advice on Herbie Method overflow

G13 · 03/19/2008, 03:05 PM

I planned on using this method but was a lil confused on his standpipe. He states to run pvc pipe halfway up the tank height and then the strainer. That would mean that there would be a waterfall from the teeth of the overflow down to the drain water line. Wouldn't that be noisy?

Herbie · 03/19/2008, 04:54 PM

Howdy,
Keep in mind that if the top of the main standpipe is halfway up the tank height in the overflow box, the water level should be approx 6" above that. The water would have to be kept above the standpipe to prevent air from being sucked down, creating noise issues.
It will be "dialed in" with a gate valve so the water level can be kept at any level in the overflow box that makes for a quiet overflow.
The main stand pipe can be a little longer than 1/2 way...........I would say 3/4 up the overflow box is better now. This should give plenty water room on top so no air will get sucked in. It will also keep the water level very close to the teeth in the overflow box, keeping it quiet. Also, it will be a better buffer when the power goes out...........not as much water going back down to the sump when the pump is off.
Dont forget the emergency standpipe..........that is critical for safety. I always kept the top of the emergency standpipe even with the top of the overflow box, which is usually3/4"-1" below the rim of the tank.
Use strainers on both standpipes too, and I would say using a gate valve versus a ball valve on the main is key to having this work easily and stable.

Good luck...........
Later...........Herbie

03/19/2008, 03:05 PM	#1
G13 Registered Member Join Date: Apr 2004 Location: chicago Posts: 810	advice on Herbie Method overflow I planned on using this method but was a lil confused on his standpipe. He states to run pvc pipe halfway up the tank height and then the strainer. That would mean that there would be a waterfall from the teeth of the overflow down to the drain water line. Wouldn't that be noisy?

03/19/2008, 04:54 PM	#2
Herbie Yep,that one Join Date: Feb 2004 Location: Central PA Posts: 694	Howdy, Keep in mind that if the top of the main standpipe is halfway up the tank height in the overflow box, the water level should be approx 6" above that. The water would have to be kept above the standpipe to prevent air from being sucked down, creating noise issues. It will be "dialed in" with a gate valve so the water level can be kept at any level in the overflow box that makes for a quiet overflow. The main stand pipe can be a little longer than 1/2 way...........I would say 3/4 up the overflow box is better now. This should give plenty water room on top so no air will get sucked in. It will also keep the water level very close to the teeth in the overflow box, keeping it quiet. Also, it will be a better buffer when the power goes out...........not as much water going back down to the sump when the pump is off. Dont forget the emergency standpipe..........that is critical for safety. I always kept the top of the emergency standpipe even with the top of the overflow box, which is usually3/4"-1" below the rim of the tank. Use strainers on both standpipes too, and I would say using a gate valve versus a ball valve on the main is key to having this work easily and stable. Good luck........... Later...........Herbie