How to prevent tank from overflowing if siphon fails?
- Thread starter brent245
- Start date
I've never built my own but I would do as above and run 2 or I've seen people hook up a small power head to an airline tube to start suction
When the siphon and pump are both operating, a "circuit" of water movement is established between the tank and sump in which the siphon essentially pulls off what the pump pumps in. If the siphon fails, the water level in the sump will drop below the pump intake and further input will cease. This is precisely why you must locate your siphon intake just below the surface of the water in your tank.
brianp;3739630; said:
this will burn out your pump though, the best way to do it is to drill a small hole in the tubing about an inch above the water level. this way if the power goes out, it will start to suck more air than water and it will break the siphon.
I disagree. He is asking how to keep the tank from overflowing. A hole will not help, the siphon stops the pump keeps pumping tank floods.
Your only real option is a secondary overflow, or a electronic float switch in the tank connected to a solenoid. It should be in the tank and not the sump since the tank water level is always the same, and the sumps lowers due to evaporation.
Also setting up the pump in a manor that will keep it running but not pulling water is dangerous, it could catch on fire. The one way you could do it is so the pump is still 100% under water but the intake would become unsubmerged in the event of a failure; however you still risk pump burn out.
Your only real option is a secondary overflow, or a electronic float switch in the tank connected to a solenoid. It should be in the tank and not the sump since the tank water level is always the same, and the sumps lowers due to evaporation.
Also setting up the pump in a manor that will keep it running but not pulling water is dangerous, it could catch on fire. The one way you could do it is so the pump is still 100% under water but the intake would become unsubmerged in the event of a failure; however you still risk pump burn out.
electronic float switch in the tank connected to a solenoid. It should be in the tank and not the sump since the tank water level is always the same,
One in the tank to prevent overflowing and one in the sump to prevent pump running dry.
Only 100% foolproof way to get it done.
Any other method, though they work, will still have a margin for error.
One in the tank to prevent overflowing and one in the sump to prevent pump running dry.
Only 100% foolproof way to get it done.
Any other method, though they work, will still have a margin for error.
KaiserSousay;3741484; said:
This is true, but if you need a float switch in the sump that means that (1) your tank is leaking or (2) your sump ran dry from evaporation
1
The tank has a leak so the sump is pumping itself dry, in which case the float switch is the least of your worries; since you now have a flood.
or 2
You're lazy and don't keep an eye on your sump water level, I check my water level in my sump every day some times twice a day.
