How to connect these two pieces of pipe

[Spelter]

Long story short: How can I connect these two pieces together. The pump (threaded) to the skimmer (flange). Space is a premium.

 

 

 

 

 

Long story: the piece with the flange attached to the skimmer was broken off, when it was glued back on the nut collar was forgotten.

[Origami]

Is the non-threaded part glued on? If not, will the nut from a union fit both pieces? If submerged, this may be all you need. If the connection needs to be watertight, you may have to cut a gasket from some rubber material.

 

 

(I missed the sentence after your last photo saying that the part is glued on. Ignore the above.)

[Jon Lazar]

Can you remove the collar along with the clear tube that extends through the uniseal? It would almost be like breaking it again in the same place, but this time put the other union piece on before it's glued. If that isn't feasible, could you drill a new hole in the skimmer body for a new uniseal?

 

You could also work carefully with a dremel or other cutting tool to cut pieces off the right side of the union, without damaging the clear acrylic tube it's glued on to. Then sand down the clear tube until it's small and smooth enough to put a new union on.

 

Also, you might be able to glue a smaller diameter PVC tube inside both pieces, and make a coupling on the inside. But it would be permanent.

[Der ABT]

not sure if it would work but you could try cutting a union nut so that it snaps on (aka cut 1/3 of it or so and as tom said, if its underwater that would probably hold enough to make a seal with a new gasket....(kinda like a locking washer)

 

otherwise try cutting one in half and then reglueing it in the right place...but a ziptie or two around it and hope it hold for a while....

 

im guessing since your asking that you cannot just remove the skimmer flange from the uniseal and put the proper union nut on there....if only right

[BowieReefer84]

Can you remove the collar along with the clear tube that extends through the uniseal?

 

It is not a uniseal. It is hard plastic that just looks like a uniseal... Typical of Reef Octopus skimmers.

[Integral9]

Looks like you don't a fine job of connecting the two in your second pic.

 

Seriously though, there is such a thing as a split union fitting. Essentially a union fitting that's cut down the middle and re-attaches with a set of screws so you can fit it on a pipe w/out having to cut the pipe. The screws might be an issue, so sourcing some stainless ones will be necessary.

 

[Origami]

^^Wow, look at that. Perfect. Where does he get one of those?

[epleeds]

Why not just use a piece of tubing to connect the two. My ATB uses a clear tube to connect the pump to the skimmer.

[Spelter]

Looks like you don't a fine job of connecting the two in your second pic.

 

Seriously though, there is such a thing as a split union fitting. Essentially a union fitting that's cut down the middle and re-attaches with a set of screws so you can fit it on a pipe w/out having to cut the pipe. The screws might be an issue, so sourcing some stainless ones will be necessary.

 

 

Exactly the type of solution I was looking for. I didn't know these existed thank you. I can pickup titanium hardware at the bike shop for a few bucks. Thanks alot. Now to just find the right size one.

[zygote2k]

why dont you find the correct piece of pipe that goes on the skimmer part, take a saw and cut that part off of the skimmer, combine with the missing part, then simply glue the whole assembly back onto the skimmer. If you don't have big gorilla hands, then it'll probably last for a while.

[Spelter]

I am trying to avoid weakening the area any more than it already is. As I understand this small component will bear the brunt of the pressure created by the pump. Even with a weldon repair I wouldnt suspect the acrylic is as strong. The previous breakage was very irregular which may spread the stress out, where as a completely parallel cut will put all the weakness in one spot.

[Integral9]

^^Wow, look at that. Perfect. Where does he get one of those?

 

Plumbing department for pool supplies. I sourced the pic from a spa heater connection.

[Chad]

An alternate idea that is along the same line as the one above.

 

You could also get a piece of clear tubing that will fit over both pieces and a couple of plastic hose clamps for either end. It might not be leak tight, but it doesn't look like it would need to be.