What is the purpose of a sump pump in residential plumbing?

The purpose of a sump pump in residential plumbing is specifically to remove accumulated water from basements and prevent flooding. Sump pumps are typically installed in sump pits, which are located in the lowest part of a home's basement or crawl space. When water enters the sump pit, due to heavy rain, melting snow, or groundwater seepage, the sump pump is activated to remove the excess water. This helps to keep basements dry and minimizes the risk of water damage, mold growth, and structural issues caused by prolonged water exposure. The operation of the sump pump is crucial in protecting a home from the detrimental effects of flooding, particularly in regions that are susceptible to high water levels.

Other options relate to different functions. For instance, increasing water pressure, filtering contaminants, and regulating temperature are important aspects of plumbing systems, but they do not correspond to the specific role of a sump pump, which is primarily focused on water removal and flood prevention.