Another skimmer question

[christyf5]

you should have no problem submerging the outlet as long as the top of the gate valve can draw air.

I used to run my old skimmer with the gate valve partially submerged, I never had a problem but the screw on the valve knob did rust pretty badly, not sure how long it would take to do it in completely as I ran my skimmer for about 4 years before upgrading my tank and skimmer. I think gate valves are about $20 to replace.