Val Posted March 6, 2011 Share Posted March 6, 2011 I have read that I should put a ball valve before and after the external pump and I am wondering if it is really necessary to put a valve before the pump. I don't really have the room to put one before, so I would rather not if I don't have to. Any input would be helpful. Thanks! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
LC Scott Posted March 6, 2011 Share Posted March 6, 2011 Val, Putting a valve before the pump seem to be asking for extra noise and overly redundant. (whistle) Second thought, Having one on either side would allow you to cut off the flow and replace the pump with little disruption to the tank. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jgf86123 Posted March 6, 2011 Share Posted March 6, 2011 Putting the ball valve in front and after is strictly for safety I believe, if the pump should go out, you don't have to drain the sump to disconnect the pump...It just makes things easier...Talk to Alex(grassi) he knows plumbing for tanks like no other, and should be able to help you out, but, if you don't have room, you might need to rethink your set-up, so that you'll have the room. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
snowpunk Posted March 6, 2011 Share Posted March 6, 2011 It's really up to you but the reason you put one in is for the ability to clean and maintain the pump or to replace it. Most external pumps need some sort of periodic maintenance to keep them running optimally. You don't have to use one but it is really a good idea to do so. It won't restrict any flow an less you are reducing the pipe size for some reason. You shouldn't be doing this anyway. The only other option I see(and not a great one) is to put in a threaded bulkhead and whenever you need to remove the pump you would need to put a threaded plug in the bulkhead. This is still going to leave a fair amount of water in there for when the pump is removed. You try to put the ball valves as close to the pump ends as possible with unions so you can have very little water spillage. True union ball valves work the best for this and can be picked up for pretty cheap at Lowes now a days. Either way you have to at least put in a union so the pump can eventually be pulled off somehow... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Lowman Posted March 6, 2011 Share Posted March 6, 2011 I absolutely would never put in an external pump without a true union ball valve in front and after the pump. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
reefnjunkie Posted March 6, 2011 Share Posted March 6, 2011 I absolutely would never put in an external pump without a true union ball valve in front and after the pump. +1 you want to be able to remove the pump with "ease" Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Gabe Posted March 6, 2011 Share Posted March 6, 2011 Just a thought....If you don't have room outside the sump for the valve, could you put it on the inside of the bulkhead? You would have to stick your hand inside the sump to shut the valve, but your probably gonna get wet anyways. +1 on always having valves both sides of your pump also. Gabe Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
frlejo Posted March 6, 2011 Share Posted March 6, 2011 what is a "true union ball valve" as opposed to a regular ball valve Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
reefboy Posted March 6, 2011 Share Posted March 6, 2011 what is a "true union ball valve" as opposed to a regular ball valve http://www.google.com/search?q=true+union+ball+valve&hl=en&rls=com.microsoft:en-us&prmd=ivns&source=univ&tbs=shop:1&tbo=u&sa=X&ei=IMNzTc72KISssAPNlJzGCw&ved=0CDQQrQQ Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
defigart Posted March 6, 2011 Share Posted March 6, 2011 I absolutely would never put in an external pump without a true union ball valve in front and after the pump. I never would do it again, with out them. DOH! LOL Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Harold B Posted March 6, 2011 Share Posted March 6, 2011 I was able to avoid having to use a ball valve before my pump by using a pvc plug that screws into my bulkhead. So whenever I need to change out/clean my pump I just screw it into my bulkhead in my sump and close the ballvalve on the output side. Just an idea. Thanks Harold Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Val Posted March 8, 2011 Author Share Posted March 8, 2011 To everyone who replied, thanks for all of the great information! I now have several options that will work for me. I was trying to fit a union and a ball valve in my plumbing before the pump, I didn't know about the True Union Ball Valve. I also already have a threaded bulkhead, so I think I'm good to go! Thanks again! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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