Return pump drew in air during siphon

[tim132]

I was siphoning my sand bed last night and forgot to turn off my return pump. I heard an unusual sucking noise and saw air bubbles entering the DT.

I immediately turned off the pump (Jecod dcp4000) it didn't run dry, just started to draw air in as well as water.

Now I'm paranoid the flow rate isn't as strong as it was.

Could it have caused an issue within the ten seconds it took me to kill the power?

 

[rwreef]

They can run a lot longer without water in my experience. You should be okay.

 

[skiman27]

I wouldn't worry too much, that long should not have bothered it, and my return has blown some bubbles before without any issues

 

[Alchameth]

Yep, I ran pumps a lot dryer for longer before I got my ATO and water leak detection, and the pump was fine. FYI... don't leave a drip acclimate line in your DT ... specially if the flow pinch is wide open, thermal differences CAN cause the siphon to start and you'll wake up to 15 gallons of water on your lviing room floor. That happened to a "friend".

 

[skiman27]

Yep, I ran pumps a lot dryer for longer before I got my ATO and water leak detection. FYI... don't leave a drip acclimate line in your DT ... specially if the flow pinch is wide open, thermal differences CAN cause the siphon to start and you'll wake up to 15 gallons of water on your lviing room floor. That happened to a "friend".

And 15 gallons is WAAAAAY more than it sounds. even a few cups looks like a lot, much less 15 gallons

 

[Alchameth]

Yes... yes it is. Nothing like waking up to that, walking out of your room... and your feet are wet. Wakes you right up, er, or so my "friend" told me...

 

[skiman27]

Yes... yes it is. Nothing like waking up to that, walking out of your room... and your feet are wet. Wakes you right up, er, or so my "friend" told me...

Ah yes, my "friend" told me about the time he left his 1000 gal per day RODI unit on for a few hours too long. That took FOREVER to clean up.. or so he told me

 

[tim132]

Thanks a lot guys, good to hear I've done no damage!

It's a good job you guys have got such good "friends" who warn you about potential problems "you" could possibly face!! :D