How to remove old pvc pipe from overflow pipe

[dimstamat]

Hi fellow reefers!
I am setting up a Marineland 180 which I bought used and unfortunately the previous owner cut the pvc pipes for the overflow and return pipes. Is is possible to remove the old pvc leftover from inside the overflow pipe? As you can see from the attached photos, I would need to somehow remove these pieces and then glue a new pvc pipe to proceed with my plumbing. Otherwise I would need to buy new overflow and returns which is not really sold separately.
Looking forward to your opinion on this!
Thanks,
Dimos

 

[Gill the 3rd]

You technically can, there’s plenty of videos on YouTube showing various ways to reuse pvc fittings. If it were me I would just buy new bulkhead fittings. It’s not worth the effort and potential leak to reuse the old bulkhead.

Not sure why you would need to buy all new overflow and returns. Just buy new bulkheads.

 

[Cichlid Dad]

Bulkhead ABS Thread x Slip (Thread on the Flange/Head side)

Bulkheads are used to attach plumbing to aquariums and sumps to allow water to flow through them. These low profile reef safe bulkheads are made from black ABS plastic. Our supplier manufactures these slightly thicker than competitor aquarium bulkheads making them more reliable. Bulkheads come...

www.bulkreefsupply.com

At the bottom of the listing it will give you all of the measurements

 

[dimstamat]

Thanks for your prompt reply! I guess it's because I don't know how the overflow works Good to know i can simply replace the bulkheads. I removed the old one (see attached photo). Do I need to apply pvc cement to the new one? Or just slide it in?
Thanks!

 

[indyjaco]

I'd replace them due to age, take a look at different plumbing methods as well for keeping sound down on those Durso's

 

[dimstamat]

hmmm I will stick to the existing ones for now.
I believe I need slip x slip since there are no threads from the inside, right?

 

[Cichlid Dad]

hmmm I will stick to the existing ones for now.
I believe I need slip x slip since there are no threads from the inside, right?

You are right, sorry slip slip

 

[Cichlid Dad]

Bulkhead ABS Slip x Slip

Bulkheads are used to attach plumbing to aquariums and sumps to allow water to flow through them. These low profile reef safe bulkheads are made from black ABS plastic. Our supplier manufactures these slightly thicker than competitor aquarium bulkheads making them more reliable. Bulkheads come...

www.bulkreefsupply.com

 

[mfinn]

Thanks for your prompt reply! I guess it's because I don't know how the overflow works Good to know i can simply replace the bulkheads. I removed the old one (see attached photo). Do I need to apply pvc cement to the new one? Or just slide it in?
Thanks!

Don't use glue for the stand pipe in the overflow box.

 

[dimstamat]

Ok, thanks a lot! Do I have to tighten the nut, or just slide the bulkhead in?

 

[zoomonster]

I too recommend replacing them, but removal is possible. I had to do it on an oddball (took 3/4 pipe but smaller metric hole in the tank) bulkhead on a used Fiji cube (same as when I had to replace some glued in toilet flanges in my house). You basically need a small saw blade (like hacksaw blade) and cut a line in the PVC going into the bulkhead. Depending how well glued it may just pop out after being split or it may require more effort. I ended up having to hit my bulkhead with a 3/4" drill bit and it twisted it right out clean. Lot of hassle if you have a standard bulkhead that can easily be replaced.

 

[mfinn]

Ok, thanks a lot! Do I have to tighten the nut, or just slide the bulkhead in?

That looks like some sort of bushing used to reduce the pipe size from the pipe above that bushing to go into the bulkhead fitting.
Looks like it can go either way.
I would be tempted to just replace the whole pipe that is the correct size for the bulkhead fitting.

 

[mfinn]

Ok, thanks a lot! Do I have to tighten the nut, or just slide the bulkhead in?

If the extra coupling and bushing wasn't used to correct the pipe diameter to fit into the bulkhead fitting, maybe it was used to correct the height of the stand pipe.
Also, maybe the reason there are threads showing is because the bushing ( bottom piece) and the coupling have a little different threads and won't tighten. Don't think it really matters.
Just slip the pipe into the bulkhead fitting.

 

[Lbrdsoxfan]

hmmm I will stick to the existing ones for now.
I believe I need slip x slip since there are no threads from the inside, right?

If those bulkheads are dry, replace them. You will regret having to do it after water is in the tank and they possibly leak.

Also If that is a single drain/return for a 180g, I'd highly suggest switching to a herbie setup from a single drain and run the return over the top.

 

[dimstamat]

Yes, I ended up replacing the bulkheads. The new ones have two gaskets. Do I put the one above the tank and the other one below? Or both above the tank?

 

[JayM]

Yes, I ended up replacing the bulkheads. The new ones have two gaskets. Do I put the one above the tank and the other one below? Or both above the tank?

You only need one gasket. It goes on the flange side. If you put one on the nut side it usually just balls up and contributes to leakage.

 

[dimstamat]

Got it, so it seems like they put two just in case you lose/break the first one.