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Water feature error We were asked to supply a pump for a setup similar to that shown below. The idea is the water should "bubble" in the small sump. This is not the 1st or 2nd version, we have told the contractor several times it will not work, can you see why?.
The reason it will not work is "why will the water return to the tank?" no, not how, but why? In theory when the pump is running it will flow along the grey pipe and back via the black pipe. How ever as soon as you fill the main sump water will flow down the black pipe since it is at the bottom of the sump. Some water will return because the pump is reducing the level in the sump, but there is not enough pressure for an adequate flow. The "solution" is very simple move the grey return pipe to the top of the sump, above the water level. How ever as the pump will be pumping water at "reasonable rate" it would be best to have 2 return flow pipes. The return pipes must be at least twice as big as the flow pipe, also the further away the bigger the pipes should be. UPDATE 2009: We have since found out, the designer told the contractor to go ahead with it, guess what, it didn't work, both pipes used are the same size, the pump burnt it self out (too much back pressure) because the pipes are too small for the distance. Apparently its going to cost thousands to correct it because the flooring will have to be completely replaced. We said all along their idea will not work, but they chose to ignore our advice. If you want to construct a water feature or fountain with a remote outlet, please bear the above in mind. You should also observe the JW rule |
