Plumbing Problems

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Doc_Polit

Feeder Fish
MFK Member
Nov 4, 2007
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Blackfalds, Alberta
I do not understand what the hell is going on with my tank. I have a custom 118 gallon and built a DIY wet/dry sump. The tank does not leak and the wet/dry functions exactly as planned. My problem is that my plumbing (rigid PVC) leaks like a sieve.

I don't get it.....I used primer/cleaner and heavy duty pvc glue; inserted and gave 1/4" turn; held joints together; allowed to cure fully.

My drain lines (2) are fine, but my return lines leak like crazy.

The only cause I can think of is that my pump output is 1.5" and I reduced it to 3/4" right off the pump. I am guessing that the flow restriction right at the pump is creating too much pressure for the joints because even one of my pvc unions is leaking above the pump.

Any thoughts??? This is making me crazy! I've plumbed this thing 3 times now. :cry:
 
show us some pics. what brand glue are u using?
 
The bulkheads are all tight and dry. I felt my way around the plumbing, examining each joint individually and that is where the water is coming from (80% of my return joints).
 
Your best bet is to scrap it and redo it all. No sense in driving yourself crazy fixing that many leaks. BTW The pipe reduction should not make it leak. Not enough pressure there for a solid joint to blow.
 
Now thats wierd!
What i usually do is glue the piping in segments. That means one piece of pipe to one elbow or fitting and make damn sure there's no possibility of a leak. I let that cure for at least a day, and in the meantime, put together a couple more pieces. when all the 'segments' are done and cured for a day, i join them one joint at a time, and let cure a bit (maybe an hour or so), that way the joints dont move around while wet. Patience is the key, and remember to use extra glue, so the remainder oozes out. use your finger to wipe off the excess around the joint. when that dries, it seals the joint nicely from the outside. now you're double sure there's no leak.
as for the pressure, the rigid piping can handle a heck lot more than your return pump, so thats not the issue. as for the union, make sure its 100% in line and not at an angle. Make sure the o-ring is there, and not flush with the mounting / or the seat. (dont know exactly what to call it!). failing this - in your next attempt, you mite want to source a better quality coupling. possibly there could be some quality control issues. Good luck dude!
 
when you apply the glue there is no need to over apply just make sure both connecting parts have glue on then put them together i use pvc pipe and glue on a daily basis and i never have a probem doing it this way
 
I used Oatey Heavy Duty PVC Cement located in the plumbing section of my local HD.

I guess I'll just have to cut it all out and redo it again. I think (for peace of mind) I am going to take off the reducer and use 1.5" return pipe until it reaches the back of the tank. I am also going to "Y" my 2 returns in the tank.

This should completely alleviate the possibility of problems from "pressure".

Wish me luck!
 
is the pipe/fittings pvc or cpvc? pvc glue doesnt work properly on cpvc.

if not its just a thought.

another thing is "heavy duty" basically meaning thicker has much longer dry times.
 
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