I am trying to determine how many ball valves and unions I am going to need for my setup. I just bought a 135g Oceanic tank with built in overflow boxes in each corner. I will T both returns and overflows into one pipe each under the tank and run them into the basement where the sump will be located. A skimmer and will also be running connected to the sump. TIA
How many ball valves and unions required?
- Thread starter jarhead
- Start date
<blockquote><font size="1" face="Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif">quote:</font><hr>Originally posted by Louey:
<strong>I'd put a combination ball valve/union on every pipe that connect to the sump. That way you can easily disconnect and shut off anything you want.
This will make maintainance easier and add flexiblity to your system.
Louey</strong><hr></blockquote>That covers the sump end...what about what's under the tank? Is it OK to add a ball valve union combo right under the "T" for drain and return?
<strong>I'd put a combination ball valve/union on every pipe that connect to the sump. That way you can easily disconnect and shut off anything you want.
This will make maintainance easier and add flexiblity to your system.
Louey</strong><hr></blockquote>That covers the sump end...what about what's under the tank? Is it OK to add a ball valve union combo right under the "T" for drain and return?
<blockquote><font size="1" face="Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif">quote:</font><hr>Originally posted by MattM:
<strong>Check http://www.inlandreef.com/Images/DIY/Plumbing/plumbing_dual.gif</strong><hr></blockquote>Actually, I did see it. It is slightly different than what I am setting up. I am also Tee'ing off the drain - does than mean I should add a ball valve right below the Tee? What about the unions?
<strong>Check http://www.inlandreef.com/Images/DIY/Plumbing/plumbing_dual.gif</strong><hr></blockquote>Actually, I did see it. It is slightly different than what I am setting up. I am also Tee'ing off the drain - does than mean I should add a ball valve right below the Tee? What about the unions?
<blockquote><font size="1" face="Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif">quote:</font><hr>Originally posted by Louey:
<strong>Ok, let me re-phrase my original comment. I'd put a BALL UNION on every pipe that connects to ANYTHING...
A ball union is a ball valve and union combined into one fitting. Very cool fitting, well, cool as far as fittings go.
</strong><hr></blockquote>Louey,
Thanks for that clarification. I see that single union ball valves are a little expensive, but I guess they're worth it if the sh1t hits the fan.
<strong>Ok, let me re-phrase my original comment. I'd put a BALL UNION on every pipe that connects to ANYTHING...
A ball union is a ball valve and union combined into one fitting. Very cool fitting, well, cool as far as fittings go.
Thanks for that clarification. I see that single union ball valves are a little expensive, but I guess they're worth it if the sh1t hits the fan.
<blockquote><font size="1" face="Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif">quote
Yep. And it is not "if" it is "when".
You'll be glad you added the unions. It makes it SO easy to disconnect things! Better do it right the first time, otherwise you'll do it right the second time!
You have the right approach, ask qquestions BEFORE you purchase/install. I wish I had had that patients. Dough!!
A 135 is a nice size tank! Good luck!
Later
Louey
Yep. And it is not "if" it is "when".
You'll be glad you added the unions. It makes it SO easy to disconnect things! Better do it right the first time, otherwise you'll do it right the second time!
You have the right approach, ask qquestions BEFORE you purchase/install. I wish I had had that patients. Dough!!
A 135 is a nice size tank! Good luck!
Later
Louey
<blockquote><font size="1" face="Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif">quote:</font><hr>Originally posted by Louey:
<strong>
A 135 is a nice size tank! Good luck!
Later
Louey</strong><hr></blockquote>Thanks Louey. Any advise on where to buy the ball valves online.
<strong>
A 135 is a nice size tank! Good luck!
Later
Louey</strong><hr></blockquote>Thanks Louey. Any advise on where to buy the ball valves online.
Here's the link for the union ball valves.
Using two fittings may be cheaper, but two fittings takes up twice as much space. If you have the space, then it really doesn't matter. I wasn't aware of these single ball valve unions when I installed my system. I would have used them had I known!
Louey
Using two fittings may be cheaper, but two fittings takes up twice as much space. If you have the space, then it really doesn't matter. I wasn't aware of these single ball valve unions when I installed my system. I would have used them had I known!
Louey
Thanks Louey. I know of Savko, but wasn't sure if it was a good place to buy from. I have to dry plumb everything under the tank to see if I have enough space to use a separate ball valve and a union. Is it better to use a slip or a threaded union? Why?
This true union ball valve seems kind of cheap?
[ May 07, 2002: Message edited by: jarhead ]</p>
This true union ball valve seems kind of cheap?
[ May 07, 2002: Message edited by: jarhead ]</p>
<blockquote><font size="1" face="Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif">quote:</font><hr> Is it better to use a slip or a threaded union? Why?
<hr></blockquote>
Either works the same. Threaded fittings can be removed latter whereas slip fitting are glued and therefore cannot be removed with out cutting out the section of pipe that they are attached to. Slip fittings tend to take up a little less space.
I prefer threaded fittings, except for 90 elbows. JMHO.
<blockquote><font size="1" face="Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif">quote
I am not fimiliar with this particular fitting, though it appears fine. 1/2 the price of Savko!
<hr></blockquote>
Either works the same. Threaded fittings can be removed latter whereas slip fitting are glued and therefore cannot be removed with out cutting out the section of pipe that they are attached to. Slip fittings tend to take up a little less space.
I prefer threaded fittings, except for 90 elbows. JMHO.
<blockquote><font size="1" face="Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif">quote
I am not fimiliar with this particular fitting, though it appears fine. 1/2 the price of Savko!
<blockquote><font size="1" face="Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif">quote:</font><hr>Originally posted by jarhead:
<strong>Is it better to use a slip or a threaded union? Why?</strong><hr></blockquote>
As an opposing viewpoint to Louey's, I always prefer slip to threaded.
A slip connection when properly glued will never leak, ever. A threaded connection, even with teflon tape will usually form salt creep eventually.
As far as being able to remove it, well, that's why the union is there in the first place. If you feel real paranoid, leave and extra inch or two on the pipe and then you can cut it and re-glue it a couple times before you run out of clearance.
<strong>Is it better to use a slip or a threaded union? Why?</strong><hr></blockquote>
As an opposing viewpoint to Louey's, I always prefer slip to threaded.
A slip connection when properly glued will never leak, ever. A threaded connection, even with teflon tape will usually form salt creep eventually.
As far as being able to remove it, well, that's why the union is there in the first place. If you feel real paranoid, leave and extra inch or two on the pipe and then you can cut it and re-glue it a couple times before you run out of clearance.
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