Quiet Sump Drain Question

[watercrawl]

I feel silly that I need to ask this, but it's driving me bonkers. I asked in another thread, but the answer wasn't specifically to my question.

I'll start off with a general question and avoid my thoughts for now to not muddy the responses.

What is the best way to make a sump drain quiet with the following set-up:

Drilled tank for 1" bulkhead
Nothing on the inside of the tank for an overflow box
Slip x Slip bulkhead

Right now all I have in place is the bulkhead that the LFS installed after they drilled the tank for me.

On the inside of the tank, the bottom of the bulkhead opening is right at 4" below the top of the tank and I need to raise this to raise the water level in the tank above the frame.

Pictures would be great.

Thanks,
Adam

 

[Clay]

I think I'll need to see some pictures to get a good idea of what you're saying.

 

[jcardona1]

Yeah it's hard to visualize based on your description. But I think you're setup is a candidate for a modified 'Herbie-style' drain. You can find more info via Google on this setup

 

[johno27]

You will have to adjust the bend in the pvc to change the water level

Please excuse my awesome paint skillz

 

[watercrawl]

Yeah, that's what my tank looks like...well, minus the PVC parts. My thought, hope, is that a system like that would reduce noise and the water level in the tank.

I have no box on the inside of the tank around the bulkhead opening.

I want to make it at least reasonably quiet.

How would you guys do it?

 

[jcardona1]

Yeah, that's what my tank looks like...well, minus the PVC parts. My thought, hope, is that a system like that would reduce noise and the water level in the tank.

I have no box on the inside of the tank around the bulkhead opening.

I want to make it at least reasonably quiet.

How would you guys do it?

Look up the Herbie method. Put an elbow pointed up to raise your water level. Valve on the bottom to restrict the flow just a bit. This will force water to back up in the pipe, reducing the gurgling sound. This tank has only one bulkhead?

 

[watercrawl]

Yes, so I'm not 100% keen on putting a ball valve on it to restrict the flow.

I've also thought about putting a "T" in the drain line and then making one side higher than the other and putting the ball valve on the other one. If it backed up, eventually it would find the high line past the "T". Works in theory. *grin*

 

[jcardona1]

Yes, so I'm not 100% keen on putting a ball valve on it to restrict the flow.

I've also thought about putting a "T" in the drain line and then making one side higher than the other and putting the ball valve on the other one. If it backed up, eventually it would find the high line past the "T". Works in theory. *grin*

In theory, yes. But you'll still get the noise. The noise is due to the air/extra space in your drain line. The only way to eliminate the noise is to ensure the line is filled up with water at all times with no air.

This can be done with an external Durso standpipe, but it won't work for you because you want the water level higher. To make the Durso work you'd have to use a downward pointing elbow.

The other option you have is the Herbie method. And like I said, this requires restricting the flow to match the pump's output. I would have your LFS drill another hole and use the second hole as the emergency drain.

But even, here's the setup on my tank. Only one drain line, with a valve restricting the flow. You can hear the crickets

[YT]THLswfuP3DE[/YT]

 

[watercrawl]

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GQDzPGA03Hs

Okay, here is a video of my set-up. It took a couple of hours to get the valve closed to the right setting.

Is/should this herbie thing that sensitive?

The slightest bit too open and the water flows great, but the dang thing makes noise.

The slightest bit too closed and the pump pushes too much water and drains its chamber.

Is this the way it should be?

Also, I got a Mag Drive 7 (supposedly a great pump) and it's vibrating inside the tank making a rather loud noise. Any fixes for this?

 

[CharlieTuna]

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GQDzPGA03Hs

Okay, here is a video of my set-up. It took a couple of hours to get the valve closed to the right setting.

Is/should this herbie thing that sensitive?

The slightest bit too open and the water flows great, but the dang thing makes noise.

The slightest bit too closed and the pump pushes too much water and drains its chamber.

Is this the way it should be?

Also, I got a Mag Drive 7 (supposedly a great pump) and it's vibrating inside the tank making a rather loud noise. Any fixes for this?

From your video, it looks like you are using a ball valve to restrict water flow. You might want to try a gate valve, you can get more precise adjustment with one.