Want to add skimmer cup drain

[steveoutlaw]

I'm looking to add a drain to my skimmer cup so I can use my Avast Davy Jones Locker (shameless plug). I've seen a bunch of different ways to do this, from using a plastic barb fitting to actually putting a small ball valve on. I'd like to het some input from those who have done it on what works and what to avoid.

 

Any help is appreciated.

[Coral Hind]

I have drilled and then used a tap set to cut threads in for a fitting. I had the ball valve just after the fitting.

[davelin315]

I'd do the same thing - drill and tap and then add a fitting and a ball valve if you want some control over turning it off or just add a tee and get a rubber cork.

[flowerseller]

I use vegetable oil when cutting the threads.

[steveoutlaw]

Thanks all. It's an H&S skimmer so the plastic is pretty thick......they build their skimmers like a freakin tank. Other than the vegetable oil, anything I should be wary of when tapping the hole?

[ErikS]

Thanks all. It's an H&S skimmer so the plastic is pretty thick......they build their skimmers like a freakin tank. Other than the vegetable oil, anything I should be wary of when tapping the hole?

If you're using a drill then don't "push" let the tap cut/thread it's way in (& back out) = slower is better. Trickiest part (either by hand or drill) is to make certain the start is true/square - after that it's easy peezy.

[steveoutlaw]

Ok, I have one of the plastic barb elbows with 1/2" FIP threads. I can't find a tap big enough at HD or Lowes. So, if I were to drill the hole like I was going to tap it, cut the threads off the fitting and silicone it in, that should work for now until I can find a tap big enough........right??

[Coral Hind]

Check out Sears, I got my large tap sets from there.

[steveoutlaw]

Ok, I can't find a 1/2" FPT tap bid anywhere local. Anyone know if HD or Lowes carries a 1/2" nylon nut that I can secure the barb fitting with?

[bankyf]

Ok, I can't find a 1/2" FPT tap bid anywhere local. Anyone know if HD or Lowes carries a 1/2" nylon nut that I can secure the barb fitting with?

 

Harbor Freight has a pipe tap set that includes the 1/2" for a reasonable price. You won't find a nut, but you may be able to find a pvc fitting that has 1/2 female threads that you could use as a nut.

[Coral Hind]

if you want to borrow mine let me know.

[steveoutlaw]

Harbor Freight has a pipe tap set that includes the 1/2" for a reasonable price. You won't find a nut, but you may be able to find a pvc fitting that has 1/2 female threads that you could use as a nut.

 

Good idea Banky, I didn't even think of that. Thanks.

[ErikS]

FPT taps aren't the easiest to find - if HF doesn't have one I can check.

 

I know I have a couple.......at the moment I'm thinking I have a 1/4". Though I must have had a 1/2" for the CA & kalk reactors I built??

 

If you haven't gotten it done by now let me know, I'll see what I have.

Edited October 3, 2011 by ErikS