Plumbing question: Gate valve

[RaymondsWorlddd]

I’m curious to know where the best place to install a gate valve is, if there is one. My drain pipe comes down from the tank, hits 90degrees to go toward the front of the tank, then another 90degrees to go down into a clarisea. I’m sure the best place to install the gate valve is on the last piece of pipe that goes straight down into the clarisea, but would it make a difference if it is installed on the first pipe that comes down from the tank before it makes the turns? I imagine it might still make noise if I choose that way because the water is moving so much as opposed to going straight down. Or what about on the horizontal pipe between the two 90degrees?

 

[Crabs McJones]

It doesn't really matter where you install it. My advice is install it wherever is easiest for you to get access for adjustments and removal for cleaning.

 

[mfinn]

I wouldn't think it would matter much where it was installed.
But I do have to ask, is there a second drain pipe?

 

[JoshH]

As close to the sump as possible while still maintaining easy access would be the BEST way to install it. But it doesn't HAVE to be there... Definitely second the question above though, this is a multiple drain setup correct?

 

[Scratch08]

As close to the sump as possible while still maintaining easy access would be the BEST way to install it. But it doesn't HAVE to be there... Definitely second the question above though, this is a multiple drain setup correct?

What he said ^^^

 

[fishybizzness]

This is where I installed mine! Right out in the open and easy to get to!

 

[joec]

Another example. 45's are your friend

 

[RaymondsWorlddd]

Thanks for the replies! Yes, it has an emergency drain. Why do you guys ask? And yes, all piping will be above the sump. The easiest place for me to fit it is on the first vertical pipe, so I may go with there if it doesn't make a difference with the noise

 

[Albertan22]

Thanks for the replies! Yes, it has an emergency drain. Why do you guys ask? And yes, all piping will be above the sump. The easiest place for me to fit it is on the first vertical pipe, so I may go with there if it doesn't make a difference with the noise

Ok, I did similar to what you are saying and put it where it was convenient and regret it. I put it in a horizontal run of pipe where it was easy to look into the overflow and adjust. I figured it would be easier to tune that way. Now I get air trapped in that horizontal pipe and it makes a lot of noise for 15-20 minutes after the siphon starts before it expels the air (and my outlet pipe isn’t too deep in the water). It is easier to evacuate the air above the gate valve as that area fully fills with water. It’s been running this way for 6 months and I’ve about had enough. I am preparing to cut up my plumbing and move the gate valve to the last vertical run above the sump.

 

[mfinn]

Thanks for the replies! Yes, it has an emergency drain. Why do you guys ask? And yes, all piping will be above the sump. The easiest place for me to fit it is on the first vertical pipe, so I may go with there if it doesn't make a difference with the noise

We ask because we see people thinking they need to install a valve on single drain pipe systems, which could be a disaster in the right conditions.

 

[slojim]

Yes, horizontal can trap air. And think of where the water volume is when the valve is restricted. If the valve is near the sump, the line will be full. If the valve is near the top, the line will be mixed For an emergency drain, it may not matter For a siphon, it affects the max flow a lot for an open channel, it will be noisy.

 

[RaymondsWorlddd]

Ok, I did similar to what you are saying and put it where it was convenient and regret it. I put it in a horizontal run of pipe where it was easy to look into the overflow and adjust. I figured it would be easier to tune that way. Now I get air trapped in that horizontal pipe and it makes a lot of noise for 15-20 minutes after the siphon starts before it expels the air (and my outlet pipe isn’t too deep in the water). It is easier to evacuate the air above the gate valve as that area fully fills with water. It’s been running this way for 6 months and I’ve about had enough. I am preparing to cut up my plumbing and move the gate valve to the last vertical run above the sump.

So it is only noisey for a bit of time or continuously loud?
Maybe I will use two 45s instead and install the gate valve on the diagonal pipe. What do you all think about that?

 

[Scratch08]

So it is only noisey for a bit of time or continuously loud?
Maybe I will use two 45s instead and install the gate valve on the diagonal pipe. What do you all think about that?

That will work much better, but still try to get it as low as possible on the diagonal pipe

 

[RaymondsWorlddd]

That will work much better, but still try to get it as low as possible on the diagonal pipe

Got it! Thanks for all the help everybody!

 

[Scratch08]

Got it! Thanks for all the help everybody!

You're welcome

 

[Albertan22]

So it is only noisey for a bit of time or continuously loud?
Maybe I will use two 45s instead and install the gate valve on the diagonal pipe. What do you all think about that?

It’s only noisy on startup. It takes about 5 minutes to start the siphon, then another 10-15 of loud sucking noises to purge that air behind the gate valve. My dc pump ramps down everyday for an auto feeder feed mode so it restarts every day at 2pm. I thought I could live with it until COVID-19 forced me to work from home and have to listen to it every day.

I would try to leave as little pipe after that gate valve as you can, and to not have horizontal or 90 degree bends after the gate valve. That’s my plan for the plumbing rebuild anyway.