Solving Problem with Siphon: Vacation Plant Watering System

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The watering system using a siphon from a toilet tank to a bucket is experiencing a gradual decrease in water level, suggesting that the siphon is not fully effective. Possible causes discussed include a pinhole in the hose allowing air to enter or dissolved air accumulating in the hose. The timer is confirmed to be functioning correctly, as it only activates for a few minutes, allowing the bucket to refill continuously. The issue remains unresolved, with the siphon still operational but losing water daily. Further investigation into the hose integrity and potential air leaks is recommended.
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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