Many people don't understand that once their sump pump stops pumping and their tank water level has dropped to the overflow level, their tanks will continue to drain into their sumps via the pump outlet in the tank. If your pump nozzles are even 3" below the water surface, they can suck a lot of water from your tank into your sump.
So how can you avoid a sump overflow (and a very wet floor) in the event of a power outage? To start with, perform this test to determine if you have a potential problem:
Difficulty: Easy
Time Required: 10 Minutes
Here's How:
- Have a bucket and scoop (a coffee cup works fine) standing by.
- Top off your sump to your maximum "normal" level while the tank is running.
- Turn off all water pumps and skimmers in your tank.
- Watch the water level in your sump as it rises.
- If the water level starts to go above approximately 1" below your sump rim, start removing water into the bucket to keep it below that level.
- If the sump water level doesn't go above that point, you are fine.
- If you had to bail water, turn the pumps back on and mark the water level in your sump when everything is running normally. This is your "maximum fill" sump water level during normal operation.
- If you had to lower the sump water level during the test, there are a couple of simple solutions:
- Don't fill your sump above the "maximum fill" mark.
- Drill a small (1/8") hole in the side of the pump nozzles, just below your normal tank water level.
- Perform the above test again to make sure that the problem has been solved.
- Adjust the "maximum fill" mark on your sump.
- Once you are confident that your sump will not overflow, even during a power outage, you should sleep a bit better knowing that you won't wake up to a wet carpet in the morning.
Tips:
- Read How To Keep Your Aquarium Running When the Power Goes Out and More Power Outage Tips to help you prepare for an emergency.
What You Need
- Bucket or other water container.
- Water scoop.
- Drill motor.
- 1/8" drill bit.
