Herbie Drain Question

Hair Algae Wizard

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Folks,

Can I plumb the emergency overflow into the main drain without any issues? I have it set up that way now, but I'm getting tons of noise from my overflow. My sump is in the basement, with a vertical and horizontal run. If I plumb the emergency drain directly into the sump as a separate line, will that eliminate the noise?

I'm using an Abyzz DC pump as the return, running at about 70%.

(Please pardon the lousy plumbing job)

IMG_0558.jpg
 

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Looks like you're plumbing is not straight. That shows it's not all the way in the adapter. You will get leaks
 

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Folks,

Can I plumb the emergency overflow into the main drain without any issues? I have it set up that way now, but I'm getting tons of noise from my overflow. My sump is in the basement, with a vertical and horizontal run. If I plumb the emergency drain directly into the sump as a separate line, will that eliminate the noise?

I'm using an Abyzz DC pump as the return, running at about 70%.

(Please pardon the lousy plumbing job)

IMG_0558.jpg
So if I get your situation right, you started out with a Herbie drain, but combined the 2 pipes into 1?
The Herbie needs 2 separate pipes .
I've used a Herbie drain on 3 separate tanks and all were very quiet. But I have never done it between floors so I'm not sure it would be the same.
Also slowing the flow down would eliminate some noise.
 

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Folks,

Can I plumb the emergency overflow into the main drain without any issues? I have it set up that way now, but I'm getting tons of noise from my overflow. My sump is in the basement, with a vertical and horizontal run. If I plumb the emergency drain directly into the sump as a separate line, will that eliminate the noise?

I'm using an Abyzz DC pump as the return, running at about 70%.

(Please pardon the lousy plumbing job)

IMG_0558.jpg
This is better than not having an emergency drain but will only work if a blockage occurred before the Y (looks more like the number 4)
 
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Thanks, folks,

My concern is the horizontal run on the drain. I think I read somewhere that Herbie Drains doesn't like that. I have reduced the noise a little by dialing the pump down. It's weird, for a few seconds, I'll hear nothing, then back to the gurgling...

I'm not sure what to do at this point...
 
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Hair Algae Wizard

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So if I get your situation right, you started out with a Herbie drain, but combined the 2 pipes into 1?
The Herbie needs 2 separate pipes .
I've used a Herbie drain on 3 separate tanks and all were very quiet. But I have never done it between floors so I'm not sure it would be the same.
Also slowing the flow down would eliminate some noise.
Correct, that is what I did. Do you think that's whats contributing to the noise? I can run the emergency drain into the basement sump if needed.
 

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Ok, so don't use the gate valve shown in the pic, but plumb one before it drains into the sump?

That is how I would do it. With the adjustment at the sump it will let the drain pipe fill with water and make it easier to clear the air from the full siphon.
 

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Thanks. So, should I leave the gate valve shown above wide open?


As stated sbove, upper valve wide open. Sump valve as close to the exit as possible. Exit of siphon pipe about 1/2in below water line in sump to easily let air out on start up.

Separate the emergency drain with no valve obstructing flow. It needs to drain freely in case of an emergency. If a blockage occurs it could be at the inlet or exit side, that's why you want a completely separate emerency drain.

Now control your siphon pipe with the valve at the sump. Should be dead silent.
 
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Hair Algae Wizard

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As stated sbove, upper valve wide open. Sump valve as close to the exit as possible. Exit of siphon pipe about 1/2in below water line in sump to easily let air out on start up.

Separate the emergency drain with no valve obstructing flow. It needs to drain freely in case of an emergency. If a blockage occurs it could be at the inlet or exit side, that's why you want a completely separate emerency drain.

Now control your siphon pipe with the valve at the sump. Should be dead silent.
Thank you!
 

TheMetalReefs

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I would seperate emergency from your main drain. emergency shouldnt make nlise unless it was being used. (in which case you want noise, so you know there is an emergency.) I have a durso overflow amd was super noisy. to slow down flow (without messing with gate valve) i used 1 1/4 inch pipe and reduced it to 1 inch before the bulk head. then at the sump i used an elbow and then another to cause a rise in elevation to slow down the speed of the straight fall to the sump. Hope this makes sence.
 

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Hair Algae Wizard

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I would seperate emergency from your main drain. emergency shouldnt make nlise unless it was being used. (in which case you want noise, so you know there is an emergency.) I have a durso overflow amd was super noisy. to slow down flow (without messing with gate valve) i used 1 1/4 inch pipe and reduced it to 1 inch before the bulk head. then at the sump i used an elbow and then another to cause a rise in elevation to slow down the speed of the straight fall to the sump. Hope this makes sence.
Thank you!
 
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Hair Algae Wizard

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Folks,

I've decided to redo the plumbing so that the emergency line has its own drain into the sump.

I do have another question. Is it okay if I reduce the size from 1 1/4" down to 1" on both drains? I'm limited in space, so the reducer will be within the first 2-3 feet from the bulkheads on the display tank.

Thanks again for all the help!
 

TheMetalReefs

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I dont see it being a problem. Your main drain should probably be reduced anyway, as stated above, to help reduce flow and help reduce noise to the sump
 
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