How to mount pump external in non-drilled tank?

[bprewit]

I want the mag drive return pump in my sump mounted outside the sump but of course the sump isnt drilled so I have no hole drilled so cant do it like it should be done. My question, could I just use pvc pipe run over the side of the sump tied into the pump suction, inlet higher than outlet with a small airline fitting, tubing, and valve on the top of the pipe. Hard to explain but basically a U shaped pvc setup that will siphon water to the inlet of my pump. The airline tubing could be used to pull air out of the tube to start the siphon and should only have to do it once unless my sump level drops and breaks the siphon? Any ideas on wheter or not this would work?

[Richard]

Well they aren't at all self priming but if you prime the pump/intake pipe it should work fine. I am using an iwaki in that way.

[jlam]

I have done this with a little giant pump like 15 years ago. But should be the same I would think. The problem is how to describe it in words.
Basically all I did is make a reverse U from the sump to the return pump with PVC. The reverse U should keep the some of the water level if you get a power outage. The main problem is you need to make sure you drill a few small holes where your return is in the main tank right below the water level because you dont want to syphon all your water out of the tank.
I might be able to draw something for ya if you want me to email you?

Jason

[jlam]

Forgot to say if you do it this way you will get lots of bubbles when the pump comes back on while the pump tries to recreate the syphon.

Jason

[MikeDeL]

I added a ball valve to the top of my U. Then I opened the ball valve and filled all the plumbing with water. Closed the ball valve and turned the pump on. It started pumping almost immediately.