Dual Pump, Multiple Tanks plumbing

[reelss]

Hi,

I am planning a system with two pumps running three tanks.

Here’s a rough sketch of the plumbing for the returns.
Any suggestions on optimizations?
I will try to minimize the 90s.

 

[lapin]

You might want to use true union ball valves so you can take pumps out if they need service.

 

[AlexG]

Will both return pumps be pumping water into the same common manifold and return lines?

 

[reelss]

Will both return pumps be pumping water into the same common manifold and return lines?

Good question. I was thinking yes for the return lines so that i could have redundancy in case a pump goes out. For the manifold, I don't see it needing a feed from both pumps.

 

[AlexG]

Good question. I was thinking yes, but I see no real advantage to that. How would you plumb that?

I would actually say don't do that as it can cause issues with the pumps fighting each other or if a pump fails in a common line setup the water would follow the path of least resistance and would simply pump water back into the sump and would not supply the displays (While a check valve could be used to prevent this from happening during a pump failure I don't recommend check valves as they are prone to failure). I would recommend to plumb everything together with valves in place that could be used to divert water in case of a pump failure. This would create a common manifold but it would only be used for emergencies if a pump failed. I also agree with @lapin that you should use true union ball valves for your pump connections.

 

[reelss]

I would actually say don't do that as it can cause issues with the pumps fighting each other or if a pump fails in a common line setup the water would follow the path of least resistance and would simply pump water back into the sump and would not supply the displays (While a check valve could be used to prevent this from happening during a pump failure I don't recommend check valves as they are prone to failure). I would recommend to plumb everything together with valves in place that could be used to divert water in case of a pump failure. This would create a common manifold but it would only be used for emergencies if a pump failed. I also agree with @lapin that you should use true union ball valves for your pump connections.

Thanks. Something like this? Pump1 will feed tank1 and the manifold. Pump 2 will feed tanks 2 and 3. If a the valve between the two would normally be closed.

 

[AlexG]

Thanks. Something like this? Pump1 will feed tank1 and the manifold. Pump 2 will feed tanks 2 and 3. If a the valve between the two would normally be closed.

Yes that setup would work and also provide you an option if you have a pump failure.

 

[Ippyroy]

Thanks. Something like this? Pump1 will feed tank1 and the manifold. Pump 2 will feed tanks 2 and 3. If a the valve between the two would normally be closed.

I was thinking of building something very similar.