Browse Forums Eco Living 1 Jun 01, 2011 6:13 pm We need to repair a pipe going into the rain water tank, it has a crack in the underground section. The pipe is a 100mm PVC DWV pipe. We cut out the cracked section and replaced with a good pipe. We re-joined one end using standard PVC coupling, the other end has a 2cm gap which is not enough to slot in another coupling. Bunnings is the only option in the weekends, so we went there to get a PVC joinner (aka plumb quick), exactly this: http://www.deks.com.au/australasia/jenco_joiners.htm It seems to be working well, the PVC rubber expands a bit when filled with water (because it's not a rigid material), should be okay once it's surrounded by soil. There were some heavy rains since, and I have been paying close attention to the repair, everything seems to be in order, the rain water system is working well. Before we bury the repair, just need to make sure it is done properly. I know plumb quick is approved for underground use, but it is also for non-pressure applications. The way it was explained to me is that water mains are pressure lines, DWV pipes and gravity pressure are non-pressure (i.e. regular rain water tank). But... The pipes collecting water from the roof go underground then back up again into the tank, so there is a U shape across the yard always contains water, hence there's pressure. I don't know if plumb quick is acceptable for situations like this. It's probably not a problem in the short term, but I would like to make sure it's a long term solution. Cheers! Re: Rain water tank pipe repair 2Jun 01, 2011 6:28 pm Your situation is a pressure situation, very low pressure compared with mains water but still pressure The Harder You Try - the Luckier You Get ! Web site http://www.anewhouse.com.au Informative, Amusing, and Opinionated Blog - Over 600 posts on all aspects of building a new house. Re: Rain water tank pipe repair 4Jun 01, 2011 8:11 pm Thanks, 4 elbows are interesting, didn't think of that, but would like to avoid due to extra space requirements. Meanwhile I have got hold of a slip coupling, it's a coupling without a center stopper so it can slide back and forth (apply glue than quickly slide it over the gap). I don't know if that's more reliable, it feels looser than normal coupling (I guess it has to be in order to be able to slide). I'm concerned it may leak, and hesitated to try because it's glue on. I wonder what kind of pressure are we talking about. Re: Rain water tank pipe repair 6Jun 02, 2011 2:57 pm What you have used is generally known as an 'aussie connector' and is used on sewer lines and the smaller ones on waste pipes. I think you are worrying over nothing as the rainwater 'pressure' is very low and the connector will last for many years, probably outlasting us all. Arfur Re: Rain water tank pipe repair 7Jun 02, 2011 11:10 pm Thanks for pointing that out, I really hope it will last a long long time. I just read from Sydney Water most properties receive water pressure around 50 to 100 metres, the minimum supply requirement is 15 metres. It's interesting to note they use "metres" to describe water pressure instead of PSI or Bars. 1 metre means the force to support a water column of 1 metre. I guess using a length unit makes it easy to understand. In my case the pipe from ground to top of rain water tank is about 2 metres, so that's the pressure in the pipe, not much comparing to water mains. Can a plumber put a tap on a rain water tank which is full? Tank is similar to one in photo. Cheers. 0 1668 DIY, Home Maintenance & Repair We have a hot water copper pipe that runs from our hot water unit on one side of our house under a concrete slab to our bathroom and laundry...old house so not ideal. The… 0 5114 18 90471 |