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View Full Version : Stainless, brass, and galvanized plumbing


stricknine
12/31/2008, 05:15 PM
Im getting ready to plumb in my new set up but cant find a way to add a ball valve to the return without using brass, galvanized, or stainless. I am using a 3/4" flexible hose w/ barb fittings and pipe clamps, and the only PVC valve available is for pipe, and I cant get fittings to adapt from pipe to the flex (with barb fittings).

Looks like I have two options-brass/stainless valve with threaded ends-and thread in a 3/4 thread to flex (via barb fitting). That fitting is available in galvanized and PVC, but I am reluctant to thread PVC into stainless, bad practice.

Are these metal fittings ok to use?

Thanks.

sassafrass
12/31/2008, 06:22 PM
you can go with slip fittings made of PVC neither brass or stainless is acceptable to use as they will break down leaving contaminants that can be harmful , your pipeclamps will breakdown as well

stricknine
12/31/2008, 06:48 PM
Hmmm... Thanks for the reply. Now metal is out of the picture I have no idea how to connect my return with a ball valve.

The only PVC ball valve I found had two smooth female inlets, no threads, no barbs, and no conversion fittings available to adapt 3/4 pvc to flex.

Are the slip fittings you referred to the same as I call a barb fitting, the nozzle looking thing with the tapered end push fit on to a piece of hose?

I need an instruction manual. Is there any reef supply stores online that sell plumbing fittings (at a premium cost im sure), or another place to look for a bit of direction?

Thanks.

sassafrass
12/31/2008, 10:38 PM
The slip fitting is smooth like you describe there are also slip fit barb fittings , to get the flex onto the barb dip the flex in very hotwater and apply some teflon paste to the barb then push the two together no hose clamp is needed. Any more questions just ask I have built many systems

Zestay
01/01/2009, 12:19 AM
if your fittings are hard to find. id replumb with easy to find stuff man.

better get it done while its dry than have an emergancy when wet.

Jaded_Falcon
01/01/2009, 01:12 AM
I just built mine with parts at lowes. they had ball valves in a lot of sizes and slip or threaded. If you cant find one, they make adapters to go from slip to threaded. They're available at most hardware stores. If they dont have it they can probably get it. And a lot cheaper! My LFS wanted $20 for my ball valve. Got it for 2.50 at Lowes.

Ugly Dog
01/01/2009, 06:20 AM
How about 2 3/4" MTP x 3/4 hose barb insert (http://www.marinedepot.com/ps_ViewItem~action~view~idProduct~FT7344~idCategory~FIFTFIHB~category~Hose_Barb_-Fittings-Plumbing_Parts-Saltwater_Aquarium_Supplies~vendor~.html) and 1 Ball Valve 3/4" FTP x 3/4" FTP (http://www.marinedepot.com/ps_ViewItem~action~view~idProduct~FT3354~idCategory~FIFTVLBV~category~Ball-Valves-Plumbing_Parts-Saltwater_Aquarium_Supplies~vendor~.html)
Should be able to thread the barb fitting into each side of the ball valve. Just be sure to use teflon tape.

RGC
01/01/2009, 07:06 AM
Both Lowes and Home depot sell all the parts you should need

EnglishRebel
01/01/2009, 07:25 AM
Here's one. From 1/2" to 1-1/2". All you have to do is Google "Plastic Float Valve" :D

Float Valve (http://www.chemline.com/ballfloat.htm)

sassafrass
01/01/2009, 09:45 AM
Teflon tape can split PVC , teflon paste won't and will give you the same seal.

stricknine
01/01/2009, 02:42 PM
Cliff, thats the trouble Im having. I can find those parts suggested, but if you take a look the valve has slip fittings, and the adaptor fitting is threaded and barbed. I cant seem to get a threaded valve or slip-threaded (FA-female adaptor) fitting, at least not locally. Thanks.

sassafrass, thanks again. Will probabaly keep this thread going until I can find what I need. will definately go with the teflon paste. Do I have to watch for ingredients to make sure its reef safe? Thanks again.

Ugly Dog
01/01/2009, 06:37 PM
Then you have to look around for Female Adapter Fitting - 3/4" FTP x 3/4" slip (http://www.marinedepot.com/ps_ViewItem~action~view~idProduct~FT4744~idCategory~FIFTFIAF~category~Adapters-Fittings-Plumbing_Parts-Saltwater_Aquarium_Supplies~vendor~.html), if you absolutely can't find a ball valve with threaded ends. Maybe be look around for Insert Fitting- 3/4" slip x 3/4" insert (http://www.marinedepot.com/ps_ViewItem~action~view~idProduct~FT6544~idCategory~PDPSCCBH~category~hose~vendor~.html). You may have to ask your hardware store if they can order the part in, not sure about stores or online places you can order from in Canada.

stricknine
01/01/2009, 06:49 PM
Thanks Cliff, thats exactly what I cant find, and the 1 missing piece of the puzzle. I may have to order it online, Home Depot didnt have it, and Canadian tire, RONA, and all plumbing wholesalers (local canadian) were closed for the holiday. Nice to know it does exist though. Hope it isnt a special order, I cant wait another 2 weeks to get this thing going!

THANKS!