How to add pressure gauge to PVC pipe?

[tomfrh]

I’d like to add a pressure gauge to my solar bypass line to help tune it properly.

What’s the easiest way to add one to PVC pipe?

Do I need to add a T piece? Or can you drill a hole and add something directly?

 

[CRAD_oz]

Have a look at the Faucet Tee pvc pressure fittings. You can get them in bsp or npt thread.
This will have to be cut in to your pipework.

 

[Bill1974]

Putting a tee in to add a gauge is the safest bet. Drilling and tapping a pipe for a gauge can be done. I would prefer it be on a schedule 80 pipe and an 1/8 npt. You could try this and if it fails you can cut the section out and put a tee in.

 

[1poolman1]

You can also drill and tap at a fitting (coupler, elbow). I've done that many times on commercial pools that require and effluent gauge. It give you enough wall thickness, with a properly install pipe, to thread in a gauge.

 

[tomfrh]

Good idea. I think I’ll tap into a fitting

Do you need a proper tap to cut the threads into the pipe? Or do you think I can make do using an old gauge as a makeshift tap?

 

[1poolman1]

Get a 1/4" NPT (pipe) tap. They're available and not expensive. Home Depot has them for between $6 - $10. Some come with the 7/16" drill bit that you need. Don't try to use the gauge, it will, most likely, leak.

 

[tomfrh]

I ended up using a 1/4” thread from an old broken gauge as a tap. I cut some slots into it and tapered the end. It cut an ok thread into the PVC. The plastic is so soft that it worked alright.

It hasn’t leaked.