Return pump check valve

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Lyferxb9s

Lyferxb9s

Piranha
MFK Member
Sep 5, 2012
348
100
76
Country lake estates, New Jersey
Ok so I installed a check valve on my return pump outlet because when I lose power or shut off the pump, if the water drains back into the sump, one it will overflow, two the pump will not restart itself :screwy: however it has cut my return GPH about in half if not more. Are there are GOOD check valves that do not cause as much restriction?
 
Sorry, I don't know of any that are less restrictive.

Hope you don't mind me asking, but is there any way to move your returns higher in the tank so that less water drains into your sump in the event of a backsiphon? Or is there anyway to increase the size of your sump to accommodate the excess water? Relying on a check valve to prevent a mini flood would make me nervous.
 
Why would the pump not prime when the power goes out? Is it higher than the sump?
Swing check valves have less restriction than spring type. Which type do you have?
 
show us a pic of your tank overflows...i agree with kendragon ..a swing(or flap) check valve will have less restriction that a spring style check valve.

On my rack system... My overflows are toward the top of the tank. check out the video...i did add a second row of tanks and added the 2 55gal to the system that are to the left on the counter since the video and changed out the pump to a 5000gph pump. when the power goes out...only the top 1.5 to 2inches of water drain into the sump.....when all 16 tanks drain..my sump is not even 3/4 full. Cherck out the link to see it all as it is today.. just scroll down to see the pics.

http://www.flowerhorncraze.com/topi...em-with-sump-project/page__st__20#entry503275

[video=youtube;sNni9rP8XlA]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sNni9rP8XlA[/video]
 
I agree with the swing/flap overflow. The ones I have seen need to be mounted vertically to work properly... so gravity helps the flap close.

Another option is to drill a small siphon relief hole in the return pipe inside the tank at the water level. This should eliminate the need for the check valve.

What pump are you using? I have a QuietOne 3000 pump that exhibits similar restarting problems to what you mention.
 
You can prevent siphon by putting a small hole on the return hose inside the tank just right under the waterline while the system is running. You don't want to put it above the waterline while it is running because it would spray water from the hole. That siphon break should take care of the problem that you have. A swing check valve is good but will seep water and not 100% reliable. If your sump still overflows with the siphon break, your pump is too fast or your sump is too small. Good Luck.
 
Oughtsix said:
Another option is to drill a small siphon relief hole in the return pipe inside the tank at the water level. This should eliminate the need for the check valve.
Click to expand...
twilight zone said:
You can prevent siphon by putting a small hole on the return hose inside the tank just right under the waterline while the system is running. You don't want to put it above the waterline while it is running because it would spray water from the hole. That siphon break should take care of the problem that you have. A swing check valve is good but will seep water and not 100% reliable. If your sump still overflows with the siphon break, your pump is too fast or your sump is too small. Good Luck.
Click to expand...

+1
I've done the same thing on both of my returns. Once I turn my return pump off, the tank water level will sink below the holes and break the siphon.


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I have used oversized checkvalves to eliminate restriction, but it must be with swing style, not spring.
Lets say your return lines are 1"inner diameter, using a 1.5" checkvalve or even bigger will allow for the 1" inner diameter.
 
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