Drain vs. Sewer — What's the Difference?
By Maham Liaqat & Urooj Arif — Updated on May 3, 2024
A drain removes wastewater from a single building, whereas a sewer collects and carries waste from multiple sources.
Difference Between Drain and Sewer
Table of Contents
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Key Differences
A drain is specifically designed to carry wastewater away from buildings, such as homes or offices. Whereas, a sewer system is a larger network that collects wastewater from numerous drains and transports it to a treatment facility.
Drains are typically smaller and serve individual properties, while sewers are larger pipes that serve entire communities.
Drains handle less volume compared to sewers, which are engineered to manage the collective output of many drains.
While drains are maintained by property owners, sewers are usually the responsibility of municipal governments.
Maintenance issues in drains can often be handled locally, but problems in sewers may affect entire neighborhoods.
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Comparison Chart
Definition
A conduit that carries waste and water away from a single building.
A system of pipes that collects and carries waste from multiple drains.
Size and Capacity
Smaller, limited capacity.
Larger, designed for high capacity.
Maintenance Responsibility
Typically the property owner.
Generally municipal government.
Affected Area
Individual property.
Multiple properties or entire communities.
Connection
Connects to a sewer system.
Collects from multiple drains.
Compare with Definitions
Drain
A channel designed for the removal of excess water.
The street drain was overflowing after the heavy rain.
Sewer
A pipe or drain used for carrying off sewage.
The smell near the broken sewer was unbearable.
Drain
The act of draining something.
Draining the bathtub takes longer than it should due to a blockage.
Sewer
The infrastructure where all community waste is collected.
They are inspecting the sewer for any potential leaks.
Drain
A pipe that allows water or waste to flow away from a single source.
The drain in the kitchen sink was clogged with food scraps.
Sewer
The environmental aspect of waste management.
Proper sewer management helps prevent environmental pollution.
Drain
A device for controlling water flow in a specific area.
We installed a new drain in the driveway to prevent flooding.
Sewer
A system of underground pipes that collect and transport sewage.
The city's sewer system is undergoing major repairs.
Drain
To cause the gradual disappearance of something.
The long process began to drain his energy.
Sewer
Related to sewage disposal.
Sewer workers are essential for maintaining urban hygiene.
Drain
To draw off (a liquid) by a gradual process
Drained water from the sink.
Sewer
An artificial, usually underground conduit for carrying off sewage or rainwater.
Drain
To cause liquid to go out from; empty
Drained the bathtub.
Drain the pond.
Sewer
A medieval servant who supervised the serving of meals.
Drain
To draw off the surface water of
The Mississippi River drains a vast area.
Sewer
One that sews
A sewer of fine clothing.
Drain
To drink all the contents of
Drained the cup.
Sewer
A pipe or system of pipes used to remove human waste and to provide drainage.
Drain
To cause (a resource or supply of something) to be used up gradually and often completely.
Sewer
A servant attending at a meal who is responsible for seating arrangements, serving dishes, etc.
Drain
To fatigue or spend emotionally or physically
The day's events drained me of energy.
Sewer
One who sews.
Drain
(Sports) To put (a ball or shot) into a hole or basket, as in golf or basketball
Drained the putt for a birdie.
Sewer
A small tortricid moth, the larva of which sews together the edges of a leaf using silk.
Drain
To flow off or out
Gasoline drained slowly from the tilted can.
Sewer
(transitive) To provide (a place) with a system of sewers.
Drain
To become empty by the drawing off of liquid
Watched the tub slowly drain.
Sewer
One who sews, or stitches.
Drain
To discharge surface or excess water
The Niagara River drains into Lake Ontario. When flooded, the swamp drains northward.
Sewer
A small tortricid moth whose larva sews together the edges of a leaf by means of silk; as, the apple-leaf sewer (Phoxopteris nubeculana)
Drain
To become gradually depleted; dwindle
Felt his enthusiasm draining.
Sewer
A drain or passage to carry off water and filth under ground; a subterraneous channel, particularly in cities.
Drain
A pipe or channel by which liquid is drawn off.
Sewer
Formerly, an upper servant, or household officer, who set on and removed the dishes at a feast, and who also brought water for the hands of the guests.
Then the sewerPoured water from a great and golden ewer,That from their hands to a silver caldron ran.
Drain
(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.
Sewer
A waste pipe that carries away sewage or surface water
Drain
The act or process of draining.
Sewer
Someone who sews;
A sewer of fine gowns
Drain
A gradual outflow or loss; consumption or depletion
The drain of young talent by emigration.
Sewer
Misfortune resulting in lost effort or money;
His career was in the gutter
All that work went down the sewer
Pensions are in the toilet
Drain
Something that causes a gradual loss
Interruptions that are a drain on my patience.
