Stopping pump siphon

Okay, so I'm running a DIY ebb n flow system which uses a 40 gallon rubbermaid trash can as a reservoir. I've got a 250 gph pump with 1/2 i.d. tubing going to my controller bucket. The system works as intended, but when the timer shuts off my "fill" pump, the water still keeps running, effectively turning my system into a recirculating system. This is not what I want obviously. My fill line travels to a vertical height from the bottom of the res to a crest of 39'', where it drops steeply to almost ground level and travels behind my tent. Anybody have any ideas how I can stop the siphon action here? It's going to cause premature wear on my drain pump, and as I said, I don't want a recirculating system. Any help is appreciated. +rep to whoever can provide an effective solution.

Thanks.

..do you mean the water comes back through the pump when it shuts off??<---if so, would a check valve work?? I know they have 'Anti-Siphon' check valves..........

Hope this helps......

Nope, the water keeps running the way it is supposed to, it just keeps flowing even when the pump turns off.

Well, I figured out a solution to the problem. The siphon was caused by the fact that I had some "down hill" action in my line. This downward flow was responsible for the flow of water continuing after the pump shut off. Therefore, I figured that an introduction of air at the highest point would break the siphon when the pump was off; and I was right. I just drilled a hole in the line and inserted an air check valve. It allows air in, but keeps water from leaking out.

okay........now it makes sense what was going on----I just couldn't picture it.
I am glad you got it figured out JohnnyPotSeed1969 !!!

Great Growing to you!!

growinman

JohnnyPotSeed1969 said:

Well, I figured out a solution to the problem. The siphon was caused by the fact that I had some "down hill" action in my line. This downward flow was responsible for the flow of water continuing after the pump shut off. Therefore, I figured that an introduction of air at the highest point would break the siphon when the pump was off; and I was right. I just drilled a hole in the line and inserted an air check valve. It allows air in, but keeps water from leaking out. View attachment 235321

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Good idea, seeing as you cant give yourself a rep+, i'll do it for you

fitzyno1 said:

Good idea, seeing as you cant give yourself a rep+, i'll do it for you

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haha.......I had done the same thing, fitzy

lol Thanks guys! I did a little research on the subject of siphoning. This method works well, and I haven't had any problems with it. Hopefully, this will help someone else in a similar situation.

JohnnyPotSeed1969 said:

lol Thanks guys! I did a little research on the subject of siphoning. This method works well, and I haven't had any problems with it. Hopefully, this will help someone else in a similar situation.

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I knows it's many years later, but thanks for this post. Had 25 gals drained into my tent overnight by this problem and couldn't figure out how to stop it. Thanks dude!

10 years later and this thread is still helping, thanks!

growinman said:

..do you mean the water comes back through the pump when it shuts off??<---if so, would a check valve work?? I know they have 'Anti-Siphon' check valves..........

Hope this helps......

Click to expand...

It all makes sense, thanks guys!

Thank you so much for posting, just helped me out for sure

Yep easy answer once we figure it out.

Air check valve or. Nippe and bleed line.. The aircheck looks flimsey but keeps pressure n bleed line will reduce my pressure

I've had that problem the full tank drained down to pot level ;-(
I made up a feed tank with a stop cock (aqua valve) it holds 5 and bit litres, the aqua valve lets it top up from the main tank as its used.

In the winter I sit the tank under the canopy the steady 20/22c gives the nutrient a good heat.

Star Dog said:

I've had that problem the full tank drained down to pot level ;-(
I made up a feed tank with a stop cock (aqua valve) it holds 5 and bit litres, the aqua valve lets it top up from the main tank as its used.

In the winter I sit the tank under the canopy the steady 20/22c gives the nutrient a good heat.

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Wahahah thats the best funniest idea ive hearrd uet. Genius like but damn funny.

Need to keep mixing me tanks too and i run 2 tanks cause am doin a side by side

Tryina figure how id do it keep em mixed same time

Pump recirculating to the main res too would do it i guess so its always fillin at the ballcock.

Id be scared it fails n floods tho too knowin my luck.

2cent said:

Wahahah thats the best funniest idea ive hearrd uet. Genius like but damn funny.

Need to keep mixing me tanks too and i run 2 tanks cause am doin a side by side

Tryina figure how id do it keep em mixed same time

Pump recirculating to the main res too would do it i guess so its always fillin at the ballcock.

Id be scared it fails n floods tho too knowin my luck.

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A bubble stone will keep your nutrient well mixed, they create a vortex in the tank.

I made a new thread just minutes before this old one was replied to. Must be fate or something...lol

Haha indeed it was waited me whole life to meet ya hot diggity. Baby it was meant to be

I couldn't find an air check valve like the one pictured earlier in the thread. I ended up just putting in a T with a riser to make a high point in my feed line and put in a 3/4" air vent/vacuum relief valve which lets out any trapped air and quickly breaks a siphon when your pump stops.