Sump pumps play an integral role in keeping basements from becoming flooded. A flooded basement can become a disaster very quickly if the water is allowed to sit for too long. The cool, dark atmosphere of a basement will couple with the water to create a perfect breeding ground for toxic black mold. This mold can grow into your floors and walls and escape from your basement, bringing its toxicity with it. If you want to keep your home safe, clean and healthy, there is no way to get around the necessity for a sump pump in your basement. Having a sump pump installed will require you to work with a qualified contractor who understands electronics and plumbing. Sump pumps are built to be tough, but they can also be very temperamental under bad circumstances. You want to be sure that you're working with a contractor who understands how to set up and install sump pumps so that they can avoid some of the most pressing issues. For example, ensuring that there is a grid installed over the pump to keep detritus from impacting the switch mechanism is very important.