Drilling tank without overflow box

[Bathel]

Can I just drill a 1 3/4" hole and fit a 1" bulkhead in the back of my tank ... put a strainer on it and plumb it down to the sump without using a overflow box?

Or i guess a better question would be ... Is there a reason why I shouldn't do this?

 

[larryl]

I think it would work in general except you might have problems with it being noisy. Also, for a given amount of flow I think overflow boxes can do a better job of skimming off the thin film of scum that forms on the surface of the water. If you just do a bulkhead, I'd consider putting an elbow on the inside (slip fit) and then the strainer, that way you can rotate it to adjust the water level a bit. I'm sure other people out there have come up with better ideas of what to use on the inside of the tank that would be quieter than just the strainer.


Larry

 

[Atticus]

Use the elbow and strainer to decrease noise and increase surface skimming. The main noise reducer will be the vent tube out the back of the tank. Place a tee behind the bulk head instead of an elbow and add a couple inches of pvc to the top of the tee to raise it above water level. You can then cap it and drill a small air hole in the cap. This will keep the drain from siphoning as it will allow air in to break the siphon. Start with a very small hole in the cap and slowly increase its size until the tank stops flushing and you will have a nice quiet drain.

 

[Bathel]

Thankyou for the great information.

 

[broe33]

do exactly what Atticus says. i have drilled 2 of my tanks and plumbed them this exact way.