Is this pitch to slow for my drain to my fishroom??

[boontonbob]

Hi - So I built two benches to hold my custom sump and MRC skimmer and was about to start plumbing them through my wall when I found myself concerned over the minimal pitch. Over 4 feet, I have a three inch drop and then after a 90deg turn I have a level run for 2.5 feet before draining into my sump. This is using flexible pvc. Will I lose substantial flow by this or will the inertia and pressure from the 75 tank draining sufficient to pull it through for the Mag 9.5 to return?

The next option would be for me to raise up my tank by means of a 5 or 6 " inch platform, which I would have to build. :-\ The increase in the height is tempting for the ultimate view, although it would be modification that would three or fours days solid. (I can just see my wifes face now!)

I really want to push to get this sump up and running!
Thanks

 

[PMolan]

All of my plumbing has minimal pitch. Some parts it runs level as well. Personally I dont think 3" over 4 feet is bad.

Just looked this up for house plumbing,,
"A 1/4"-per-foot pitch is also used for the house drain"

 

[Phyl]

As long as the piping is a tad on the oversized (instead of exactly the RIGHT size), you should be fine. We have pipes running around our basement that don't have a whole pile of pitch to them, though I'm not exactly sure what it is to list specifics. The piping size leaves plenty of room for error though.

 

[boontonbob]

Bingo! Just what I wanted to hear. Thanks guys.

I will probably plumb the drain with 1.25" versus 1". I do have a bunch of 1" flexi. pvc which I might use since it greatly reduces (more like eliminates) the cornering. Does this sound reasonable? I hope to have my new sump and equipment up and running soon. I will share some pics.

 

[PaulM]

I think you shold be fine. As stated above 1/4 inch per foot is housing regs.

 

[PMolan]

You will find that 1 1/4 has less available at HD versus the standard 1 1/2 (as far as fittings).