PVC Flex Tubing

[digital-audiophile]

It's doesn't have to be clear at all, I'm just trying to figure out the right flex piping I need for my return. I'm new to this whole plumbing thing

[MikeP]

I'm learning about plumbing too. Talk to Albert at Golds, he should be able to sell you everything. I'm stopping by there tomorrow to pick up the stuff I need.

[Snowmaker]

Just use the tried and true hard piping (schedual 40 - pressure piping) so easy to cut and glue. Also very cheap at home depot

[TRIX]

When I was doing my plumbing I checked all the usuals HD Rona etc. Albert at Golds Had all the best stuff and was actually cheaper than getting the lower quality stuff at the hardware and plumbing stores. If you want you can spend the time driving around to research it all yourself but I'm sure you'll end up with Albert

[digital-audiophile]

I'll see Albert on the weekend then. I only really need a couple feet to come off my pump to the wall and then I am switching up to Sch.40 PVC up the back of the tank and into it. I just need the flex to come off the pump.

[Delphinus]

Little tip, get "spa flex" pipe, it's flexible PVC and joins to regular PVC fittings (better to use the clear cement though as it has a little more give than the grey). Get it at Western Pump, just ask for it at the counter, if you call it "flex PVC" they'll know what you mean.

The clear braided tubing you get at Home Depot/Rona/etc. is fine to use, but you need hose barb fittings (hose barb to MPT {"male pipe thread"} adapters). I think it's technically PVC as well but I just call that stuff vinyl tubing (again most people will know what you mean if you call it that).

When you're plumbing the sump return pipe (from the pump), make sure to use a small piece of flex PVC or the vinyl tubing between the pump and the sump wall (if you're using an inline pump, that is), to absorb vibration from the pump. This will make it less noisy, plus it protects the glass from any shocks (pump gets bumped) and vibration (worst case scenario it can break glass).

[Kryten]

The other thing about that home depot stuff is that it really isn't all that flexible. It really likes to stay in the coil shape that it comes off the roll and it takes quite a bit of pressure to force it to do otherwise. Like enough to lift a hang-on overflow box up off the edge of your tank...

[MikeP]

Originally Posted by digital-audiophile

I'll see Albert on the weekend then. I only really need a couple feet to come off my pump to the wall and then I am switching up to Sch.40 PVC up the back of the tank and into it. I just need the flex to come off the pump.

I'm planning on buying about 10 feet from Albert. That should be more than I need. If you can wait I might have that much left over. It's yours if you want to come by to pick it up.

[mark]

I'm using a combination of "spa-flex" and rigid PVC on my return, drains and CL.

Like said before, Spa-flex will match up to PVC fittings (elbow, tee's etc) and really is comparatively cheap.