Larger sump pump causing whirlpool

[kdeyarmin]

I just got a larger pump for my sump, because my last pump wasn't big enough. I think my new pump may be too big, because it is causing whirlpools on the output U tube. Any suggestions or way to fix it?

 

[tkeracer619]

What do you mean by output U tube?

Can you post a picture?

You can reduce flow from your pump by putting a ball valve on the output. You cannot put a ball valve on the input.

 

[viggen]

So you have a hang on the back overflow with U tubes. The water exiting the U tube going into the sump is where the issues are correct?

What size pump?

What size pipe going into sump?

 

[Steved13]

I'm confused about the "output U tube" also. But if there is a problem with the output being to strong, how about splitting the output?

 

[kdeyarmin]

Maybe it's not called a U tube, but I thought that's what it said on the box. It's the return line black U shaped tube that puts the water back to the tank.
Will putting a shut off valve on the return line hurt the pump?
Here is my situation - I couldn't fit my 55 gallon sump under my 220 gallon tank, so I had to put it in the basement. I have a 1200gph CPR overflow and only bought a 2200 gallon pump (based on the idea that it was going in the stand, under the tank), but when I had to move it in the basement, I went with a 5200gph pump...
What if I put a piece of filter felt where the water is sucked into the pump, not only will it provide filtering, but maybe slow it down???

 

[tkeracer619]

Do not restrict the pumps input.

Ball valve on output will not hurt a pump. It will actually reduce power consumption and heat.

 

[kdeyarmin]

I have a flexible clear tubing as the return line. Do they sell valves for flexible tubing? If so, where?

 

[tkeracer619]

Just pick up some barbs at home depot that are the correct size for your tube and thread them into a threaded ball valve.

 

[viggen]

so it's the line going from the pump in the tank that is sucking the air?

Can you just T the return so it's getting put into the tank in multiple areas?

Be sure that you test for back siphon, if the power goes out you do not want your tank drained into the basement.

Which pump, size of plumbing?

A smaller pump will cost less to run over time..... 5500GPH is a LOT of flow for your sump

 

[holdyourlight]

How many feet is it from your pump to where the water enters your display tank?

 

[kdeyarmin]

It's about 12 feet from the sump to the entry into the tank. I am going to go to Home Depot today and see about getting a T and putting two output tubes in the tank.
The more I thought about it, I don't know if it is sucking air into the output, or just causes the water to swirl too much. There is no way that it can be sucking the air into the output tube.

 

[username in use]

If it is causing whirlpools on the surface of the DT, try changing the angle of the output nozzle, or moving the nozzle a little lower in the water, that should help. Make sure you have a siphon break on the line going in to the tank though so you don't back siphon too much water.

 

[kdeyarmin]

what is a siphon break? I do notice that when I turn my sump off, it drains water down from the DT to the sump through the return line.

 

[tkeracer619]

its a little hole drilled in the nozzle just below the water surface so that when the pump is turned off it sucks in air and breaks the siphon. It keeps your sump from filling up