A sump pit is a hole which is designed to collect water and other spilled fluids. One of the most classic locations for a sump pit is a basement, with the sump pit wicking water away from rest of the basement to ensure that the basement does not flood. Typically, a sump pit is outfitted with a sump pump, a pump which is designed to periodically remove liquid from the pit to ensure that it does not overflow. Regular maintenance of both the pit and the pump is required to ensure that the sump pit continues to work as it should.

In a basement, a sump pit can be vital. When the water table in the surrounding area is higher than the basement, water can leach into the basement, causing a variety of problems. Water can also drain into the basement during periods of heavy rainfall, especially if a home's gutters are not well-maintained, allowing water to drain freely in a variety of places. If water is allowed to flood a basement, it can cause significant water damage, encourage the growth of mold, and potentially create a health hazard, if allowed to stand.

Basement sump pits are drilled into the floor and typically lined with brick or concrete. A grill or grating allows water to flow into the sump pit while allowing people to walk over it, and the sump pump connects either to a storm drain, or to the municipal sewer system. Typically, the pump is equipped with a float which causes the pump to click on during periods of flooding. The sump pump may also have a manual lever which allows people to pump when the power goes out.

Sump pits are used in locations other than basements to catch a variety of materials. Auto body shops, for example, may use a sump pit to trap spilled oil, fuel, and other fluids. Sump pits may also be used to catch hazardous waste in hospitals and other medical facilities, in which case special care must be taken when maintaining the sump pit.

In addition to collecting fluids, sump pits can gather small debris, and sometimes algae may grow inside. Therefore, it is necessary to periodically scour a sump pit and to clean the components of the pump, taking special care to ensure that the tubes of the pump are not clogged. While this task can be unpleasant, flooding is far more undesirable, and if done regularly, cleaning the sump pit and pump should not take too long.

When cleaning a sump pit, make sure that the pump is disconnected from a power source, and wear heavy gloves to keep your hands clean. You may also want to bring a portable workshop light so that you can clearly see what you are doing, along with a tarp to lay the pump out on while you clean the sump pit. When you're done and you have replaced the pump, check to make sure that the float is moving freely.