1:30am, a PVC connector popped.

[fixingstill]

1:30am, a PVC connector popped.

Luckily my wife was still up and she woke me up immediately.
It is the elbow connector of the return line going into the back of the tank. Water gushed out and got the power strip wet and tripped the GFCI which sounded the power out sensor and stopped the return pump.

Looks like too much teflon tape.

Just one hr of repair. Just another day of reefing...

 

[RobZilla04]

Luckily you had all those fail safes in place to avert a worse disaster.

 

[mcgyvr]

That is EXACTLY why you should never use teflon tape on threaded PVC fittings..
Perfect picture showing what you shouldn't do and what can happen..
May not happen right away but you have increased the potential for it to happen.. and it did..
Teflon tape is for metallic threaded fittings only..

Your usage of teflon tape reduced friction causing you to overtighten the joint leading to increases stresses/failure..

An article from one of the major PVC manufacturers so I don't have to write it all
http://www.lascofittings.com/threads

 

[Bent]

That’s been cracked from tightening and then over time it has failed.

 

[ryeguyy84]

Hmm thanks I learned something today. I don't think I used tape on mine because they were underwater and I'd be okay with a little leaking but good to know in the future

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[fixingstill]

Ok. I learn things everyday. No tape, use PVC thread sealant for thread connection.

 

[Salty Waffles]

Ok. I learn things everyday. No tape, use PVC thread sealant for thread connection.

Yup. And be very careful not to overtighten the fitting using PTFE paste. It is VERY easy to do so when using pipe dope. Snug is good.

 

[ryeguyy84]

Wait a minute, the artical said don't use anything on thread connections. Did I read that wrong? I skimmed it while at work [emoji16]

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[fixingstill]

On threaded connection, use paste (the right kind), not tape.
I am getting SLICKON GTS-GOLD 54008 Pipe Thread Sealant because it says it is for types of pipe including steel, brass, aluminum, stainless steel, copper, CPVC, PVC, ABS, Polyethylene, and Polypropylene. If there is any better sealant out there, let me know.

So, use slip connection if you want it "permanent" and not moving. Use thread connection if you want it removable but it will not hold in position (because you are not supposed to overtighten it.)

Get some spa flex PVC tubing instead of the pipes at Lowes or homedepot. That is what I will use for my next build - Unions, slip connections, and spa flex tubing.

 

[mcgyvr]

Wait a minute, the artical said don't use anything on thread connections. Did I read that wrong? I skimmed it while at work [emoji16]

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yes... you read that wrong..

With threaded PVC you always use a non-hardening thread sealant specifically intended for PVC pipe..
It works great...

 

[ryeguyy84]

I see that now...missed the end [emoji3]

Don't wrap Teflon tape or Teflon paste or pipe dope to add bulk to or to lubricate the joint. Do use a sealant for threaded joints

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[fixingstill]

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=q1tAnhIGpgA

My idol Ryan is wrong then. See time = 8:55

 

[BeachBumm]

That's been cracked from tightening and then over time it has failed.

+1 , I use the liquid sealer and use very little and not on the first few threads .

 

[Tall]

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=q1tAnhIGpgA

My idol Ryan is wrong then. See time = 8:55

I know... He Also wrapped it wrong at 9:17