A sump pump is designed to pump water from under your basement floor to prevent damage. With only the lid showing for access, the equipment itself is covered up in the floor - out of sight, out of mind - to give you, the home or business owner, the peace of mind you deserve. Below is an an overview of the sump pump and the most frequently asked questions about the units. For many homeowners the first line of defense against water in the basement is a sump with a pump in it. The sump may be connected to drain tile that drains the footings of the house, under the entire basement, or just the area where the sump is located.