PVC Flex Tubing

digital-audiophile · #1 04-10-2007, 10:26 PM

What kind of flex tubing do you use for your sump pump return. I was looking at this clear braided PVC tubing at the home depot but noticed it says it is for low pressure applications. Is this acceptable or is there a better kind to use?

Thanks!

shotzee · #2 04-10-2007, 10:34 PM

I use the stuff they use for pools and hot tubs. If you stop by a hot tub shop they will carry what you need.

Scavenger · #3 04-10-2007, 10:39 PM

I'm no expert by any means, but I'm assuming by "low pressure applications" that it means you wouldn't have any valve or restrictors (ie tap faucet, ball valve) to impede the flow.

I know our pumps can put out high volumes, but if it's not restricted in any way, how high is the pressure? Perhaps your tubing would work.

Think of the way a coiled garden hose reacts with water flowing through it, and then put a spray nozzle on the end and observe the same.

It might be worth the experiment, then again, that's just me.

shotzee · #4 04-10-2007, 10:42 PM

Is that clear piping at HD actually PVC or is it something else because that might complicate any connections you want to make (assuming you plan on using PVC glue). Why do you want clear pipe anyways, I hate it becuase its vulnerable to algae growth.

digital-audiophile · #5 04-11-2007, 12:54 AM

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 · #6 04-11-2007, 01:01 AM

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 · #7 04-11-2007, 01:03 AM

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 · #8 04-11-2007, 01:56 AM

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 · #9 04-11-2007, 02:05 AM

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 · #10 04-11-2007, 02:55 AM

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).