If you’re having trouble hearing the overflow from your bathtub or shower, there are a few ways to quiet it down. These methods include tuning the Durso drain, adding a Maggie Muffler, and reducing the thickness of the overflow box. You may even be able to quiet the overflow entirely by installing a herbie style overflow. If you haven’t found a solution yet, read on to find out what works best for you.
Tuning the Durso drain
A key component of a quiet overflow drain is the ability to tune the flow rate of water through the overflow. The higher the flow rate, the more noise it will make. This is achieved by adjusting the return pump’s flow rate. Generally, the higher the return pump’s flow rate, the more noise it will make. If you want to achieve a high flow rate, consider a different type of drain, like a Herbie or Bean Animal overflow.
A standpipe is a plumbing assembly that connects to a tank’s overflow drainage system. This piece is simple to install and doesn’t take up much room. It’s popular for small aquariums with sump systems. The drain has an elbow that attaches to the standpipe. The Durso standpipe is designed to be quiet, and it’s easy to install.
Using a union valve
Using a union valve to quiet overfill drain is a common way to control the overflow. By strategically placing the valve on the drain pipe, the air pressure can be reduced. While this technique can help control the overflow, it can also make the drain noisy. The main difference between a gate valve and a ball valve is that a gated valve is quieter than a ball valve.
While using a Gate valve may be easier to install, it is difficult to get a perfect balance with a gated overflow drain. This is because slight variations in the system’s water level, changes in the resistance of water flowing through the plumbing, and the growth of slime within the pipes can affect the rate of the overflow. A union valve makes it possible to install a standpipe above the overflow drain to help reduce the flow.
Adding a Maggie Muffler
If you’d like a quiet overflow drain for your seawater aquarium, you should consider installing a Maggie Muffler. These devices are easy to install on your overflow standpipe and eliminate splashing noise. They reduce noise and eliminate the need to build a sturdy durso system. Unlike the old-fashioned kind, Maggie Mufflers are much smaller and more convenient than the old-school version.
Reducing the thickness of the overflow box
There are several ways to quiet an overflow drain. One of the easiest is to lower the height of the overflow box. A tall overflow box can produce a lot of noise. A short one, on the other hand, can have a lot of noise and can increase the likelihood of flooding. Trying a few heights will give you a good idea of what is suitable. Experiment with the height of the siphon inlet to see what works best for you.
A standard overflow box isn’t visually appealing. It’s obvious when viewing the tank from the side. Rather than having the overflow box in plain sight, you might consider installing the overflow in the back wall or center of the tank. This option allows you to have a more linear overflow and eliminates the need for custom installation. Ultimately, whichever way you choose to install the overflow, make sure you understand the requirements of your setup.
Adding a strainer
Adding a strainer to a quiet overflow drain is one of the simplest ways to keep your sump free of clogs. The main standpipe should be set at half the desired water level in the overflow box. Place a strainer over the main standpipe, with a gate or ball valve leading to a sump system. When the water level below the strainer is above the overflow drain’s outlet, the drainage will stop.
Adjusting the gate valve
Adjusting the gate valve to quiet overflow drainage is a crucial part of Herbie overflow drainage. It allows you to regulate the water level in the overflow drain to match the rate of the main drain pipe. Typically, this level is two or three inches below the desired water level. In the case of a Herbie overflow, you should cut the emergency drain just a TINY bit below the desired level.
Some homeowners try to reduce the amount of water escaping through their overflow by turning the gate valve counterclockwise. However, this can cause the overflow drain to clog. If you use this feature, you need to install an emergency standpipe above the water level. When you install an emergency standpipe above the overflow, the water level will never fall below it. Consequently, a quiet overflow will be achieved.
