Connecting return pump to pipes

[Recife]

Hi - I filled up my tank today to test my DIY overflow and sump system. It works pretty well, except that the pipes connected to the return pump were leaking because the pipes were not glued to the pump.
Obviously I don't want to glue the pipes to the pump, so how can I make this connection tight enough so it won't leak?

 

[Blown 346]

If you dont want to glue the actual pipes to the pump for maintenance reasons, I would go and buy a union and glue the rest of the plumbing together. The union will allow you to take the pump of by loosening it to maintain and cean the pump. Once done just screw it back on.

 

[boodwah]

Does your pump have a threaded fitting?

 

[a4twenty]

did you use lots of teflon tape? and as blown346 said use unions.

 

[Recife]

It's not threaded. It's a Sedra 5000. The idea of using tape seems good. I will try that out.
Thanks.

 

[crumbletop]

I really don't know anything about sedra pumps but...

1) if it isn't threaded, teflon tape will not help. teflon tape is used by wrapping it around the threads to make a threaded fitting thicker and water tight.

2) since the pump is going to be in the water, you really can't use flexible tubing with a stainless steel clamp to make the connection, and I'm not sure if a plastic clamp or zip tie could be put on tightly enough to keep the connection.

3) you are probably left with gluing a piece of PVC to the sedra pump and having a union not too far away. That way you can undo the union to disconnect the pump.

4) I can't seem to find sedra pumps for sale as stand alone pumps (only as pumps for a skimmer). You might want to get a different pump for the return. The reason is, you don't want a bad connection at the return pump. If this were to come loose, a whole heap of water would be sprayed everywhere

Jack

 

[merlock116]

the intake and outputs of sedras are standard NPT female threaded. the insert fitting that attaches to it screws off.