Drain
A conduit allowing liquid to flow out of an otherwise contained volume; a plughole UK
The drain in the kitchen sink is clogged.
Drain
An access point or conduit for rainwater that drains directly downstream in a (drainage) basin without going through sewers or water treatment in order to prevent or belay floods.
Drain
Something consuming resources and providing nothing in return.
That rental property is a drain on our finances.
Drain
(vulgar) An act of urination.
Drain
(electronics) One terminal of a field effect transistor (FET).
Drain
(pinball) An outhole.
Drain
A drink.
Drain
(intransitive) To lose liquid.
The clogged sink drained slowly.
Drain
(intransitive) To flow gradually.
The water of low ground drains off.
Drain
To cause liquid to flow out of.
Please drain the sink. It's full of dirty water.
Drain
To convert a perennially wet place into a dry one.
They had to drain the swampy land before the parking lot could be built.
Drain
(transitive) To deplete of energy or resources.
The stress of this job is really draining me.
Drain
(transitive) To draw off by degrees; to cause to flow gradually out or off; hence, to exhaust.
Drain
To filter.
Drain
To fall off the bottom of the playfield.
Drain
To drink.
Drain
To draw off by degrees; to cause to flow gradually out or off; hence, to cause the exhaustion of.
Fountains drain the water from the ground adjacent.
But it was not alone that the he drained their treasure and hampered their industry.
Drain
To exhaust of liquid contents by drawing them off; to make gradually dry or empty; to remove surface water, as from streets, by gutters, etc.; to deprive of moisture; hence, to exhaust; to empty of wealth, resources, or the like; as, to drain a country of its specie.
Sinking waters, the firm land to drain,Filled the capacious deep and formed the main.
Drain
To filter.
Salt water, drained through twenty vessels of earth, hath become fresh.
Drain
To flow gradually; as, the water of low ground drains off.
Drain
To become emptied of liquor by flowing or dropping; as, let the vessel stand and drain.
Drain
The act of draining, or of drawing off; gradual and continuous outflow or withdrawal; as, the drain of specie from a country; the project is a drain on resources.
Drain
That means of which anything is drained; a channel; a trench; a water course; a sewer; a sink.
Drain
The grain from the mashing tub; as, brewers' drains.
Drain
Emptying accomplished by draining
Drain
Tube inserted into a body cavity (as during surgery) to remove unwanted material
Drain
A pipe through which liquid is carried away
Drain
A gradual depletion of energy or resources;
A drain on resources
A drain of young talent by emmigration
Drain
Flow off gradually;
The rain water drains into this big vat
Drain
Deplete of resources;
The exercise class drains me of energy
Drain
Empty of liquid; drain the liquid from;
We drained the oil tank
Drain
Make weak;
Life in the camp drained him
Common Curiosities
What is the primary function of a drain?
Drains are designed to remove wastewater from individual sites.
How does the size of drains compare to sewers?
Drains are smaller and have a limited capacity compared to sewers.
Who is responsible for maintaining drains?
Property owners are usually responsible for maintaining drains.
Can drains connect directly to the environment?
Drains usually connect to sewers, not directly to the environment.
What are the consequences of a sewer malfunction?
A malfunction in the sewer system can impact multiple properties or an entire community.
How does one prevent problems in drains and sewers?
Regular inspections and avoiding the disposal of inappropriate materials can prevent most issues.
What does a sewer system do?
A sewer system collects and transports waste from multiple drains to treatment facilities.
What happens if a drain is blocked?
A blocked drain affects the specific property it serves.
What materials are drains and sewers made from?
Drains and sewers are typically made from materials like PVC, concrete, or clay.
Are sewers accessible for cleaning?
Sewers are accessible but typically require professional services for cleaning and maintenance.
Do both drains and sewers need regular maintenance?
Yes, both require regular maintenance to function effectively.
How does rainfall affect drains and sewers?
Rainfall can overwhelm both systems, but sewers are more vulnerable to large-scale flooding.
Who manages the sewer system?
Sewer systems are typically managed by local municipalities.
Is it safe to handle problems in drains by oneself?
Many drain issues can be resolved by property owners, though some may need professional help.
What role do sewers play in public health?
Sewers are crucial for controlling waste and protecting public health by preventing environmental contamination.
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Written by
Maham Liaqat
Co-written by
Urooj ArifUrooj is a skilled content writer at Ask Difference, known for her exceptional ability to simplify complex topics into engaging and informative content. With a passion for research and a flair for clear, concise writing, she consistently delivers articles that resonate with our diverse audience.
