Sump pumps are a very specific mechanical device used to move water out of sump wells (also called: pits, or crocks). They are usually located at the end of drainage systems (also called french drains, or subfloor / footer drains). In these types of drainage systems water in collected via large pipes located either in the interior or exterior of the home. Many people know of the basic use of a sump pump in a basement to prevent flooding, or manage utility or water line failures, but sumps do serve a much broader purpose. Their larger scope of service is to actually keep the water pressure under the basement floor relatively even with the pressure above the floor. This can slow and or prevent certain types of foundation failure. Granted this pressure reliving effect is more effective if there is a large purpose built drainage system in place. None the less, as water goes, one pump is better than

In the marine world sumps are used to expel water from the lower portions of a bilge, and also to raise a sunken boat. The term for this well, whether it has a pump in it or not is a ‘sump’ (from the German word sumpf, which means swamp). Sumps are otherwise commonly known as a sump wells. A ‘sump pump’ is simply the type of pump designed to be installed in these types of wells.