John Guest Speed Fittings

[powdr_dayz]

I was curious if anyone used these to easily connect/disconnect an external return pump from the system for maintenance/cleaning. I know at the 1/4" diameter they are easy to use, but was wondering how they are at the 3/4" to 1" diameter.

Perhaps something like this:
http://www.speedfit.co.uk/Home/Products/Speedfit-Secure-Fittings/MALE-CONNECTOR.aspx

Thanks,
PD

[chimmike]

Use Union valves. Available at lowes and MUCH cheaper than those fittings will be!

[RokleM]

"PEX, Copper and CPVC", not typical PVC SCH40/80.

Cheap (as in quality) being the key word there on Lowes/HomeDepot unions/valves/etc. Good for everything else, but I avoid these parts. I've had them lock, seize, break, missing o-rings, you name it. I'd go for higher quality parts from a sponsor here or savko.com first. Unions, probably not the end of the world, but if you're getting other parts you might as well do it right there also. Just my opinion.

[chimmike]

I've never had any problems with union valves from Lowes. It's simple. It's a ball valve with unions built on. No clips or o-rings to deal with. Been using 'em for years.

I just can't justify spending that much more from savko or someone else.

[RokleM]

No o-rings on your unions? That's a first. Can't say I've ever seen one, regardless of manufacture, that doesn't have one.

Depends on the location. Previous discussions on the topic have brought to light that there are apparently different suppliers of parts for Lowes/HomeDepot that seem to vary by region. The ball valves and TUBV we have here in central Ohio are HORRIBLE. Some are stuck or near impossible to turn out of the box still in the store, and it only gets worse once they're put in saltwater with buildup/etc. You put a valve on because you need to use it. If it's inoperable (or even worse breaks off in your hand when you try to use it like a couple of mine did), that's a major problem. A few bucks on quality parts for plumbing can save massive amounts of work and potential loss down the road.

There are tricks to getting them to work a little better, like putting silicone grease on the ball itself, but why try to fix something that's broke per say out of the box?

[chimmike]

Ahh. Yeah, I already know the pieces I've bought here in FL aren't by that manufacturer.

Granted, they can get stuck and require some force after a few months, but I usually prefer a gate valve when I'm going to do frequent adjusting for precision. Those are definitely good at savko.

spa-flex from savko is great too! That stuff is a lifesaver.

[d2mini]

The gate or ball valves with unions are way easier and more secure than the john guest valves.
I only use the john guest style for the 1/4" flex tubing.

[TheMcs]

I've had two of the union valves from Lowes fail. Never again.