On Wed, 04 Apr 2007 08:54:59 GMT, Ron Hardin
wrote:

My sump motor started running forever ; it turns out that the
flow check valve I put in prevented the backwash that kept the
intake screen clear, so it was finally unable to suck in any water.

Is there a compromise flow check valve, that lets a little backwash
happen when the motor shuts down, but not much?

Put in the type of valve that mounts inline with the outlet pipe
instead of the type that screws into the pump base, and mount it a
foot or two above the pump. Drill a small (1/8") hole in the pipe
right below the valve. The small hole won't matter when the pump is
running, but will allow the short column of water to under the valve
to drain back out when the pump stops.

This is a compromise, since if too much water drains back into the
sump, it will cause the pump to run again too soon, but 1 or 2 feet
should be OK.

You might also consider raising the pump up an inch or two by setting
it on some bricks. This will allow room for gunk to accumulate for a
while without plugging the pump. Clean the gunk out periodically
before it accumulates to the level of the pump inlet.

HTH,

Paul