Plumbing question

[unninair]

When plumbing tanks, do you recommend using a UNION? Any recommendations?

 

TIA

 

Unni

[davelin315]

Hey Unni,

 

The purpose for the unions is so that you can remove the pipes when you want to without sawing them apart. However, some pipes will need to be sawed apart if you are doing major tank work such as redoing a bulkhead or something. There are also different types of unions. There are solvent unions which I believe reduce the size of the pipe for about 1/4" of the length and there are adjustable unions that use rubber washers and don't reduce the size of the pipe. Obviously, the adjustable are easier to use as there is a margin of error with them and they don't restrict flow, but they also probably don't last quite as long. They do help, however, when you are trying to create a system in which you can remove bulkheads. This will allow you to use the same bulkhead without cutting pipe.

 

Basically, a union allows you to easily disconnect pumps, etc. for easy servicing and cleaning. However, on each side of the union, don't forget that you'll probably also want to put a ball or gate valve so that your water stops flowing once you disconnect it!

 

Personally, I have only used one or two unions, and it's always been the adjustable ones. The reason is that I have never really used a pump that was large enough to require hard plumbing on both sides. Typically I have used silicone tubing which bends around and doesn't allow for use of a union. That, however, will change with my next set up as I have a number of very large pumps which will most likely constrict the silicone tubing due to the pressure from the intake.

 

If you describe what you are trying to do, it will help determine if and where you should put unions. You may not need one at all.

[Lee Stearns]

Uni-

You getting back in?

let me know what you need.

Regards,

Lee

[unninair]

Lee,

 

How could I leave..... such a great group of people. I plan on remaining a WAMAS member while I am in this area.

 

Dave,

 

Thanks for your help..

 

Unni

[emissary]

I used a lot of unions with my recent 180G setup. All quite clear in the picutres (see signature for link to pictures). Came in very handy when I had to take all the plumbing down, pull out the sump, and put it all back together. It was 2 hours of work (mostly trying to figure out what was wrong with the sump) instead of 2 days of redoing plumbing.