Spa Flex & Sch 80 fittings

I am setting up my first sump and I have a few plumbing questions, any input would be great..

I have spa flex plumbing, I also have Sch 80 fittings and unions etc... I have not fit anything yet but I noticed that it was a bit on the snug side when I attempted to dry fit a few fittings with the spa flex, they fit in but I could not get them to seat completely in the fitting.

I am assuming that when the glue is used it acts as a lubricant so to speak, I was also thinking that maybe the excess thickness of the glue will make it more difficult to seat.

I guess my question is .. is it important to have the pipe completely seat or is 50 % contact with the fitting enough ?

I also have never drilled a sump before, I purchased a sch 80 bulk head which requires a 65 mm hole saw. I purchased the hole saw, it says its for wood, plastic etc... is there a speed on the drill that works best ? I was going to use a hand drill, I am certain I can keep it straight I was just concerned with the edges chipping and not making a clean cut which could effect ability to maintain a tight seal.

I have many questions but I will read on and post if needed

Thanks

 

First, you will want to use PVC cleaner/primer on the inside of the fitting and the outside of the pipe at each connection. This will soften the surfaces slightly so that your PVC glue can form a permanent, unbreakable bond.

To answer your question, once the joint members have been cleaned and glue applied, they will slide together easily. Take care that elbows are in the right direction, though- you will only have a couple of seconds to make any adjustments before the glue sets.

I'll leave your drilling question for someone with experience as I have never drilled glass or acrylic.

 

The glue actually melts the pvc, so they will slide together easily. Like Mr. Bill said, it sets quickly so you may want to dry fit everything and match mark the fittings to keep everything pointing where you want it when you glue.

 

Thanks for the reply.

I am running spa flex with no elbows so I dont have to deal with that, I have made that mistake in the past.

is there a tool that is good for deburring a pipe ?

 

I usually just use a sharp knife. A file would also work.

 

Drilling

Drilling acrylic is easy with holesaw,let the weight of the drill guide you down 1/3 + speed until you have it going. You can feel it cutting no worries!

 

that is what I use. I like it, very vey tough and hard hard to form into the bends I need (but it will work just takes time). I prefered this over the normal PVC pipes because of the number of connections and the bends in the pipe (also potential leaks from using multiple pipes). Next time I do this I would try to plan ahead (i.e. before setting the tank up) and work the piping ahead of time prior to all the equipment and sump that is in my stand

 

Thanks Cant wait to set up

Ill update

 

The glue does sort of act as a lubricant and does not make it more difficult to seat. It makes it easier. Also make sure you use glue appropriate for flex PVC gluing to standard PVC (the standard PVC cement is not appropriate).

Also make sure you prime both surfaces with PVC primer and coat both surfaces with glue.

You definitely want to completely seat it. It is very easy to do... just twist as you insert it.

You want to drill fairly slowly. Additionally, and most people don't know this, you want to dull out the pilot bit on the hole saw. You can do this by putting it in your drill and running it sideways along a cinderblock or some concrete for a while.

The reason you want to do this is that new, sharp bits can grab. If that happens on thinner acrylic you can crack the entire side of the piece you're drilling. Not fun when it happens on an expensive sump.

 

Thanks for the input.

still looking for the right top off system, the prices seem to vary a bit.

Dont want to spend to much and dont want to spend to little...