Drains vs. Sump — What's the Difference?

To draw off (a liquid) by a gradual process

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.

To cause liquid to go out from; empty

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

To draw off the surface water of

A cesspool.

To drink all the contents of

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

To cause (a resource or supply of something) to be used up gradually and often completely.

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

To fatigue or spend emotionally or physically

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

(Sports) To put (a ball or shot) into a hole or basket, as in golf or basketball

The lowest part of a mineshaft into which water drains.

To flow off or out

A completely flooded cave passage, sometimes passable by diving.

To become empty by the drawing off of liquid

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

To discharge surface or excess water

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

To become gradually depleted; dwindle

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

A pipe or channel by which liquid is drawn off.

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

(Medicine) A device, such as a tube, inserted into the opening of a wound or body cavity to facilitate discharge of fluid or purulent material.

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

The act or process of draining.

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

A gradual outflow or loss; consumption or depletion

A pond of water for salt works.

Something that causes a gradual loss

A puddle or dirty pool.

Plural of drain

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