Noob sump question

[greatfulxdead]

What factor of the overflow keeps the sump tank from overflowing?

Is it how high it is in the tank, or do you have to exactly match the flow rate?

 

[mattd390]

I believe it is the amount of extra water in the tank itself. Also, you should drill a hole in the return line a little below the waterline so that it will break the siphon. If done correctly the tank will never overflow.

 

[rallysman]

It's the total system volume (and overflow placement) that determines the level of water in the sump.

The overflow will only flow what the pump can return, and the level will only go as high as the water that's allowed to flow into it. It'll stay level till the power fails, then it'll raise slightly as the pipes drain. You have to be sure that the return line doesn't create a siphon as well.

 

[mjohns]

It's the total system volume (and overflow placement) that determines the level of water in the sump.

The overflow will only flow what the pump can return, and the level will only go as high as the water that's allowed to flow into it. It'll stay level till the power fails, then it'll raise slightly as the pipes drain. You have to be sure that the return line doesn't create a siphon as well.

So this means you have to maintain your water level in a certain range?

Doesnt sound fun..

I dont think i understand

 

[mattd390]

It's the total system volume (and overflow placement) that determines the level of water in the sump.

The overflow will only flow what the pump can return, and the level will only go as high as the water that's allowed to flow into it. It'll stay level till the power fails, then it'll raise slightly as the pipes drain. You have to be sure that the return line doesn't create a siphon as well.

Thanks for taking what I was thinking and saying it with the correct terms . lol

 

[rallysman]

So this means you have to maintain your water level in a certain range?

Doesnt sound fun..

I dont think i understand

Yes, you have to keep the water level low enough to keep the sump from overflowing when power fails. (this usually isnt a problem depending on the amount of plumbing and style of return line).

You also have to keep the water high enough that the pump wont suck air in. It really sounds complicated, but is simple. Once you see one in action and have an explanation of how it works, it all makes sense. As soon as I get a camera back in my house that does video, I can do a walk through on how it works.

 

[mjohns]

Yes, you have to keep the water level low enough to keep the sump from overflowing when power fails. (this usually isnt a problem depending on the amount of plumbing and style of return line).

You also have to keep the water high enough that the pump wont suck air in. It really sounds complicated, but is simple. Once you see one in action and have an explanation of how it works, it all makes sense. As soon as I get a camera back in my house that does video, I can do a walk through on how it works.

Ide guess this would make sense as long as you have a reasonable sized chamber for your pump? what happens during W/C when you have lowered the water? or do you turn the pump off?

 

[rallysman]

Yes, you have to shut the pump off during water changes.

 

[mjohns]

Yes, you have to shut the pump off during water changes.

I see and i guess as the week goes by, you will see the water level in your pump chamber drop from evap? so you just check it daily to find how long you can leave it without topping it off?

 

[rallysman]

I see and i guess as the week goes by, you will see the water level in your pump chamber drop from evap? so you just check it daily to find how long you can leave it without topping it off?

Pretty much. If you have it covered really well it's usually not an issue, but if it's an open sump and an open tank it will make a big difference.