I’m setting up a new buffer tank and I’m having issues getting water to the pump. The buffer tank is 55 gallons and has 1" elbow fittings all around. I filled the tank as much as possible until the hudson valve took over and it’s still not creating enough water to flow to the pump. All hosing is polybraid ID 1". I also used a T splitter on one end to put a ball valve on it, so I can empty the tank when necessary. I have a feeling this might be the issue, but I need some enlightenment if I’m even on the right track. I’m certain there’s a better way to plumb everything and any suggestions would be greatly appreciated. I’m just learning along the way through trial and error, and I know there’s a lot of smarter people here .
I have pictures referenced below - this should be easier to address where the problem is occurring. The picture with the red circle is where the water stops flowing.
Not your issue now, but polybraid will collapse in the sun. Problem now is probably the tee and the small screen filter on intake to pump. Do away with it and put a canister filter. If it is a direct drive pump ypu will always have problems
Thanks for the suggestion Innocentbystander. I’m thinking of switching the tee to a brass barbed tee. You think that would suffice? I will also try it without the screen filter. That never crossed my mind!
If you use a tee, and you shouldn’t, let the turn go to the drain and straight shot to the pump.put a hose barb on the pump intake, do away completely with the filter thingy.
Just asking the obvious question.
Have you tried to run the pump?
You wont have enough pressure from water weight alone to push water through through the pump like it would force fed.
So I’m starting to narrow down the issue lol. I have a feeling it’s due to the bulkhead or the elbow fitting b/c i unattached the tubing and the water is stuck…although i did move the 90 degree elbow one rotation counter clock wise and the water started gushing out at one point. I swiveled the elbow back and forth and now the water is stuck again. This seems so elementary and might be going over my head, frustration and confusion seems to be clouding my head.
With the ignition switch off, pull the pull cord a few times to see if the water starts drawing through the hose. I think you might have missed the point that was made by @FATJOE earlier about the water not just flowing through/into a pump the way it does when connected to a house spigot.
water flows a bit when horizontal or even when the elbow is facing the ground, but not enough water pressure to get to the pump. I’m thinking of trying a 2" bulkhead and a straight hose barb this time, instead of an elbow. I will report back if this works or not. I still am appreciative of yours and everyone’s help, this community is so supportive and I’m thankful for it.
Right. That’s the way it’s supposed to work. Nothing wrong with it. Water will flow when the pump turns.
Disconnect the hose at the pump inlet and see if water flows out freely. If it does, you’re good. Hook it back up and fire up the machine.
Or try the trick of pulling the pull cord to see if water progresses toward the pump. That will also confirm that you’re good.
If we’re somehow wrong and water doesn’t flow through when you fire up the machine, a couple seconds running dry won’t destroy your pump. Just watch carefully and stay close to the switch.
good suggestion Alex, I posted a photo above where I think it’s causing the water flow problem, but here is posted again:
Your intuition is correct - water doesn’t flow out when I disconnect the hose at pump inlet. I think the pic above might be the issue, I could be wrong but I will implement all the suggested changes one by one. I will try installing a bigger bulkhead and a straight hose barb instead of an elbow mentioned with the convo with Gbattle.
I agree. Look at your picture above. The loop in the hose is higher than the water line. Water isn’t going to gravity flow if the hose is higher than the level of the water.
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