Solving Problem with Siphon: Vacation Plant Watering System

  • Context: High School 
  • Thread starter Thread starter braxx20
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SUMMARY

The discussion centers on troubleshooting a siphon-based vacation plant watering system that is losing water from the bucket despite functioning siphon action. The user has set up a 30-foot hose connecting a toilet tank to a bucket with a submersible pump and timer. The primary issue identified is a gradual reduction in water level in the bucket, leading to speculation about potential air leaks in the hose or the accumulation of dissolved air. The timer's operation was confirmed to be functioning correctly, indicating that the siphon is not fully compensating for water loss.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of siphon mechanics and principles
  • Familiarity with submersible pumps and their operation
  • Knowledge of timer-based irrigation systems
  • Basic plumbing concepts related to hose installation
NEXT STEPS
  • Investigate potential air leaks in the siphon hose
  • Examine the setup for proper siphon height and positioning
  • Research methods to test for dissolved air in water systems
  • Learn about optimizing submersible pump performance
USEFUL FOR

Gardeners, DIY enthusiasts, and anyone interested in creating efficient irrigation systems for plant care during vacations.

braxx20
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question -- When I go on vacation I set up a watering system for my plants.
I set up a siphon by placing one end of a 30 foot hose in my toilet tank and
the other in a bucket with a submersible pump and timer. It works very well
BUT every day the level in the bucket is reduced slightly. After a week the
bucket is only half full.
The syphon is obviously working but not completely. The only thing I can
theorize is that there is a pinhole in the hose that allows some air to
enter. Or maybe dissolved air accumulates in the hose between cycles
.HOWEVER, how can the syphon work at all then?
Note: the hose exits the tank and then runs along the floor and then up and
over and into the bucket.
Thanks for your help
 
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Did you check the timer? Maybe the water is leaving the bucket faster than it is coming in.
 
mathman said:
Did you check the timer? Maybe the water is leaving the bucket faster than it is coming in.

That is not a problem. The timer is only on for a few minutes and then the bucket(never empty) re-fills from the siphon action - only a little less each day
 

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