Cesspit vs. Sump — What's the Difference?

A cesspit (or cesspool or soak pit in some contexts), is a term with various meanings: it is used to describe either an underground holding tank (sealed at the bottom) or a soak pit (not sealed at the bottom). It can be used for the temporary collection and storage of feces, excreta or fecal sludge as part of an on-site sanitation system and has some similarities with septic tanks or with soak pits.

A sump (American English and some parts of Canada: oil pan) is a low space that collects often undesirable liquids such as water or chemicals. A sump can also be an infiltration basin used to manage surface runoff water and recharge underground aquifers.

A pit for refuse or sewage.

A low-lying place, such as a pit, that receives drainage.

A cesspool; a pit or covered cistern used to collect sewage and waste water.

A cesspool.

A covered cistern; waste water and sewage flow into it

A hole at the lowest point of a mine shaft into which water is drained in order to be pumped out.

The crankcase or oil reservoir of an internal-combustion engine.

A hollow or pit into which liquid drains, such as a cesspool, cesspit or sink.

The lowest part of a mineshaft into which water drains.

A completely flooded cave passage, sometimes passable by diving.

(automotive) The crankcase or oil reservoir of an internal combustion engine.

(nautical) The pit at the lowest point in a circulating or drainage system (FM 55-501).

(construction) An intentional depression around a drain or scupper that promotes drainage.

(intransitive) Of a cave passage, to end in a sump, or to fill completely with water on occasion.

A round pit of stone, lined with clay, for receiving the metal on its first fusion.

The cistern or reservoir made at the lowest point of a mine, from which is pumped the water which accumulates there.

A pond of water for salt works.

A puddle or dirty pool.

An oil reservoir in an internal combustion engine

A well or other hole in which water has collected

A covered cistern; waste water and sewage flow into it