Plumbing Nightmare

[eternitybc]

It's funny you brought this up as I'm right in the middle of a claim, I had a faulty RO/DI unit that flooded my kitchen and all the hardwood in my unit. The strata covered the floors but their deductible was 5K so I had to make a claim against my personal insurance to cover that. All I can say is I never want to go through that again. Part of this whole plumbing exercise was because I had to move the tank so they can replace the floors. I guess I have to laugh at this point, this whole build process started in November and I don't even have any fish yet, just a Skunk shrimp and some hermit crabs.

[sphelps]

I would just preform a small test.

Glue an extra fitting to some extra pipe using the same ABS glue you used on the tank. Let it sit overnight and see if you can pull it apart.

If you can't pull it apart or it takes a lot of force to do so you'll be fine. Typical PVC pipe applications usually see pressure in the range of 40 to 60 psi. Your tank shouldn't expose it to more than 3 psi so it's a very low pressure application. Also if a leak does start it'll start as a slow drip, the fittings aren't going to just explode open.

[superduperwesman]

You'll be fine

[eternitybc]

So I gave Oatey a call and I was really surprised how helpful the guy was. He said it will act like a "filler" as it hardens and will initial hold the pipe together but as it expands and contracts over time it will cause leaks as the purpose of the cement is to melt the plastic together. (Pretty much what fkshiu said) He of course would not recommend leaving it that way, plus the color of the cement are very different which could lead to denial if a claim was ever made. I'm going to bite the bullet and redo it, if not just for the peace of mind. I really do appreciate all you help everyone!

[golf nut]

Originally Posted by eternitybc

So I gave Oatey a call and I was really surprised how helpful the guy was. He said it will act like a "filler" as it hardens and will initial hold the pipe together but as it expands and contracts over time it will cause leaks as the purpose of the cement is to melt the plastic together. (Pretty much what fkshiu said) He of course would not recommend leaving it that way, plus the color of the cement are very different which could lead to denial if a claim was ever made. I'm going to bite the bullet and redo it, if not just for the peace of mind. I really do appreciate all you help everyone!

What would cause it to expand and contract over time? what is the coefficient of linear expansion of PVC over ABS glue


It isn't my place to tell you to leave it alone but if you did it would likely be still working fine many decades from now.

[mark]

I'd redo. Always have it hanging over you when/if it's going to leak plus if you're married, explaining to the other half, ya I knew it was wrong but thought it would be okay, not worth it.