almarktool
Member
What is everyones experience in using check valves?? i found some for the aquarium trade at champion light they have clean out caps on them as well?
Check Valves
- Thread starter almarktool
- Start date
almarktool
Member
thanks david
that was the answer i was expecting and looking for, i'll save my money
Mark
that was the answer i was expecting and looking for, i'll save my money
Mark
tcoco
Member
it depends on the check valve you install there are two basic valves there are swing checks and spring checks. I use a swing check and it doesn't restrict any flow now if you use a spring check they require alot of pressure to open and they will restrict flow. I went to my local pluming store (not lowes or homedepot pluming store where they sell only PVC pipes and supplys). The swing check works with a flap just like a oneway door as you can have the smallest amount of water flow and it will swing open but as the water flows back the flap seals the opening just make sure you install it with the flow arrow in the right direction and the swing part up so it works properly (i use a 1/2" pvc swing check and picked it up for about $10 better than a new carpet if my pump fails or if my battery backup runs out when the power is out)
broomer5
Active Member
I would have a drilled hole(s) in the returnline as the primary backsiphon prevention.
Check valves as a secondary/redundant backup.
Check valves are mechanical - and someday all mechanical devices will fail.
Although a drilled hole is less likely to fail - it's possible for something to plug it ( I've heard of snails plugging the hole at the same time power loss occurs - now wouldn't that be an unfortunate-unlikely coincidence ).
I suppose having both would be ideal.
Check valves as a secondary/redundant backup.
Check valves are mechanical - and someday all mechanical devices will fail.
Although a drilled hole is less likely to fail - it's possible for something to plug it ( I've heard of snails plugging the hole at the same time power loss occurs - now wouldn't that be an unfortunate-unlikely coincidence ).
I suppose having both would be ideal.
broomer5
Active Member
not the actual return line tubing, but the pvc fitting/spraybar that's in the tank.
Drill a small 1/4" diameter hole in it, just under the normal water level in the tank. Water does shoot out of it, but that just ripples the surface better.
Then when the power fails or you shut down the return pump, as soon as the water level drops down an 1/8" or less, the returnline breaks siphon ( as the air rushes into this hole ).
Works like a charm - very common practice.
Drill a small 1/4" diameter hole in it, just under the normal water level in the tank. Water does shoot out of it, but that just ripples the surface better.
Then when the power fails or you shut down the return pump, as soon as the water level drops down an 1/8" or less, the returnline breaks siphon ( as the air rushes into this hole ).
Works like a charm - very common practice.