plumbing sump return to external pump?

BigDaddy · 04-27-2005, 08:00 PM

So I'm getting a sump... my question is how do you get the water from the sump to the external pump for the return without drilling a bulkhead? I was thinking some flexible tubing I could hold in place... or maybe even some pvc pipe. But then I would have to go over the top and my qustion is how would you prime it?

?

DAC · 04-27-2005, 09:37 PM

hmm dont know. why dont you want to go with a bulkhead? that the easiest and best way i think.

BigDaddy · 04-28-2005, 12:18 AM

yeah i guess I'll go with a bulkhead just wondering if there's any other way.

volitansman · 04-28-2005, 01:44 AM

To use an external pump without a bulkhead you go over the top with pvc and put a T fitting with a removeable cap or a valve at its highest point. To prime the pump you open the top of the T fitting and fill it with water untill it is devoid of air between the sump and the pump, same basic thing as an over the top cls pump.

yardboy · 04-28-2005, 04:54 AM

Trouble is if your power goes out and you aren't there, the pump looses prime and runs dry and burns itself up.

VWD · 04-28-2005, 06:32 AM

the only other way is to get an internal pump that You can put in the sump.

Vince

DAC · 04-28-2005, 10:50 AM

bigdaddy. you are close to me. im in Pasadena and would help you drill it if you want/need help.

Rob_Reef_Keeper · 04-28-2005, 11:08 AM

Going over the top off the sump. If the pump is lower at at the level of the sump it wont lose siphon. I just did this last night on my setup. I forgot to use the T. I just aimed a powerhead (in the tank) into the return pipe to fill the line and turned on the return pump.

DAC · 04-28-2005, 11:27 AM

have you turned the pump offf for 30 seconds and turned it back on? did it work?

Rob_Reef_Keeper · 04-28-2005, 11:40 AM

wharyat · 04-28-2005, 11:52 AM

I think I have a siphon-loss-proof (self-priming) setup for you, give me a few mins to draw it up.

tdwyatt · 04-28-2005, 12:32 PM

hmmmm...

I WOULDN'T BE BETTING MY $300 (USD) PUMP on a siphon system.

The only realistic way and 100% reliable method for external pump installs is to use a bulkhead. This allows the line to drain from the return line without causing a major flood as well (remember to drill a 1/8th inch hole in the return line just below the surface of the tankwater...) Even systems with anti-return valves will slowly leak water back into the system, and they reduce effective freturn flow rates while the pump is on.

Drilling a sump is easy, especially when compared to making some contraption to prevent having to make a bulkhead. Besides, drilling a rubbermaid container is a piece of cake! Just don't forget to install cutoff valves and a true union joint between the system plumbing and both sides of the pump to make removal for maintenance easy.

wharyat · 04-28-2005, 12:39 PM

Finished. Autocad crashed so it took longer than expected.

The main upright cylinder is 3" pvc capped on the bottom, with a MPT plug on the top. When priming the pump all you do is take the plug out fill it up, and there you go, if you loose power water will remain in the pvc allowing it to self prime again. Flow would be restricted, at the most 50-100 GPH, but it's cheaper and easier than drilling.

tdwyatt · 04-28-2005, 01:49 PM

Hmmmm!

Not a bad Idea Vince, and I LIKE THAT AUTOCAD!

Whose softwawre is that?

BigDaddy · 04-28-2005, 07:47 PM

thanks a lot for the ideas. I decided just to have it drilled... it is an acrylic sump and sadly I'm a minimal diy-er. but yes, it will be drilled to make life easy!

DAC thanks for the offer.