plumbing install for my Stenner pump

[meestahmarc]

hi... so the day has come. I need to get over my hesitation to cut my PVC. In 3 years, I've done all my own maintenance and repair, all upkeep and service. I need to install the stenner injector. I'm going to use the 1/2" not threaded component. I have a 2" slip tee... but I'm not sure exactly where to put this in after the heater, before my return splits. I mean where is best to cut so I can reattach everything. I can try to just drill and tap for 1/2" into existing pipe, but that's kind of the less professional way. I dont have any space toward where the return splits in two before my jandy valve.

 

[mas985]

I would just drill and tap for 1/4". You are making it much harder than it needs to be. Downstream, closer to the returns is best because pressure is at it's lowest. Is this for acid or chlorine?

 

[meestahmarc]

thanks. this is for chlorine only.

 

[meestahmarc]

where should I tap into? single wall or try for double?

 

[mas985]

Not sure what you mean by double. Through a fitting and pipe at glue joint? No, I would not do that as it could compromise the glue joint. Pipe is a little less brittle than fittings so I tend to lean that way.

 

[meestahmarc]

hey, that's exactly why I asked and what I was thinking. I'm leaning toward using the 1/2". I just feel like it's more solid and might not get knocked off as easily.

I'm also wondering how do I seal this off when I am blowing out the lines. I bought a 1/2" pvc plug, can buy a ball valve too for end of season. any thoughts about that?

 

[mas985]

I have a different perspective on 1/2" vs 1/4". The problem with 1/2" is that the curvature of the pipe may not allow for a good seal (i.e. exposed thread). Also, should someone hit the connection, would you rather the inserted fitting break or the pipe/thread break? I think 1/4" is actually a safer bet and what is normally used for chemical insertion. Plus, 1/4" hole is easier to seal should the thread fail.

As for sealing it off, I am not sure you would have to. The pressure in return lines can be quite high normally and both the injection fitting and the peristaltic pump have quite a bit of resistance to pressure since they do not normally leak when the injection pump is off.

 

[meestahmarc]

ah, ok, point taken. the only one who might knock into it would be me. I'll drill a 1/4". I think my Stenner also has the backflow preventer. I guess I'll see come fall. I'll have a plug in case I need it.

last think. should I use some pipe tape on the threads of the injector? I'm definitely not going to glue it, I believe.

thanks

 

[mas985]

Either pipe tape or plumbers putty.

 

[meestahmarc]

thank you

 

[meestahmarc]

the more I read it says that sch 40 PVC is just too soft and thin to be tapped threaded. I'm kind of concerned. I'd like to put on the 2" x 2" tee I bought, not sure if the pipes will flex enough to let me get it in. I cleaned up my equipment area!!!

 

[meestahmarc]

job complete. was able to unthread the pipe off the back of the heater to create space to insert the tee... bamn.