Valve on return line?

[shermoen]

This is my first sumped tank as well first time plumbing a tank. Will this be okay for the return lines or will I need a valve on the one closest to the return pump?

 

[AJsReef]

Which one is the emergency drain? I would only put a valve on the main drain

 

[xxkenny90xx]

It's definetly nice having valves on your return lines so you can control flow and noise

 

[shermoen]

My emergency drain is the one on the right but I am talking about my return line. Would I want the valve for each return then?

 

[xxkenny90xx]

Yes both. Also you can close them off when you do maintenance on your pump

 

[redfishbluefish]

Unless you have a return pump that needs to be metered, I wouldn't use any valves. My first build had valves with the intent of shutting them off to do maintenance.....never shut them off for years, and when I went to try to shut one off, it was frozen....couldn't shut off. Again, I'd only use a valve if I had to meter the pump....for me not an issue with a controllable DC pump.

 

[xxkenny90xx]

I hate to argue with Dr suess but I've shut my valves for pump maintenance and I pulled a few snail shells out of my pump that were impeding flow

 

[xxkenny90xx]

They're also good if a pump dies and needs replaced

 

[shermoen]

Well that's one yes one no anyone else want to chime in?

 

[redfishbluefish]

I hate to argue with Dr suess but I've shut my valves for pump maintenance and I pulled a few snail shells out of my pump that were impeding flow

Is Dr. Guess a member here? I'd like to meet him!

Kenny, no argument here.....it boils down to how your plumbing is designed. A valve on my return line would only keep a cup of two of water out of my sump when I turn off the pump.....so again, no need to have a valve. Now if I had a basement sump with 40 feet of pipe and a small sump, I'd have a valve. All is good....there is no right or wrong answer....whatever works for your setup.

 

[xxkenny90xx]

Is Dr. Guess a member here? I'd like to meet him!

Kenny, no argument here.....it boils down to how your plumbing is designed. A valve on my return line would only keep a cup of two of water out of my sump when I turn off the pump.....so again, no need to have a valve. Now if I had a basement sump with 40 feet of pipe and a small sump, I'd have a valve. All is good....there is no right or wrong answer....whatever works for your setup.

Of course, I was just teasing (I'm nonessential and very bored at home)! Everyone's tanks will be different (but mine is the only right way )

 

[redfishbluefish]

And to think that I thought you were telling me the truth!!!! I'm disappointed, hoping to meet the fine doctor!!!

Now how am I suppose to trust anything else you say, such as, "mine is the only right way". Is it? I'm confused.

 

[shermoen]

Ooookay thanks guys!!

 

[ca1ore]

If you are running an external pump then ball valves on the suction and pressure sides are necessary to service the pump. I see no particularly compelling reason for them on an internal, submerged pump. Union, sure; valve, unecessary.