Plumbing Question - Bulkhead

[theroon]

I am setting up a 180 tank and have contracted a local fish store to set it up. I am concerned how they are going to secure the flexible pvc piping to the bulkhead fittings.

I have the Megaflow system and will be using the bulkhead fittings (1" & 3/4") that came with it. The end of the bulkead fitting is threaded.

http://www.all-glass.com/products/aquariums/pdf/megaflow_sheet.pdf

The contractor was planning to place Teflon tape onto the bulkhead fitting threads and slip the flexible pvc piping over it. Then secure this with a clamp. He said he has done this before and I mentioned that I was concerned that this is not the proper way to secure the bulkhead to the flexible piping.

Since I am not a plumber, am I right or wrong. Is this typical?

http://sprunger.smugmug.com/photos/71644808-O.gif

 

[RicksReefs]

tell the pinhead to do it right. all he needs is a .50 cent female thread to slip fitting, then glue the pipe to the fitting. if your paying him, tell him that it's not acceptable to smoke dope then do plumbing...

 

[bcwalz]

I agree. I wouldn't want it connected that way. You'd probably come home and find the hose off and water on the floor. Do it the right way.

 

[MCary]

If its a drain pipe there will be no pressure on it. The hose clamp will see to it that it doesn't come off. The only question is whether the pipe dope is enough to keep the threads from leaking. I'm sure its fine. Isn't what I would of thought of, but no need for drama here.

Your the customer, your always right. If you don't like it....

 

[hyperfocal]

I'd insist upon a threaded-slip PVC L fitting off of the bulkhead, then a ball valve off of that, then a union fitting. The spa-flex should be glued into the union. That way you have a lot of control and flexibility. All these items are cheap, so overengineering is a pretty affordable luxury. We're talking less than $10 for the lot...

 

[AZDesertRat]

The exterior threads on a bulkhead are not a standard size pipe thread. It appears they are trying to increase the size of drop pipe by slipping something over the iutside. Its not a wise thing to do as it will be a poor fit at best and will probably work its way off. Bulkheads are only standard pipe size on the interiors both inside and outside so depending of whether they are slip or thread the pipe either needs to be slipped into the inside or a threaded male adapter should be used and the pipe glued to it. You will find the exterior dimensions and threads vary from vendor to vendor and a Spears won't fit someone elses brand and vice versa, ther is no standard.