overflow constantly breaking siphon

hey everyone -

i've recently encountered an issue with an overflow box. awhile back i was doing some maintenance on the box and dropped the "u tube", which acquired a nice crack as a result. well, i sealed the crack with sealant, and attempted to restart the siphon. the box started sucking down water, so i turned the sump pump back on. everything worked fine....for a bit. about 20 minutes later i heard water splashing around in my living room and found the tank overflowing. i've repeated the process five times, each with the same result. the box will work for about a half hour, then for some reason it just stops.

i'm thinking the problem has to do with the crack in my u-tube, but it looks sealed to me. i've ran water though it and did not see any leaks. any thoughts? thanks....

 

It sounds like you need a new U tube.

 

I think you have a small enough opening in the u tube where it won't break immediately, and you should get a new one.

 

i figured as much. thanks for the confirmation.

 

Yeah, could be a problem if the crack is sucking air in. It may not leak water, but could still take in some air.

 

Increase flow or get a new tube. Or if it's not completely sealed that is your issue. I know some overflows will collect air bubbles if the flow is too slow, especially if the inside of yours isn't smooth (from the sealant). Good luck and buy lots of towels

 

I agree with everyone above about getting a new tube. I just wanted to add that it might be a good idea to order two. It is always a good idea to have a spare on hand for emergencies.

 

I don't know why they can't make them out of something a little thicker. Could you build one out of PVC I wonder? I don't see why not.

 

I have a 2" schedule 40 pvc U tube that siphons water from one 5 gallon tank into another under my mantis tank.

 

You could, but people like to see the air bubble that will make their carpets wet and salty.;D