pvc plumbing questions

[Toledofishguy]

I am getting ready to finish up my plumbing for my drain lines, before I glue and want to ask a few questions.

The drains look like this: Drain (1) Bulkhead, male adapter, pvc (2 inches in length), union, 2 inches of pvc, elbow, 7 inches of pvc, elbow, through the wall, elbow, pvc into sump

Drain (2). Bulkhead, male adapter, pvc (2 inches in lenth), union, 2 inches of pvc, elbow, 10.5 inches of pvc, elbow, pvc through wall, elbow, pvc into sump

Should the slight difference in lenth matter (7 inches as compared to 10.5)? Drain one has a slightly longer track to the sump, I think this should make up for the extra length.

Also, my return lines. One is about 4 inches longer than the other due to space and sump issues. I added ball valve to turn the shorter one slightly down. Does this sound right?

 

[rstark33]

Drain lines: it doesn't matter if one is longer.
On your return, are you using one pump with a Y??? If so then the pressure out of one may be a little less. The idea of the ball valve on the with less head is best. Length is not always te biggest factor, do they both have the same number of elbows? Is one point higher that the other. Once you are sure you know which has less head, then you could put a ball valve to slow it down. My gues is the diffrence will be negligent and you won't need it. But it won't hurt to have it there just in case.

 

[AktionJaxsun]

If there was a big difference and head pressure what problems would arise from this?

 

[Toledofishguy]

I bought the tank used. His set up will be similar to mine, except I got rid of must of the spa hoses he had for plumbing and replacing it with pvc. The return line that Y's off is still vinyl spa hoses. I put in ball valves just in case. He did not have them. I will play with it. I basically wanted to make sure the drains would be okay. Thanks Rich!

 

[Toledofishguy]

Last question:

Should I glue the male adapters to the bulkhead or just use teflon tape? I can replace the bulkheads in the future if need be. I just dont want any leaks.

 

[rstark33]

Personally I don't glue the drain lines, as there is no pressure to cause leaks. Teflon tape will work fine if applied properly to the return lines. I like to have the ability to change something if needs be and glue makes it very hard.
You may have other opinions out there, but I have never had a leak in my plumbing.

 

[Toledofishguy]

Good. I was thinking the same thing with the drains/bulkheads. I am not a teflon tape expert, but I'll wrap it the best I can.