Water level in top-off container question...

20 20 · 09/13/2006, 01:10 PM

I've purchased this auto-top-off 'system':

http://www.top-off.com/viewitem.php?it_id=32

Am I correct in assuming that when using an auto-top-off system like this the water level in a top-off container must be below then end of the feed tube, in order to eliminate an unwanted siphon of the top-off water into the sump? If so, are there ways around this?

I'm asking because my sump sits on the floor, and the highest I can get the end of the top-off water feed tube is around 18 inches. I've got a great spot for a tall, thin container, but no good place to put a low, wide container.

silverwolf72 · 09/13/2006, 02:54 PM

If you put a siphon break on the feed tube that would keep it from siphoning all the water from the top-off. just put it at the top of the top off container so any leeking goes back into the container.

20 20 · 09/13/2006, 03:10 PM

Do you have any examples of how to do that? Everything I'm thinking of sounds like water all over my floor.

silverwolf72 · 09/14/2006, 09:13 AM

It's the same as using a siphon break on the return. Sorry I don't have any examples. Just add a small hole in the feed tube in your resevour above the max water you'll have in it. As soon as the pump turns off the small hole will pull air into the line and break the siphon keeping all the water from draing to your sump. Sience the pump dosen't require a siphon to work it can still push water to the sump even with the hole in the feed hose.

09/13/2006, 01:10 PM	#1
20 20 Premium Member Join Date: Jun 2005 Location: Stewartstown, PA Posts: 1,246	Water level in top-off container question... I've purchased this auto-top-off 'system': http://www.top-off.com/viewitem.php?it_id=32 Am I correct in assuming that when using an auto-top-off system like this the water level in a top-off container must be below then end of the feed tube, in order to eliminate an unwanted siphon of the top-off water into the sump? If so, are there ways around this? I'm asking because my sump sits on the floor, and the highest I can get the end of the top-off water feed tube is around 18 inches. I've got a great spot for a tall, thin container, but no good place to put a low, wide container.

09/13/2006, 02:54 PM	#2
silverwolf72 Registered Member Join Date: Jul 2005 Location: Lake Forrest CA Posts: 1,732	If you put a siphon break on the feed tube that would keep it from siphoning all the water from the top-off. just put it at the top of the top off container so any leeking goes back into the container.

09/13/2006, 03:10 PM	#3
20 20 Premium Member Join Date: Jun 2005 Location: Stewartstown, PA Posts: 1,246	Do you have any examples of how to do that? Everything I'm thinking of sounds like water all over my floor.

09/14/2006, 09:13 AM	#4
silverwolf72 Registered Member Join Date: Jul 2005 Location: Lake Forrest CA Posts: 1,732	It's the same as using a siphon break on the return. Sorry I don't have any examples. Just add a small hole in the feed tube in your resevour above the max water you'll have in it. As soon as the pump turns off the small hole will pull air into the line and break the siphon keeping all the water from draing to your sump. Sience the pump dosen't require a siphon to work it can still push water to the sump even with the hole in the feed hose.