MaxBlack
Member
Our well went dry and I'm scrambling to get a rainwater collection system together. Rather than put large collection tanks below our house, spoiling the natural view, I've hidden a smallish (1100gal) tank there to collect the water, and have a submersible pump w/float switch driving about 300' of 2" pvc pipe up about 30 vertical feet (fairly gradual slope) to my storage tanks.
I'm feeling like I need a check valve in that line to keep 300' of water from draining-back down the pipe when the pump shuts off--the pump already did a bunch of work to get it that far, ya know?
I've got a 2" swing-check valve to stop flow-back, and am wondering if it makes any difference where I place it? One idea I have is that if I place it at-or-very-near the tank, maybe the weight of 300' of water works on the gasket and causes premature failure. And it may not rain again for a long while--will the valve "stick" shut... Another idea is that I place it up by the tanks, where it stopples less water, and it still functions (the pipe holds water) owing to vacuum in the line.
Or maybe I'm obsessing over over a little bit of water (electricity actually) and don't need a check valve at all?
TIA for any thoughts--I'm new to this stuff but being forced to learn fast!!! And out in the "extreme country" where help is nowhere to be found!!!
Oh, here's a link to the valve I have if anyone's curious...
http://www.clearpvcpipe.com/index.asp?PageAction=VIEWPRODGROUP&ID=18
I'm feeling like I need a check valve in that line to keep 300' of water from draining-back down the pipe when the pump shuts off--the pump already did a bunch of work to get it that far, ya know?
I've got a 2" swing-check valve to stop flow-back, and am wondering if it makes any difference where I place it? One idea I have is that if I place it at-or-very-near the tank, maybe the weight of 300' of water works on the gasket and causes premature failure. And it may not rain again for a long while--will the valve "stick" shut... Another idea is that I place it up by the tanks, where it stopples less water, and it still functions (the pipe holds water) owing to vacuum in the line.
Or maybe I'm obsessing over over a little bit of water (electricity actually) and don't need a check valve at all?
TIA for any thoughts--I'm new to this stuff but being forced to learn fast!!! And out in the "extreme country" where help is nowhere to be found!!!
Oh, here's a link to the valve I have if anyone's curious...
http://www.clearpvcpipe.com/index.asp?PageAction=VIEWPRODGROUP&ID=18