Return Pump keeps busting a leak!

[PacsAdmin77]

HELP! My return pump has a tendency to lose its connection with the return hose and flooding ensues. I’ve tried replacing the plastic hose clamp and everything would be calm for a few months. My latest fix involved using a hose clamp in conjunction with zip ties but that only lasted for 5-6 months. Yesterday, my return pump dumped about 10G of SW onto my floor at 6am so that’s fun morning....
I don’t know what else to try, as a long-term, permanent, and, most importantly, secure connection between my return pump/hose.
Does anyone have any suggestions??!

 

[Fishtheatre]

Hard plumbing? I had the same issue and replaced the hose with zip ties too. Spilled a good bit myself and that was after the first sump I put in sprang a leak. Now i’m thinking it’s time to reconsider...have it on a hardwood second floor...definitely not the ideal spot.

 

[SPR1968]

I use Marine grade S316 steel hose clamps on my returns and elsewhere to make sure nothing will come off

This is provided they aren’t submersed in the water as although they are Marine grade you may get some corrosion over the years so you don’t want them in the water in a reef tank.

 

[Braves Fan]

Just a thought ,, try and get a hose with a smaller inside diameter ,, they sell them ,, you can buy adapters at Lowe's or Home Depot or BRS that will screw onto your pump ,, that will allow you to try to get a better fitting hose ,, I have plastic hose clamps on my hoses ,, they really aren't needed though ,, those hoses aren't coming off ,, the pumps aren't putting out enough pressure to blow them off ,, I have to work to get the hoses in place ,,

 

[Topekoms]

Hard plumbing is the only way to go

 

[mfinn]

I usually find a good quality stainless steel hose clamp.
I had one ( before I went pvc all the way) that was in my sump of a 50 gallon tank for about 7 years and it had a tiny bit of tarnish, but nothing serious.

 

[PacsAdmin77]

I use Marine grade S316 steel hose clamps on my returns and elsewhere to make sure nothing will come off

This is provided they aren’t submersed in the water as although they are Marine grade you may get some corrosion over the years so you don’t want them in the water in a reef tank.

So I can’t use this type of metal hose clamp on the point of connection between my return pump and return hose, both of which are obviously submerged in SW?

 

[PacsAdmin77]

Hard plumbing is the only way to go

Can you provide an example of this PVC plumbing setup that I can potentially mimic?

 

[SPR1968]

So I can’t use this type of metal hose clamp on the point of connection between my return pump and return hose, both of which are obviously submerged in SW?

You could but the problem is potential corrosion and you would have to keep a close eye on it in case it started to rust so if it’s submerged I probably wouldn’t recommend it.

You can actually buy plastic versions of the worm drives if you search it. Below is from UK but I’m sure you will find some

HCL Clamping | Worm Drive & Screw Clamps - Plastic Worm Drive Hose Clamp

HCL's plastic worm drive hose clamp product is unique and ideal for applications requiring a non-conductive and non-corrosive clamp.

www.hcl-clamping.co.uk

 

[Hallowhead]

I never thought of this happening and now I'll have nightmares that my silicone tubing between my hard plumb and pump is gonna come lose... I don't think I even have hose clamps it's been running 6 months

 

[Saltyreef]

What does your return pump and return plumbing look like at the moment?
A simple 1" slip adapter at each end to replace the barb fittings, and you can plumb in an eshopps flexible hose with pvc glue.
I use a union on the pump itself for easy pump removal during maintenance.

 

[Hallowhead]

Currently what I have

 

[robbyg]

So why don't you just screw out each of the black adapters and replace them with the same size threaded PVC adapters with female pipe inserts. Then replace the small piece of clear hose with PVC pipe and glue them all together. You already have a coupling joint so screwing in all the pieces will be easy.

 

[Hallowhead]

I had it all hard PVC originally but it vibrates too much

 

[homer1475]

I have what robbyg suggested with the exception of using a small peice of spa-flex between the hard plumbing and the pump. Its just soft enough to dampen vibration noise, but can be glued like regular pcv.

 

[robbyg]

I had it all hard PVC originally but it vibrates too much

Put back the PVC and work on eliminating the vibration. There are lots of ways to eliminate vibrations.

 

[robbyg]

I have what robbyg suggested with the exception of using a small peice of spa-flex between the hard plumbing and the pump. Its just soft enough to dampen vibration noise, but can be glued like regular pcv.

Yeah Homer is right, SPA flex works very well and it is glued onto PVC fittings.

 

[WVNed]

Put a short section of PVC on the pump and end it in a hose barb. Cut the line you have now and put a hose clamp on it above the water.

 

[motortrendz]

Brs sells plastic clamps if you so t want to replace the soft line.

Hose Clamp - Bulk Reef Supply

Find Hose Clamp at Bulk Reef Supply to keep your saltwater aquarium looking its best.

aquarium.bulkreefsupply.com

 

[dadnjesse]

Titanium Hose Clamps won't rust.