So I have a small issue with my sump where the drain enters the sump. It was leaking at the bulkhead so I ended up removing the bulkhead and putting the 1" PVC straight down into the sump so I wouldn't have to worry about having the pipe straight into the bulkhead and having it leak around the top. The issue is that now I am getting splash back from the drain. Its not a lot but its enough to cause some water to make its way down the back of the sump. Really don't want to worry about having an issue with my stand due to the little bit of water in the future. Would like some ideas on how to address knowing that the sump is on a running tank and I would prefer not to have to fully redo the plumbing.
Sump Help
- Thread starter jag72
- Start date
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Yes the issue is that water is coming back up through the hole occasionally.
The 1" pipe actually goes pretty far underwater currently. If I extended it much further it would be at the bottom of the sump.
My initial thought was to buy a silicon food grade mat and use some silicon sealant to help adhere to the sump. The issue is that I have heard that silicon sealant doesn't adhere to acrylic very well. I know that it doesn't have to be super strong to only prevent splash back but I want to make sure this issue is corrected for good.
Thoughts?
The 1" pipe actually goes pretty far underwater currently. If I extended it much further it would be at the bottom of the sump.
My initial thought was to buy a silicon food grade mat and use some silicon sealant to help adhere to the sump. The issue is that I have heard that silicon sealant doesn't adhere to acrylic very well. I know that it doesn't have to be super strong to only prevent splash back but I want to make sure this issue is corrected for good.
Thoughts?
sbash
Valuable Member
For the short term, yeah, just stuff a couple sandwich bags around the pipe...
Would a 1" bulkhead fill the hole? The gasket would be about 2.5" diameter. It might cost $15 but would likely solve the problem without much fuss...
Would a 1" bulkhead fill the hole? The gasket would be about 2.5" diameter. It might cost $15 but would likely solve the problem without much fuss...
The original bulkhead was removed due to an issue with leaking and not being able to get the pipe straight into the bulkhead. I know this seems pretty simple but trying to find a solution that would make it so I don't have to try and refit the sump in the stand since the pipe isn't 100% in the middle of the hole.
I guess I could drain the sump and try and move the pipe until it fits correctly. May be the best option down the road but was trying to not drain the sump.
I guess I could drain the sump and try and move the pipe until it fits correctly. May be the best option down the road but was trying to not drain the sump.
miPapareef
Well-Known Member
Is it just splash coming back up the gap, or is the water level in that section rising and flowing out the gap?
If splash, where is that coming from? You said the pipe outlet is under the water line so it should not be splashing.
If rising water, check for anything changing the flow or blocking the flow. Like a filter or sponge getting clogged.
Also look up. If there is water it usually flows down hill. Are you sure no leaks are higher up on the pipe and running down to what was the bulkhead or now just the gap.
If splash, where is that coming from? You said the pipe outlet is under the water line so it should not be splashing.
If rising water, check for anything changing the flow or blocking the flow. Like a filter or sponge getting clogged.
Also look up. If there is water it usually flows down hill. Are you sure no leaks are higher up on the pipe and running down to what was the bulkhead or now just the gap.
I'm going to assume your running a durso style drain and the entrained air is what is causing the splashing back up as the air exits the pipe. You could put a 90 on the end to help direct it away from directly coming straight back up.
The bulk head shouldn't leak there though either. If it is a slip thread on that side maybe in which case a little silicone grease would stop the weeping on that side without having to glue it down.
The bulk head shouldn't leak there though either. If it is a slip thread on that side maybe in which case a little silicone grease would stop the weeping on that side without having to glue it down.
FYI, I am running a mega flow drain on my 90 gallon into the sump. The water coming back to the top is very turbulent and at times is turbulent enough to breach the opening.
I can also guarantee that the bulkhead on the tank is 100% sealed. There is no water what so ever coming from it. The water is 100% coming back up from the drain within the sump. The water level is very stable and just enough to have a good flow into the filter sock. The issue could most likely be addressed by figuring out how to make the flow less turbulent going into the sump.
I can also guarantee that the bulkhead on the tank is 100% sealed. There is no water what so ever coming from it. The water is 100% coming back up from the drain within the sump. The water level is very stable and just enough to have a good flow into the filter sock. The issue could most likely be addressed by figuring out how to make the flow less turbulent going into the sump.
