Drain line suggestions

L

lmcnutt

Anyone have recommandations for a type of drain line to use. I have an all-glass tank distributed with a dorso drain that requires 1 - 1/4" I.D. hose.

I bought the Blue and Black flex hose at home depot but I can't get this stuff to seal onto the hose barb. It leaks just slightly. Anyone have any ideas? Also, I've been using stainless steel hose clamps on it (simply because I can't find anything plastic locally). I could use some suggestions on that as well.

Thanks!!!
Larry
 
Larry,
I'm not sure if you are trying to connect the ribbed hosing directly to some barb or something based on the description. When I last used the ribbed hosing (swimming pool vacuum line), I picked up some rubber 'cuffs' (called 'bibs' if I remember correctly) that are designed to screw onto the end of the ribbed line and siliconed them into place. The bibs/cuffs have spiral grooves inside that are reverse spiral (screw onto the ribbed hose end in a counter-clockwise motion). Then the rubber cuffs can can be slid up over a piece of pvc and pretty much hold themselves in place (like they do in some swimming pools when connecting to the vacuum line). I normally secure them with the steel clamps though too. This way you can make the drain line any length you want and still have the smooth rubber end pieces without ribs on the mating surfaces from the tank return line. I normally pick the bibs/cuffs up at some of the swimming pool supply houses and/or elliots hardware in Plano. Not sure if this helps or not, but it's how I've done it in the past.
Doug
 
Not sure I understand but it sounds like the leak is because the hiose is not fitting properly. On a drain line the water should be going down and there should be no pressure up so I'm suprised it leaks. Make sure your tubing is small enough, it may actually be a hair to big. You should need to heat it up in the microwave then stick it on. It should be a super tight fit. There is nothing wrong with using the steel clamps since they will not be in contact with the water just keep an eye on them because in the high humidity they will rust. Hopefully that helps. Pics are always nice!
 
Thanks, I picked up some of the cuffs and they do have to be sealed into place. They leak otherwise. Is this the best solution? Should I just breakdown and buy the spa flex? It's so rigid and I need to make a 90 degree corner.

L
 
Larry,

Yes, it's pretty mandatory to seal the cuffs anyway (from my experience). I faced the same problem and also have the drain lines under a bit of pressure in some instances (like when i remove the durso's for cleaning.... get a nice pressurized rush). After siliconing and letting them dry well, it seems to be working OK. Since you already have the tube and cuffs, I'd silicone them, let them dry WELL, and give it a try... then go with the spa flex if you can't get the leak stopped. JMO

Doug
 
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