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View Full Version : Flexible or PVC tubing for sump?

Henry100
10/07/2007, 04:58 PM
Which is better and why?
saltwater4life1
10/07/2007, 05:03 PM
PVC looks cleaner and not so messy. Flex is quiet and and stuff
jschottenfeld
10/07/2007, 09:15 PM
A mixture of both could work too.... I'm using rigid PVC for most of the plumbing but some flex vinyl tubing will be used by some of the bulkheads to cut down on vibration. It can also absorb some shock at the bulkhead if for some reason it was to be jarred or moved.
snulma1
10/08/2007, 04:46 AM
Flex is less labor intensive. It takes less planning to use flex tubing other then clamping devices.
thor32766
10/08/2007, 08:13 AM
waht snulma said is very true if you can use the flex it helps mistakes out quite a bit.
einsteins
10/08/2007, 10:34 AM
I like Flex PVC get the advantages of both...
It is called Spa-flex

einsteins
kgross
10/08/2007, 04:33 PM
There is a major problem with using flex (not spa flex though). That is it collapses when it bends and will restrict the flow. I never suggest using normal flex tubing.

Now to reduce vibration, use the Spa Flex PVC pipe it is not as flexible as the flex tubing, and it can be hard to glue, but it will flow a lot better since it does not collapse and can be used with normal PVC fittings.

Kim
saltwater4life1
10/09/2007, 09:52 AM
Is this the right spa flex?
http://spapartsnet.com/Spa-Replumbing/Flex-Pipe-and-Vinyl-Tube/FlexPVC_763_4_1.html
shyland83
10/09/2007, 10:15 AM
Thats the stuff
tylorarm
10/09/2007, 10:19 AM
I've been doing a lot of plumbing lately and i suck at it, but some tips i picked up from RC that have saved much time & frustration:
- flexpvc.com; buying spa-flex and some tips
- use flex and hard PVC in combo; u can be so much less accurate and avoid pressuring joints as much by forcing connections when they're not lined up perfect.
- heat flex-pvc in oven at 160 degrees to make more flexable
- use primer and glue and hold flex into fitting for 30 seconds or will push back out a bit (doesn't do this with hard PVC)
- 1.5" flex is pretty stiff and 2" is very stiff, especially in short lengths, and comes in coils and want to stay curved
- plan well but buy extra fittings as cheap and saves much time going to HD (time is more valuable)
- tru-union ball valves at savko.com