I think I am aware of what you are talking about. Would it work to elevate your plants/buckets, Run drain lines(1/2 inch tubes) to a low rise resi.( I have a nice 80 gallon that I use) set up a pump on a timer to top feed your plants and let the runoff drain back to the resi? If I am correct you don't have any media?
If that is the case you could either use media (coco/perlite 50/50) and drain out the bottom of the buckets or without media make your drain lines penetrate the bucket at just below the base of your plant.
When the system circulates it will never get above your drain outlet.

Am I explaining it clearly enough?

I suppose it would end up being a recirc system because your bubbler would be in the resi. and you would need fresh water for your roots to float in. If you added media you would only need to water 2-3 times daily.