Beginner Plumbing Question

[LauriesaurusRex]

Hello again!

With the help of 5 guys from my neighborhood who helped move the tank onto the stand, it’s finally set up in the house and I’m finishing the stand and sump assembly. My question is do have to glue the pipes together, or will it be OK not glued and just put together tightly? If something needs to be cleaned or fixed, it would be a lot easier if it wasn’t glued together.

thanks again for everyone’s help!

 

[Staindsoul]

You might get away with the drains, but I wouldn't recommend it. Unions are your friend if you hard pipe.

You definitely wouldnt get away with it on a return pump.

 

[fishface NJ]

Glue must be used. Use a two unions on each drain if possible. Makes it easier for fixing or upgrades

 

[redfishbluefish]

The last down pipe in my sump isn't glued, but all other connections are. If by chance that pipe comes off, the water is still going into the sump. If you feel you'll need to disassemble, use unions.

 

[don_chuwish]

You need to glue the fittings for sure. Otherwise they will leak. Wherever you think you want to be able to disassemble for maintenance or whatever, use a union. You'll see it mentioned on many plumbing threads. Here's an example from my build:

Unions are the bulgy bits

 

[Crabs McJones]

Agree with all the above. Even on drain lines they can leak if not glued. Water always finds a way.
Use as many unions as you can to help with maintenance should you ever need to replace a valve or change out your sump.

 

[homer1475]

Just to pile on.....

Glue everything, and unions where you think you might need to break pieces apart.

 

[LauriesaurusRex]

Sorry, I should have been more specific. The majority of the pipes are glued together, it’s these spots that I hand tightened down. Do these need to be glued as well?

 

[Crabs McJones]

Sorry, I should have been more specific. The majority of the pipes are glued together, it’s these spots that I hand tightened down. Do these need to be glued as well?

Nope, those have a rubber O-ring to prevent leaks, those are your unions that you use for maintenence, repair ect... those just get tightened down

 

[redfishbluefish]

@Crabs McJones is correct. My one note after seeing you plumbing, and not sure of their lengths, is that horizontal runs most likely should be supported. They have the potential of putting torque back on the bulkheads. Plastic/PVC straps/hangers should do it.

 

[LauriesaurusRex]

@Crabs McJones is correct. My one note after seeing you plumbing, and not sure of their lengths, is that horizontal runs most likely should be supported. They have the potential of putting torque back on the bulkheads. Plastic/PVC straps/hangers should do it.

The Red Sea setup has clips that are really secure, they’re not moving any time soon!