wet/dry plumbing questions... i'm lost!!!

[traumajeff]

so i'm kinda ignorant to the whole wet/dry thing. i've done my research on here and now have more questions. i've come to the conclusion that i'll be running 2 HOB overflows and 2 return pumps. i've yet to decide on the brand or gph for the overflows or pumps.

i'm stuck here...

1: do i need to run the same size pipe to the sump as the bulkhead in the overflow? what effect would i get if i used a larger or smaller dia pipe to carry water to the sump?

1.5: same for the returns from the pump?

2: do i have to use pvc? could i use a flexible hose to minimize bends and thus decrease friction loss in the returns or poor drainage in the overflows?

 

[buddha1200]

i am not an expert but have built a few wet/dry's myself and from trail and error and this forum have been pretty successful.
1 yes the size of the pipe determines flow rate if the overflow is rated 600 gph the pipe matches that rating.
1.5 same for the return pumps
2 yes you could use flexable hoses
hope this helps and maybe one of the experts on here can help you along farther

 

[Pharaoh]

so i'm kinda ignorant to the whole wet/dry thing. i've done my research on here and now have more questions. i've come to the conclusion that i'll be running 2 HOB overflows and 2 return pumps. i've yet to decide on the brand or gph for the overflows or pumps.

i'm stuck here...

1: do i need to run the same size pipe to the sump as the bulkhead in the overflow? what effect would i get if i used a larger or smaller dia pipe to carry water to the sump?

1.5: same for the returns from the pump?

2: do i have to use pvc? could i use a flexible hose to minimize bends and thus decrease friction loss in the returns or poor drainage in the overflows?

Running the same size drain line is the minimum. Your flow will be restricted by the smallest opening.

Same goes for the pumps. Just match the plumbing size.

Flexible hose will work just as well if not a little better because of the reasons stated in your post.

 

[zennzzo]

as stated above and do run flexible it is much quieter as well

 

[prcdslnc13]

Flexible will help keep vibrations from effecting any rigid plumbing you may have. For your overflows Pharoh is right you want them to be the least restricted possible. Also the bigger your pipe and the less bends the less likely youll be to get a clog somewhere.

 

[jcardona1]

i generally try to run a larger diameter for the drain and a smaller diameter for the return, as the drain is gravity fed and the return is being forced by the pump...

 

[fishnut]

i generally try to run a larger diameter for the drain and a smaller diameter for the return, as the drain is gravity fed and the return is being forced by the pump...

Yes, I agree. The pipe diameter where water goes back to the sump is always bigger because junk will get deposite which will cause some sort of restriction later on.
What type of flexible pipe do you guys recommend?

 

[jcardona1]

there's flexible PVC pipe, but its pretty expensive

 

[fishnut]

there's flexible PVC pipe, but its pretty expensive

I have them but was afraid to use it because I don't know how well it bonds together and how long the bond will last.

 

[jcardona1]

flexible PVC is just that, PVC thats flexible. it will bond with regular fitting and PVC cement with no problems