I read that check valves are a shoddy way to stop a syphon in your return line in case of a power outage. The way I have my return line plumbed right now is hard to make a syphon break. I have a semi-flexible tube running from my pump to a set of 90 degree pvc (to make an up and over) and down into a set of lock line deep in the tank. Should I re-plumb the return line or is there an easy solution to make a syphon break?
Return Line Syphon Break?
- Thread starter jerrodm
- Start date
tallball158
New member
+1 just drill a small hole, and it will break the siphon.
azjohnny
Active member
I have a George Fisher Wye valve with a double union ball valve on each end so I can remove the valve where it can be disassembled for cleaning. Lack of maintenance is why check valves have failed in the past
If you drill holes in the return check for algae or other buildup on a regular basis. You could also position the output so it's just below the surface
If you drill holes in the return check for algae or other buildup on a regular basis. You could also position the output so it's just below the surface
NTP66
New member
This is what I did, because the sound of the stream of water from the return elbow was driving me nuts (tank is in my family room). Worked perfectly, and I don't have to worry about anything getting clogged.
degibson84
New member
I drilled a hole right through the loc-line. this gave me two holes just in case one gets clogged with debris or snails i still have the other
fltekdiver
Active member
That's what I did on mine, works like a charm
ProudSoonersFan
New member
This! I have my aquarium and sump in the garage doing a "dry" run before bringing it inside. I drilled holes in the return just below the running water line, pulled the plug on the return pump, and observed the sump. It did not overflow and I could hear the siphon break making a slurping sound.
Fizz71
FragSwapper
My electric company tests mine for me every month...usually around 2 in the morning when some drunk dipsh*t does a header into a telephone pole.
Seriously though...I don't test my setup for power outages anymore. But then again I don't rely on a siphon break hole, I just keep my return near the surface and leave extra space in the sump. I also turn off the main pump every time I do a water change so I'm technically testing it then too.
BlindZide
Active member
HAHAHAAA!!! Sorry to hear about the lack of driving skills your fellow citizens have!
I also have my return set higher in my sump just in case. Glad to hear someone else does the same. I read nothing but "It will start a fire if it runs dry" but figured meh, why not.
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