Changed top-off, now it siphons all the resevior water

C

chrisrush

Premium Member
Well, I went to change my top-off water from a float valve based system to a float switch based system so that it wouldn't clog as much. The problem is that I forgot to account for the gravity that the tubing pulls. Even though I'm only using 1/4" tubing, I cannot get the gravity to stop w/o closing a jg valve. This kinda defeats the purpose of having an AUTO top-off. Anyone got any suggestions?

Would adding 25' of tubing below the level of the sump help? I added some (~3') but that didn't seem to do anything. A solenoid work would work, but I have yet to find one locally? Anyone got any ideas who carries solenoids locally?

Thanks,
Chris
 
You could add a T fitting/siphon break at the highest point of travel and then have it run back to your reservoir but above the water line. That way when the pump starts to pump the water should take the path least resistance and go to the sump. When the pump stops it will suck air in and should stop the siphon.
 
Thanks Stanley, that's a great point, and much cheaper. I'll give that a shot and see how it goes tonight.

Chris
 
Thats what I had to do. I just cut a small hole in the line going to the sump near the top of my resevior to act as a siphon break. Works great everytime.

You ever going to make it over here?
 
Yea, probably one of these days. What about next week or later tomorrow night? I'm working from home tomorrow, but I'll be back up in Dallas around dinner.

Thanks for the idea. If I put a 't' inline, won't the water come out of both of the lines? I guess that really doesn't matter if the line runs back into the sump.

Chris
 
A little will come out, but your top off doesnt have to be fast, and actually the slower it is, the less it will mess with your salinity.

I will be around on and off tomorrow. give me a call. 214-334-3560
 
Thanks for the tip guys. I installed a 't' last night and it works perfectly. Lets hope these float switches work better then my old float valve.

Chris
 
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