return help. back siphoning !!

Keep the holes above the water line, or drill a small hole above the water line to break the siphon.


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tanyaelec11 said:

I recently finally set up my 240 with a sump. I am new at this ..I unplugged the pump to make sure the sump would not overflow if there was a power outage because where we live it happens a bit with the summer storms. Anyhow, my DIY spray bar has decided to siphon the water and I almost overflowed my sump !!! What can I do to fix this thanks !

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Check valve or you can drill a small anti siphon hole just before your spray bar gets submerged. This will allow air to be pulled into the return to break the siphon if for whatever reason the pump shuts off

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A check valve would require cutting your return pvc piping and cementing the valve in place. Drilling a hole will not require you to purchase the check valve or leave the pump off for a day while the cement cures.

The hole would be drilled just above where you water line is. When the unit is running it will have water coming out of the hole but if the pump ever stops running then the hole will take in air instead which will increase your odds of stopping a syphon from occurring.

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Thank to google, here's a rough diagram. You can drill the hole anywhere above the water line.


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tanyaelec11 said:

Thank you I will definitely be drilling a hole or would a check valve be better ?

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A check valve is not a 100% guarantee as they can fail. Drill a hole.

I agree with Bud, skip the check valve. You cannot count on them, they fail often. How far below the water is the spray bar? Is it possible to raise a little closer to the surface? The hole will help, but I never liked that solution. It can get blocked

Just mark your sump for its maximum water level incase the returns back siphon.

I rrun my 40 gallon sump about 2/3 to 3/4 full with a 90 display, no issues.

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