Not Grasping The Plumbing Idea.

[Allen]

How do you stop the return pump in a sump from pumping if the drain pipe from the tank blocks ?

I guess if the drain pipe from the tank blocks, then the pump will continue to run and empty the sump, pumping it all back to the main tank and flooding at the top ?

 

[andywg]

How do you stop the return pump in a sump from pumping if the drain pipe from the tank blocks ?

I guess if the drain pipe from the tank blocks, then the pump will continue to run and empty the sump, pumping it all back to the main tank and flooding at the top ?

Your assumption is correct. You can install floatwswitches and relays to prevent this happeneing, but then they can fail. If you are really worried, you can put in a second drain that only drains if the first one is blocked. You then know that something is up with the main drain.

I must admit, I have installed about 6 or 7 sump systems and never found the drain blocking to be a problem. This is especially so if you oversize the drain pipe and ensure you have a good system of keeping critters and fish out of the drain pipe (such as egg crate or a weir with slits in it to allow water through).

 

[Allen]

its ok, these are all the questions i have to iron out with the missus before I get the sump up and running.