Need plumbering Help...

[giantbicycle]

hi, fellow reefers...i need some plumbering help here, its reagding the return pipe ...I am having some problems here and need some advice...the pipe are always giving me problems..

Firstly, i use slicion and it ALWAYS LEAKS..

secondly, my check value is not working at all and when i come back, FLOOd..

after today's water test failed...i decided to redo the whole return pipe to prevent further flooding..in case of holidays ..

First of all..the pipes i wil be using is normal PVC pipes and elbows too..

Check valve- i intend to get GF check valuve but dont knw where to get...i tried thoes tawin one['s and given up hope on it already...as it tends to allows water to pass thru it

and wad should i use instaead of slicon to stop the leaking? Pls advice

Thanks very much

[riot]

Hi Giantbicycle

I would like to help but am not sure about the silicon. Where is it applied? To the bulkhead or the pipes? The pipes should be joined using PVC glue. If its the bulhead, most would recommend emptying out the water, unscrewing the bulkhead and reapply the silicion. You migth want to try tightening the bulkhead first it might be a tad loose.

For check valves, it might be better to drill a small hole in the return to prevent a siphon.

And lastly, leaky pipes give me headaches too

[jOsHiE]

use eproxy to stop leakage... i use to have the prob when i use silicon until i try eproxy.... wah its damn good....its like dough so u shape it around the pipes... then when its dry its like cement... haa

[kareen]

I saw the LFS's guys who did my tank applied some kind of glue before connecting them together. I asked them, they said to prevent leakage..... I saw the same kind of glue used by some fellow here in his DIY project.....

*my words may not be informative but hey... just sharing what I know.*

[sy8]

hi.....support what kareen says

it is pvc cement in a small container.

just ask any local hardware shop that you want to joint some pipe, they will give you the "glue" in a small tin.

but mind you once joint up no way you can dislodge thwm.

best alternative ask the man for white string which you can buy at 50 cents each. wind the string around the pipe than plug it in the larger joint.

hope it helps

[ZeRoC00l]

best alternative ask the man for white string which you can buy at 50 cents each. wind the string around the pipe than plug it in the larger joint.

hope it helps

I think you mean plumbers tape

There's a few ways to go round joining pipes to elbows / unions / valves

(1) using silicone --- Can be removed after the joint is flixed but need to wait till properly cured before can do water test

(2) using plumbers tape ---- ca b removed easily, but need A LOT for each joint

(3) use PVC glue --- permenent joint, need to apply a think layer and seated properly to prevent leaks

My suggestion: Use plumbers tape first then use a bead of silicone. Use yr finger to lightly press into joint all round the joints.

Worst case if still leak: use deltec or tunze epoxy. Or cheaper sourse is to get the epoxy sold in hardware store used for marine boats.

[giantbicycle]

yea. i saw the glue before and use it for 1 of my pumps and i can say that the smell is too strong,like tinner...hmm, maybe i will try wad you guys said

thanks guys....

any 1 know where can i get GF check valuves? Thanks

[planetg]

my advice - drop the check valve totally. drill holes in your return just below the water level to allow siphon break.

never trust any check valve apart from the fact that it kills your flow a little also.

[giantbicycle]

my advice - drop the check valve totally. drill holes in your return just below the water level to allow siphon break.

never trust any check valve apart from the fact that it kills your flow a little also.

icee....but i duno get wad you mean....about the part that drilling holes..sorry..cant get the picture of it..care to explain further and thanks

[delirium]

Let me help. A picture speaks a thousand words.

[limbssg]

Just a bit of explanation for Delirium's diagram...

Drill a 5mm hole (or 2 holes, to be on the safe side) just below the water level, even if the hole is slightly above the water level is also fine.

when u off the return pump, the water level in the main tank will drop few millimetres and air will be sucked into the return pipe, eventually causing a siphon break.

how fast the siphon break depends on the size of the hole and the position of it. If u drill the hole 2-3 cm below water level, it may not break the siphon and the sump will overflow.

IMO, this is the most reliable method as compared to check valve.

[delirium]

Good explanation by limbssg. For my case i cut 2 holes, 1 above the other and then cut it into a vertical slot.

[keithtanbb]

If for normal pvc pipes, go to a hardware store, get the orange/white can Japanese brand ,No.70.a few dollars, use the plumber white tape if u face vibration, and seal with the glue in a dry conditon 1st...

[giantbicycle]

icee..i got the picture..thanks guys