Re-plumbing drains

Kimo · 02/10/2006, 11:15 AM

Ok, my current drains need to be redone, they are leaking and are restrictive.

I am currently using the 1" bulkheads in the Oceanic overflow boxes and going directly to 1" barbs and to 1" tubing that is getting pinched and leaking at the barbs. The bulkhead is leaking on the overflow as well, and getting salt all over everything.

Here is my plan, and please tell me if this is feasible.

I have a drain compartment on my sump that has 2 1" bulkheads on it. I want to take a 90 from the 1" bulkhead on the tank on each side, run 1" flex pvc along the bottom of the tank to another pair of 90s and then flex PVC down to unions that are attached to the bulkheads in the sump lid. Once I get the flow there I have the sump configured correctly.

Does anyone see any problems with this? Will it be restrictive, noisy?

I am using a durso in each overflow.

Thanks.

Jamie

BJJ · 02/10/2006, 12:49 PM

Do you know how much water your returning to your sump? IMO I like to reduce the number of fittings in any given line as it will reduce friction losses as well as reducing the chance of leaks at the fittings. Also everytime you add an elbow, the noisyer your plumbing will be. Leaky bulkheads are usualy caused by either incorrect intallation or an uneaven load/stress on the fitting from unsupported piping.

Also if you using flex tubing (not sure what type your using) The inexpensive clear poly tubing is bad for pinching at corners, you can upgrade to a heavier food grade reinforced tubing (it has the white reinforcing strands throughout the tubing) or go with the white flexible PVC pipe. You can get this stuff at hot tub dealers or home most large hardware stores. Flexible PVC will not kink.

Kimo · 02/11/2006, 06:56 AM

Yes, I am currently using a MAG 18 as my return, but I will eventually get an external pump. I am not too concerned about getting HUGE turnover, I feel that ever low turnover is ok and just lets you skim your water a little more thoroughly.

I think stress is causing the current leaky bulkhead, since the tubing is really straining to get to the sump.

If you look at my first post, I said I was going to use flex PVC to replumb.

Thanks for the info about the 90s, I'll try to keep them to a minimum. I'm going to try to get something together this weekend.

The leaky bulkhead really did a number on the inside of the stand, the indestructible black oceanic paint is peeling off revealing the wood underneath. Ick.

Jamie

02/10/2006, 11:15 AM	#1
Kimo Registered Member Join Date: Jun 2001 Location: Leesburg, VA Posts: 671	Re-plumbing drains Ok, my current drains need to be redone, they are leaking and are restrictive. I am currently using the 1" bulkheads in the Oceanic overflow boxes and going directly to 1" barbs and to 1" tubing that is getting pinched and leaking at the barbs. The bulkhead is leaking on the overflow as well, and getting salt all over everything. Here is my plan, and please tell me if this is feasible. I have a drain compartment on my sump that has 2 1" bulkheads on it. I want to take a 90 from the 1" bulkhead on the tank on each side, run 1" flex pvc along the bottom of the tank to another pair of 90s and then flex PVC down to unions that are attached to the bulkheads in the sump lid. Once I get the flow there I have the sump configured correctly. Does anyone see any problems with this? Will it be restrictive, noisy? I am using a durso in each overflow. Thanks. Jamie

02/10/2006, 12:49 PM	#2
BJJ Registered Member Join Date: Aug 2003 Location: Edmonton, AB Posts: 267	Do you know how much water your returning to your sump? IMO I like to reduce the number of fittings in any given line as it will reduce friction losses as well as reducing the chance of leaks at the fittings. Also everytime you add an elbow, the noisyer your plumbing will be. Leaky bulkheads are usualy caused by either incorrect intallation or an uneaven load/stress on the fitting from unsupported piping. Also if you using flex tubing (not sure what type your using) The inexpensive clear poly tubing is bad for pinching at corners, you can upgrade to a heavier food grade reinforced tubing (it has the white reinforcing strands throughout the tubing) or go with the white flexible PVC pipe. You can get this stuff at hot tub dealers or home most large hardware stores. Flexible PVC will not kink.

02/11/2006, 06:56 AM	#3
Kimo Registered Member Join Date: Jun 2001 Location: Leesburg, VA Posts: 671	Yes, I am currently using a MAG 18 as my return, but I will eventually get an external pump. I am not too concerned about getting HUGE turnover, I feel that ever low turnover is ok and just lets you skim your water a little more thoroughly. I think stress is causing the current leaky bulkhead, since the tubing is really straining to get to the sump. If you look at my first post, I said I was going to use flex PVC to replumb. Thanks for the info about the 90s, I'll try to keep them to a minimum. I'm going to try to get something together this weekend. The leaky bulkhead really did a number on the inside of the stand, the indestructible black oceanic paint is peeling off revealing the wood underneath. Ick. Jamie