building, and if it is working effectively, it can ensure that any water that enters the basement is removed quickly and completely. If you aren't sure how well yours is functioning, or that you even have a sump pump, it may be time to bring a plumber out to assess.

Even a few inches of water can result in thousands of dollars of damage, so you are best served by keeping the water out from the start. Call Joe Klosterman Plumbing today at (513) 941-6766 or visit them online to get in front of your plumbing problems now.