What is the purpose of a sump?

A sump serves the purpose of managing sewage or liquid waste within plumbing systems. Sumps are typically installed in basements, crawl spaces, or areas prone to flooding to collect excess water or waste that needs to be pumped away from the premises. The collected liquid is often directed to a municipal sewer system or a septic tank.

This function is crucial in preventing flooding and maintaining sanitary conditions in areas where water accumulation is an issue. While promoting water flow is a function associated with drainage systems, sump systems are specifically designed to handle and remove unwanted sewage or effluent. Collecting drinking water doesn't align with the function of a sump; instead, such systems are handled with different types of equipment and ensure potable water quality. Filtering waste materials is also not a function of a sump, as its main objective is to collect and transfer rather than to treat waste.