Equipment Review and Discussion :: sump return line siphon break

[robind]

I need something to break the siphon on the return line from my sump tank. Currently I'm using a swing check valve, however they are pieces of crap (despite costing about $10) and fail to more than half the time.

I need something else. I'm thinking about drilling a hole and putting an airline checkvalve there such that when there's pressure, no water will be able to escape, but when it's back siphoning air will be sucked in and break the siphon.

Any other suggestions?

[steve]

Can you use something like a spray bar with it?

[robind]

I suppose I could, I was just trying to keep noise to a minimum.

[maddpnoi]

You could just drill the hole JUST below the water line. So when the water level starts to drop (due to no return/overflow/return siphon/etc.)... the hole is exposed and air breaks the siphon.

No need for a check valve.

[robind]

maddpnoi: I ended up doing something similar. I drilled a tiny hole just under the lip of the tank. It has the same effect of breaking the siphon, and the hole is so tiny that no water comes out at all, in fact it sucks air in and bubbles, which is nice, as I don't have any airstones.

[maddpnoi]

Good to hear.

I suggest doing a couple of test runs (if you haven't alread done so) to make sure it does indeed break the siphon.
I don't see why it wouldn't though... it's just better to make sure.