How can I prevent damage due to plumbing misalignment

[IronMan72]

While laying out the plumbing from the sump to the external pumps I've become concerned about damage that might occur due to long term stress of the acrylic sump wall due to a slight misalignment of the pump inlet and the bulkhead. The pipe runs will be relatively short large diameter pvc (12" of 1.5" pvc and 6" of 2" pvc. A slight misalignment could put stress at the bulkhead that may result in eventual failure. So what is the best way to avoid this? Would flexible PVC be better than rigid over these relatively short distances?

 

[pascal32]

Flex PVC makes a big difference, even over 12". When putting on an external pump I build the stand a tad short and build it up with a piece of luan and rubber matting to prevent vibration. once fully aligned screw it down.

 

[Gary Majchrzak]

ditto

ditto

I use flex to alleviate stress from torque.

That sounds kinda scientific but it wasn't meant to be- just do it!

 

[IronMan72]

So the inevitable follow up to this question is... Where can I get flex PVC locally in the Buffalo area? Preferably some place that sells it by the foot rather than by the roll. I only need a couple feet of each. I have plenty of 1.5" but need some 1" and 2".

 

[pascal32]

In Syracuse lowes, call around different stores carry different sizes

 

[IronMan72]

If anyone in the Buffalo area is looking for Flexible PVC I found both 1" & 2" at Creekside Spa on Main St in Williamsville. They also had 1.5" as well as a number of Spa specific PVC fittings that would work nicely as manifolds.