Q' about rigid pvc pipe for holding tank system

[er9]

So I've decided to replace my old aluminum holding tank with a poly tank and to re-do all the plumbing with rigid pvc pipe. My question is how are you guys who used rigid pvc connecting the pipe to the tank fittings?

I noticed they sell a black rubber connector that seems to be what I would use. It seems to be soft urethane rubber coupling that has a clamp on each end...is this what you used or is there a better solution? if you used this coupler did you use a sealer inside for additional seal against leaking gases?

[model 10]

You can use the white pvc hose they use for spa's just like regular pvc pipe and fittings.

[peghall]

Make sure to use enough hose or a long enough rubber coupler to protect the pipe connections from shock and flex. Avoid sealants, double clamp instead, with screws 180 degrees apart.

Btw...your best source for a tank is Ronco Plastics Marine Tanks - Ronco Plastics (no relation to the VegoMatic Ronco). They make TOP quality thick-walled water and waste tanks for a very reasonable price and has more than 400 shapes and sizes, over 100 of which are non-rectangular (which means you might be able to fit a larger one in the same space), and they install fittings in the sizes and locations specified by the customer when they make the tank. They do sell direct, for a lot lower price than the retailers who sell their tanks.

If you'd like some help spec'ing out the fittings sizes and locations, send me a PM.

Peggie
"If you can't explain it to a six year old, you don't completely understand it yourself." --Albert Einstein
http://www.amazon.com/New-Get-Rid-Bo...dp/1892399784/

[peghall]

Originally Posted by Guy

You can use the white pvc hose they use for spa's just like regular pvc pipe and fittings.

Noooo...it may look the same as the cheap white PVC sanitation hose, but all white PVC hose is NOT created equal. #148 white PVC sanitation hose can permeate with odor in less than 90 days (it did on one of my own boats)...spa hose will permeate even faster. Plus, it's not rated for below waterline connections...don't even think of using it to connect plumbing to dump a tank.

Sanitation hose is not the place go cheap if you only want to do this job once!

Peggie
"If you can't explain it to a six year old, you don't completely understand it yourself." --Albert Einstein
http://www.amazon.com/New-Get-Rid-Bo...dp/1892399784/

[Cotemar]

Maybe this will help.

http://www.cruisersforum.com/forums/...tml#post585670
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[model 10]

Originally Posted by peghall

Noooo...it may look the same as the cheap white PVC sanitation hose, but all white PVC hose is NOT created equal. #148 white PVC sanitation hose can permeate with odor in less than 90 days (it did on one of my own boats)...spa hose will permeate even faster. Plus, it's not rated for below waterline connections...don't even think of using it to connect plumbing to dump a tank.

Sanitation hose is not the place go cheap if you only want to do this job once!

Peggie
"If you can't explain it to a six year old, you don't completely understand it yourself." --Albert Einstein
http://www.amazon.com/New-Get-Rid-Bo...dp/1892399784/

I guess the stuff you used wasn't that good. I installed that kind of Ace Hardware set up in Green Cove Springs, Florida and it lasted to through Mexico, Belize and a season in Guatemala.

[zboss]

Is PVC pipe "allowed" under ABYC rules? Would this cause problems for insurance or surveys?

[Cotemar]

Originally Posted by zboss

Is PVC pipe "allowed" under ABYC rules? Would this cause problems for insurance or surveys?

Yes, PVC pipe is allowed in boats per ABYC sewage piping standards.

It is actually recommended, if installed properly.

No insurance or survey issues.

Boats sell faster and smell better. Its a Win Win for all involved.

http://www.nj.gov/dep/njcleanmarina/...mpdontdump.pdf
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[masonc]

If you are using rigid PVC pipe, you are going to need to fit a union, which I think is the question you were asking. You can't connect rigid pipe to a tank without one.

[Cotemar]

Originally Posted by masonc

If you are using rigid PVC pipe, you are going to need to fit a union, which I think is the question you were asking. You can't connect rigid pipe to a tank without one.

Yes you can connect a PVC pipe directly to the sewage tank.

These pictures are from our Catalina 380 sewage pipes.
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[model 10]

Originally Posted by Cotemar

Yes you can connect a PVC pipe directly to the sewage tank.
These pictures are from our Catalina 380 sewage pipes.
..

You used drain pipe fittings not pressure pipe pvc fittings. You can tell by how short the glue joint is. If you are not going to have any kind of flex joint, you should be using pressure fittings.

[er9]

Originally Posted by peghall

Make sure to use enough hose or a long enough rubber coupler to protect the pipe connections from shock and flex. Avoid sealants, double clamp instead, with screws 180 degrees apart.

Btw...your best source for a tank is Ronco Plastics Marine Tanks - Ronco Plastics (no relation to the VegoMatic Ronco). They make TOP quality thick-walled water and waste tanks for a very reasonable price and has more than 400 shapes and sizes, over 100 of which are non-rectangular (which means you might be able to fit a larger one in the same space), and they install fittings in the sizes and locations specified by the customer when they make the tank. They do sell direct, for a lot lower price than the retailers who sell their tanks.

If you'd like some help spec'ing out the fittings sizes and locations, send me a PM.

Peggie
"If you can't explain it to a six year old, you don't completely understand it yourself." --Albert Einstein
http://www.amazon.com/New-Get-Rid-Bo...dp/1892399784/

Thanks Peg...good info. I have a Ronco tank already picked out. I'm thinking of a stock tank with the usual three fittings unless you suggest a better way? i figure a standard inflow at top, outflow at opposite bottom and vent line. The tanks are cheaper if i choose a standard tank.

[er9]

Originally Posted by zboss

Is PVC pipe "allowed" under ABYC rules? Would this cause problems for insurance or surveys?

just for safety in case the entire installation comes crashing appart...i am going to keep the short run of hoses that attach to thru-hulls of flexible hose. its only two, they are short and will hardly ever see any sewage. in the event the rigid pipe cracks or is completely destroyed the two flexible sections attached to thru-hulls will be intact and they both are above water level.

[er9]

Originally Posted by Cotemar

Yes you can connect a PVC pipe directly to the sewage tank.

These pictures are from our Catalina 380 sewage pipes.
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but what is your tank made from? what material? im planning on purchasing a ronco tank which has the connector stub that protrudes from the tank and the tanks are polyethelene which cant be glued. your connections look as though they are threaded/glued into your tank.

thank for the link and for your thread. it has helped answer a few questions.

[er9]

Originally Posted by Cotemar

Maybe this will help.

http://www.cruisersforum.com/forums/...tml#post585670
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little off topic but how have those water line connections been working for you? i just replaced a section of water line with them. they were a real pain to get installed correctly and not to leak but so far they seem to be working very well for me once i got them figured out. are they leak free long term?