Uncoupling Existing PVC Components

[Bob714hb]

I’ve broken the o ring lip on my SWG coupler twice now due to worn o rings and/or over tightening. And rather than cutting out the exiting PVC plumbing and joining new pieces as the coupler ends for the SWG are glued on, I’ve devised a successful method of uncoupling the piece and just gluing on the new coupler.

1. Using a heat gun I soften the PVC coupler in one spot and peal up and expose the male PVC pipe the coupler is glued to.
2. I then work the heat gun around while prying up the softened coupler all the way around until all coupler material is removed.
3. Using 80, 150, and 300 grit sandpaper I sand the surface clean and ensure a proper fit for the new coupler.
4. Primer and glue the new coupler to the existing male PVC pipe.
5. Check for leaks.

Hope this helps anyone!

 

[PoolGate]

Great idea but you can also just get a PVC reamer and ream out the old fitting.

 

[crusemm]

Great idea but you can also just get a PVC reamer and ream out the old fitting.

I used a 2" Ram Bit when I had a similar type issue, also go under generic name of Socket Saver. I found that it did not work very well unless you had at least 2 feet of clearance straight out from the pipe (which I didnt).

 

[sktn77a]

Bob: Sounds like a worthwhile option for a situation like yours.

 

[Newdude]

Took me a few years of opening to realize that hand tight usually is all i need. I started doing it all hand tight plus 1/8 turn with a set of pliers. Half would drip, i'd tighten some more and make leaks, then loosen and tighten 100 times until it was right. One time probably by accident i hooked everything up just by hand and figured id adjust from there and didnt need to. Now I do all the unions hand tight with Jacks lube and Its been perfect everytime since.

 

[Bob714hb]

A reamer may be even better as suggested! It was a moment of panic for me as I was just trying to do some quick pool maintenance with an hour to spare before we headed out to the airport. Not a good feeling when your on vacation and you just bricked your pool equipment.

I’m learning not to go full gorilla on the tightening now. I just wish the fitting was a little more robust.

 

[Newdude]

I’m learning not to go full gorilla on the tightening now. I just wish the fitting was a little more robust.

Thanks for making me feel like less of an Ogre. At 6’3” and 275lbs I have broken many things from ‘only hand tight’. Heck I’ve even broken forged pliers from squeezing to hard. I’m not Superman. It shouldn’t be possible.