Flexible PVC Pipe

[mehaffydr]

I have not used flexible PVC on my Reef tank but I do use it for my Koi Pond. I have never had to chamfer the edges to get it together. A couple tips I can give from my experiences on my pond.
1. Use the schedule 40 fittings that are deep. The pipe should go into the fitting an depth that is equal to the diameter of the pipe. They sell fittings at the big box stores that are shallow and can be problematic.
2. Always use primer on the joints to insure a good connection. Make sure joints are solid before releasing the flexible PVC will stay soft longer than solid PVC.
3. If the pipe won't go into the fitting make sure there are no little burrs on the edges from cutting these might bind and make it difficult to get the joints together.
I have never had any issues with the flexible PVC on my pond.
As others have pointed out its flexible but also fairly stiff. You can soften with heat gun or by laying it out in the sun. But it doesn't bend like vinyl tubing.

Hope this helps

 

[User1]

Sandpaper. I can't say if it is a rule when working with PVC or ABS pipe but I always do a quick sand on the pipe and fitting, dust it off, then apply primer, then glue, then insert, hold, then turn to final resting position while holding it together firmly. No leaks for me when I do this.

 

[CPL376]

i heard using flexible PVC inground is not a good idea. termites can create holes and weaken the pipe. termites are not a problem with rigid PVC.

G~

Don't know I've been lucky enough to not have had termite problems. I credit this to the centricon system that was installed when we built the house

 

[Lighthouze08]

u used spa-flex for the last 5 or 6 years. no problems

 

[burning2nd]

So Im about to use TekTube 1.25 sch40 flexible pvc

I have to test fit this all b4 i glue, and @ 60$ for 25' i cant afford mistakes.. whats the deal with

the fittings are very hard to fit on.. Not like regular pvc, is there a trick do i heat the tube or fitting b4 gluing? I see people say.. just primer glue and go..
to me that sounds like a few mistakes, Im familiar with plumbing Ive just never used this flex stuff

normally pvc fittings slide on a little.. and when the glue is on they slide on with a good push.. This stuff barely goes in a 1/8" in to the fitting (with no glue)

tips tricks or anything speical to flexible pvc and slip fittings?

like sand the tube end by hand or anything like that?

 

[mehaffydr]

I lightly sand to take off the sheen but when you add primer and glue they just slide on. I would recommend using the PVC fittings that are deep. Some you buy are shallow and with flex I’ve had trouble at times with those. Other than that nothing special

 

[Dr. Dendrostein]

Apparently this pipe can be glued right into any standard slip/socket PVC fittings. Has anyone used this type of flexible PVC pipe or something similar? thoughts?

Tektube Flexible PVC Pipe

https://www.amazon.com/TEKTUBE-Dia-25-Schedule-Flexible/dp/B071XQ2F2X/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1520917414&sr=8-1&keywords=1"+flex+pvc+black

I've used the white type. Also special glue for it.

 

[Dr. Dendrostein]

Also when fitting to hose glued, hold 30 sec., good habit.

 

[ca1ore]

Not sure what ‘deep’ fittings means? All of the flex PVC sites say to not use DWV fittings because the glueing shoulder is too shallow (nominally 1/2”).

 

[mehaffydr]

Depending on where you buy the fittings they have different types. Some are approx 1/2 of the diameter ans some are about equal to the diameter. If you buy at Lowes look around and you will see both. Shallow ones are in red boxes and deep ones are in blue boxes.

 

[samnaz]

I ended up going with rigid pvc pipe instead but I did purchase the tektube and you're right it's impossible to get the fittings on even a quarter inch. This makes it hard when cutting the pipe for exact and specific runs of pipe.

I used gorilla glue all in one primer and cement. Holding for 30 seconds wasn't near enough. I held for over a minute and the pipe almost pushed itself out completely.

ps if you mess up too many times I'll gladly send you some of mine if you need it.

 

[burning2nd]

cool guys.. thank you so much

 

[ReeferReefer]

I might give this stuff a try. I've never done plumbing before so I'm hoping it's good for a first timer.

 

[samnaz]

I might give this stuff a try. I've never done plumbing before so I'm hoping it's good for a first timer.

having tried both, I have to say rigid pvc was easier. but, it really depends on your setup and the tools you have to work with.