sumps

A sump is a pit or reservoir that collects liquid, typically at the lowest point of a system.

In basements, a sump collects water that seeps in, which a sump pump then expels.

In vehicles, the oil sump (also called the oil pan) holds engine oil at the bottom of the crankcase.

Mining operations use sumps to collect groundwater for removal.

The word generally implies a low-lying collection point where unwanted liquid accumulates before being pumped out or drained.