Last Updated on May 27, 2023
As the adage goes, two heads are better than one. However, when it comes to bilge pumps, is it safe to hook up two pumps into one discharge hose?
Bilge pumps play an essential role in preventing flooding and water damage in homes by pumping out excess water from basements or low-lying areas. While having a backup bilge pump can provide added security, experts warn against connecting two bilge pumps into one hose.
With the right knowledge, you can protect your household from water damage. We’ll go in-depth on what happens when multiple bilge pumps are used and how best to guard against unexpected flooding.
How to Connect Two Bilge Pumps into One Discharge Hose in Your Home Plumbing System Safely?
A key safety precaution is to establish a balance between the two to ensure that two bilge pumps operate optimally. Any imbalance in connection can lead to difficulty working, so hooking them up with one discharge hose needs extra attention and precision for the best results.
Here are the steps that you need to follow:
Materials Needed:
- A three-way splitter
- Two check valves
- hose clamps
- Smooth interior hos
Step 1. Mount Pumps in Separate Locations
Mounting the pumps in separate locations allows for comprehensive coverage of the bilge area, resulting in better water removal performance.
When installing two bilge pumps, it is important to remember that each pump serves a specific purpose. The higher pump collects water from the upper part of the bilge, while the lower pump collects water from the lower part of the bilge.
Having two pumps mounted separately ensures that both high and low points are well-covered and no empty spots are left behind. Once these pumps have been mounted at their respective locations, they can be connected to a common hose using appropriate fittings or connectors for efficient operation.
Step 2. Connect Pumps to Three-Way Splitter
Connecting each pump to a three-way splitter is the next step in the bilge pumping process, allowing for efficient water removal and preventing potential clogging or blockages within the hose system.
The splitter should have two inputs and one output, which will allow both pumps to push water through a single bilge hose without competing against each other.
Connecting each pump’s outlet to the splitter’s input ports with a smooth interior hose will reduce turbulence and frictional losses.
When installing the three-way splitter, it is recommended to mount it in a location that is easily accessible for maintenance purposes. Additionally, it is important to ensure that all connections are secure and watertight by using appropriate clamps or fittings.
Step 3. Install Check Valves In Hoses to Prevent Backflow
Installing a check valve in each hose between the pump and the three-way splitter is recommended to prevent backflow and ensure efficient water removal.
There is only one way for fluid to flow through a check valve. By installing these valves, it will prevent any water from flowing back into the bilge when the pumps are not activated or when they are turned off.
Here are some reasons why installing check valves is important:
1. Prevents Damage: Without a check valve, water can flow back into the bilge, causing damage to the pumps and other components.
2. Ensures Efficiency: Backflow can also reduce the overall efficiency of your system by making it harder for your pumps to remove excess water.
3. Increases Lifespan: Check valves can help increase the lifespan of your bilge pumps by preventing unnecessary wear and tear caused by backflow.
4. Saves Energy: With less resistance from backflow, your bilge pumps will require less energy to operate effectively, ultimately saving you money on energy costs.
Step 4. Route Hose From the Third Branch of the Splitter to the Discharge Point
Now route the third branch hose from the three-way splitter to the discharge point. The smooth interior hose should be used to avoid any obstruction or clogging that may occur during operation. Ensure the hose has no kinks or bends, as this can reduce the flow rate and cause problems.
Once connected, hook up multiple bilge pumps into one hose. However, it is important to note that this should only be done if both pumps have similar flow rates and capacities.
If one pump has a higher capacity than the other, this could cause an imbalance in pressure which can lead to damage or failure of one of the pumps.
Step 5. Install Check Valve In Hose Between Splitter And Discharge Point
Preventing backflow requires installing a check valve in the hose between the three-way splitter and the discharge point. Which can lead to unwanted water accumulation and potential damage to the basement.
The check valve ensures that water flows only in one direction, from the bilge pump system towards the discharge point. This means that when the bilge pumps are activated, they will pump out water as intended without any risk of backflow.
According to recent studies, failure to install check valves in bilge pump systems is a leading cause of flooding.
Backflow occurs when there is no check valve installed or if it is not functioning correctly. Water can then flow back into the bilges, which defeats the purpose of having bilge pumps in place.
Step 6. Test System For Effectiveness
Test the bilge pump system’s effectiveness by activating each pump separately and observing water flow out of their respective discharge points without any backflow.
