Plumbing question

Nate Chalk

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I have this smaller tank that drains to a sump for my main tank.

The closest drain is the main with a gate that goes to vinyl tubing and into the sump. 1/2 inch line. There's no large uphill climbs but if I shut off the pump return and drain the tank.

Restarting the drain lines doesn't happen auto. It gets a bubble and drains slowly. The emergency drain is slightly higher and same issue on starting drain.

It currently is gurgling constantly.

As you can see there's no overflow box.

Any ideas on how to remedy?

-adding a small overflow box inside?


2dbb1625-30c3-4e2e-b50a-8d3e8274f540.jpg
 
I am struggling to understand this fully. It seems you want a siphon on the closest pipe. Do you adjust that gate valve when restarting? An overflow box seems to be a good option to remove floating debris on the water.
 
I am struggling to understand this fully. It seems you want a siphon on the closest pipe. Do you adjust that gate valve when restarting? An overflow box seems to be a good option to remove floating debris on the water.
I would have to likely yes. Maybe I need to show a video explaining.

Essentially the lines seem restricted until I lift up the vinyl, air comes out, and it drains much better. The vinyl line is maybe 3-4 ft. Maybe that's too long.
 
If the vinyl runs horizonal, it may have a high point that traps air.
Make sure it has a vertical drop the entire run.
IDK, just guessing with out seeing it in person.
 
It is becoming air-locked. You need to drill a few holes in the discharge pipe at the sump's normal water operating level.
 
If the vinyl runs horizonal, it may have a high point that traps air.
Make sure it has a vertical drop the entire run.
IDK, just guessing with out seeing it in person.
It's not vertical perfectly. But pretty close. I'll get a picture
 
Before taking action here. Can you explain further? I don't understand

Sure.
The exit of the pipe is submerged.

The only place for air to exit is through the entrance, but Water is flowing into the entrance and trying to push the air downward.

At the same time the air is trying to rise upward to exit. The system end up in a siphon or partial siphon state with where the velocity isn't enough to push the air out the bottom, but to fasts to let the air escape from the top.

Cutting the discharge pipe off just before the sump will fix this but can cause splashing and noise. So the fix is to terminate the discharge right below the water surface and/or drill a few holes right at the water surface to allow the air to escape.
 
Here's a quick video hopefully can see the whole system.


And picture of the dip if any
PXL_20260524_160144420.jpg
 

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