New set-up plumbing - Please help!

dzip · 12/20/2010, 02:25 PM

I’m getting geared up to start my 90g build and I’m not sure if I’m missing something with planning my plumbing. Is there any reason why I can’t use standard, readily available “PVC type” ball valves from HD or Lowes? (I assume, “ball” types are preferred over “gate” valves) I keep seeing people selling valves and such (along with bulkhead gaskets, etc...) on local forums and I can’t understand why they are selling for so much more – leaves me feeling like I must be missing something.

While I’m asking, is there anything that has to be done prepping and using PVC for pluming the tank/sump? In other words, can you use regular PVC cement and should the joints all be primed with the “purple” stuff?

dkh0331 · 12/20/2010, 02:33 PM

Gate valves are far better on fine tuning flow over ball valves. I don't have any ball valves in my plumbing at all.

Ye, regular PVC primer & glue can be used.

shifty51008 · 12/20/2010, 02:34 PM

you can use the PVC parts from HD or lowes or anywhere I know lots of people that use that PVC and it works fine I myself included. gate vales are better for adjusting flow better mostly used on skimmers otherwise ball valves work just fine.

regular PVC cement and purple primer will work just fine and yes I would use the primer also.

dzip · 12/20/2010, 02:37 PM

Awesome - thanks for the fast replies!!!

Does the same do for the smaller stuff for ATOs and RO/DI supply lines? I found a ton of stuff at Lowes and it's all like PEX - just basically snap together

mdlewis11 · 12/20/2010, 02:42 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by dzip

and should the joints all be primed with the “purple” stuff?

I use the clear PVC primer because it looks neater by not having all the purple smears showing. It's not labeled as primer though, It's labeled as Clear PVC "Cleaner." It cost a little more though.

dzip · 12/20/2010, 02:46 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by mdlewis11

I use the clear PVC primer because it looks neater by not having all the purple smears showing. It's not labeled as primer though, It's labeled as Clear PVC "Cleaner." It cost a little more though.

good to know, thanks - I'm sure I would have been asking anyone I could find for the "clear primer" just so they could laugh at me when they walked away - "...what the hell does that idiot want pretty plumbing for..." so seriously thanks for saving me that embarrassment

12/20/2010, 02:25 PM	#1
dzip Registered Member Join Date: Sep 2010 Posts: 21	New set-up plumbing - Please help! I’m getting geared up to start my 90g build and I’m not sure if I’m missing something with planning my plumbing. Is there any reason why I can’t use standard, readily available “PVC type” ball valves from HD or Lowes? (I assume, “ball” types are preferred over “gate” valves) I keep seeing people selling valves and such (along with bulkhead gaskets, etc...) on local forums and I can’t understand why they are selling for so much more – leaves me feeling like I must be missing something. While I’m asking, is there anything that has to be done prepping and using PVC for pluming the tank/sump? In other words, can you use regular PVC cement and should the joints all be primed with the “purple” stuff?

12/20/2010, 02:33 PM	#2
dkh0331 Es gibt keinen ersatz Join Date: Jan 2003 Location: Close to the edge, down by a river Posts: 3,581	Gate valves are far better on fine tuning flow over ball valves. I don't have any ball valves in my plumbing at all. Ye, regular PVC primer & glue can be used. __________________ Just found out that grandpa has a drug addiction. He is addicted to viagra. No one is taking it harder than grandma.

12/20/2010, 02:34 PM	#3
shifty51008 12-5 Chiefs record Join Date: Mar 2010 Location: NW Iowa Posts: 10,134	you can use the PVC parts from HD or lowes or anywhere I know lots of people that use that PVC and it works fine I myself included. gate vales are better for adjusting flow better mostly used on skimmers otherwise ball valves work just fine. regular PVC cement and purple primer will work just fine and yes I would use the primer also. __________________ 75 gal. mixed DT, 100 gal. sump, 50 gal. fuge, Clownfish breeder

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12/20/2010, 02:37 PM	#4
dzip Registered Member Join Date: Sep 2010 Posts: 21	Awesome - thanks for the fast replies!!! Does the same do for the smaller stuff for ATOs and RO/DI supply lines? I found a ton of stuff at Lowes and it's all like PEX - just basically snap together