In addition, testing the system provides a way to identify any issues or malfunctions before they become significant problems. To conduct a proper test, activating each pump independently and observing if water flows out of the discharge point without any backflow is necessary.
The backflow occurs when water flows in a reverse direction due to improper installation or malfunctioning components. Backflow can cause damage to various parts of the bilge pump system, such as valves, pumps, or hoses, which may lead to costly repairs.
Therefore, this step must be done carefully and thoroughly to identify all issues before using the system for its intended purpose.
Why It is Not Recommended to Hooked Two Bilge Pumps Into One Hose?
Combining water flow from multiple sources through a single conduit can lead to a restricted flow, resulting in stuck check valves and potentially compromising the system’s safety. Thus, hooking two bilge pumps into one hose is not recommended.
There are several reasons why this practice should be avoided:
1. Reduced Efficiency: The purpose of having multiple bilge pumps is to improve the efficiency of the system by providing backup in case one pump fails. However, if two pumps are hooked into one hose, their combined output may not match that of each individual pump working separately.
2. Increased Risk of Clogging: When two bilge pumps are connected to a single hose, debris can easily accumulate and cause clogs or blockages in the system. This increases the risk of flooding or other malfunctions that could compromise the safety of those on board.
3. Higher Maintenance Costs: If you hook up two bilge pumps and one pump fails or requires maintenance, both pumps will need to be taken offline for repairs. This increases maintenance costs and downtime.
4. Lower Safety Margin: Further, if both bilge pumps fail due to clogging or other issues caused by combined flow through a single conduit, no backup will be available to prevent flooding or other dangerous situations.
What Would Happen If You Connect Two Bilge Pumps In Parallel?
Connecting multiple sources of water flow through a parallel conduit can have various effects on a system, including increasing efficiency and providing redundancy. Putting two bilge pumps in parallel means they’re connected to the same hose, designed to handle both pumps’ combined flow.
This setup allows both pumps to work simultaneously, doubling how much water can be pumped out. However, while connecting two bilge pumps in parallel may seem like a good idea at first glance, some risks are involved.
Why Do I Need 2 Bilge Pump For Home Basement?
Having multiple backup systems in place is crucial for ensuring the safety and security of your home, which is why utilizing more than one drainage system is important. Similar to having multiple locks on your front door, a sump pump and a backup pump will keep your basement dry.
In the case of a basement, water damage can cause significant harm to both the structure and the belongings it houses. This is where bilge pumps come into play. These submersible pumps are designed to remove excess water from basements or other flooded areas due to heavy rain or other natural disasters.
However, relying solely on one bilge pump may not be sufficient for some homeowners. It’s recommended to have two bilge pumps installed for extra security in case one malfunctions.
The second bilge pump acts as a backup system that kicks in when the first one fails or cannot keep up with the inflow of water. By having two bilge pumps operating simultaneously, you can ensure maximum protection against potential floods and minimize any potential damage that could occur.
Are There Any Disadvantages to Using Two Bilge Pumps Operating in Parallel?
Using multiple bilge pumps in parallel can result in increased fluid friction losses, discharge pressure, and altered pump efficiency.
When two bilge pumps are hooked into one hose, the flow rate provided by each pump is reduced. This reduction can lead to a higher discharge pressure that causes greater fluid friction losses throughout the system.
Additionally, the parallel operation of two bilge pumps may also impact the efficiency of each pump. Pump efficiency decreases as the flow rate increases due to internal leakage and fluid turbulence.
If both pumps are not perfectly matched for their specifications or wear over time at different rates, one pump may become more efficient than the other.
Another disadvantage of using multiple bilge pumps is that if one fails, it may cause an obstruction in the hose preventing the other pump from functioning correctly.
Linking Bilge Pumps: A Potential Plumbing Hazard
Think again if you’re thinking about connecting two bilge pumps to one discharge hose in your home. While it seems like a logical solution for extra pumping power, it’s not recommended due to several potential problems.
Not only can it decrease efficiency, but it can also increase the risk of failure. Working two bilge pumps simultaneously in parallel can cause the pumps to work against each other, leading to further issues like reduced flow rates and increased wear and tear.
Interestingly, this type of situation can be compared to our personal lives. Multitasking can seem like the best option when we try to take on too much at once. However, just like with the bilge pumps, multitasking can actually lead to burnout and decreased effectiveness.
So, before you connect those bilge pumps, consider the risks and remember the importance of focusing on one task at a time when possible.
