Thanks jpsdad!
You are absolutely correct in that there may not be anything wrong; may just be that I dont know how to create the siphon. Here is how I tried to create a siphon:
1) Remove the extension of the siphon break that dips into the pond to maintain desired water level
2) Install a very tight fitting gate valve on the line
3) Run 2 garden hose feeds into the gate valve opening
4) Plug outlet that runs into creek
5) Run gas water pump about 15 minutes to fill siphon pipe at least from creek to top of dam (until my home made plug is about to launch at me)
6) Wife shuts off pump and removes garden hoses and closes gate valve
7) I remove plug and stand back while water drains like a water main break
We did this 2-3 times and I really believe this should create the siphon. Instead it drains, surges a few times, and then goes dry.
I do have fittings to forget the 2 garden hose approach and hook the 2" water pump hose direct to the siphon break tube. This will fill the downside column in a rush, and SHOULD send some back through the entry and could POSSIBLY push a potential blockage out the entry......maybe? But, I am afraid I may not be able to hold my home made plug in place, and more importantly, I dont want to risk damaging any parts of the system. Though it is not high pressure, that 2" pump moves a ton of water fast!
One critical piece I have failed to mention is that there is always about 1/4" deep flow of water coming through pipe. Not sure I understand this, unless the height of the 6" pipe going through the dam is the same height as the current water level? If this is the case, this would mean I would never be able to raise the level?
Water is not currently overflowing, but is rather about 1" higher than the end of the siphon break pipe. That is what caused me to suspect the system is not working properly; though I know it has as recent as last Summer. Pond is about 30 years old, and was obviously very neglected by PO. I have a real challenge saving this, and the property, and will have a treasure if I can do it.
Thank you kindly for your assistance. I am heading down at daybreak to put up a silt fence. If it does overflow, at least I can try to divert it to erode a different part of the property.
David in rainy SC
