Is this flexible PVC safe?

[boobookitty]

I have a european component that uses metric plumbing (40mm), which of course makes it difficult to plumb with American plumbing. The closest is 1 1/4", and I've made an all-schedule 80 converter. Before I did that I've been using this "flexible PVC" adapter, and it actually works better from a logistics standpoint, given the cramped space in which it sits.

So before I rip everything apart and put in the all-schedule 80 piece, I thought I'd ask if this fernco flexible PVC is reef safe. The 40mm pipe actually fits directly into the 1 1/4" pipe, so this adapter is really just to hold them in place (i.e. I don't think tank water hits it), but it would let me sleep better at night if I knew it wouldn't eventually cause problems if it was in contact with the water...

https://www.plumbersstock.com/fernco-1056-150125-1-12in-x-1-14-cipl-coupling.html

 

[homer1475]

While I think the actual plastic would be fine, I would worry about the metal clamps eventually rusting and failing.

Depending on where it is and if there isn't any pressure on it, I would use it, but ditch the metal clams for large zip ties, or anything not metal.

 

[boobookitty]

Thanks. The clamps are not in water; purely external, like normal hose clamps.

 

[2smokes]

You can change the metal clamps with plastic zip ties just make sure you got stronger zip ties and tight them well.

And here in europe we use inches for plumbing not metric.It only works for plumbing and would be impossible to find here pipes and fittings measured in centimeters .Altough metric would be better -NASA only allows metric mesurements for example.

 

[boobookitty]

I'm actually only really concerned about the PVC/rubber part. Want to confirm that it won't leach anything into the water...

 

[boobookitty]

So, any thoughts on the PVC/rubber part of this component? Can I use it safely, or might it leach anything into the water?

 

[jason2459]

Says its made of
"Each coupling is made of tough elastomeric polyvinyl chloride (PVC), they are strong, resilient and unaffected by soil conditions"

I would think its ok. I've seen some DIY skimmers and reactors use them. I would replace the clamps with a good stainless steel kind.

 

[bertoni]

I agree that the tuning itself likely is fine, but I'd be more confident if the fitting were for drinking water supply.

 

[Flaring Afro]

I agree that the tuning itself likely is fine, but I'd be more confident if the fitting were for drinking water supply.

I agree with this. The fact that it does not list any potable uses would worry me. Maybe this kind of fitting just normally isn't used for such applications, but maybe it's something else. I'd email the site asking if it's potable safe to be sure.

 

[boobookitty]

Yah, I've looked extensively; there does not seem to be a need or niche for potable water adapters like this, probably because those pipes are smaller, so (as far as I can tell) no one makes them. Adapters like this are almost exclusively used for drains (storm, septic, etc.). I'll send an email to the manufacturer, see if that gets me anywhere. But it does list it as "PVC"...are there forms of PVC pipe that are not safe for reef use?