Need ideas for cleaning return plumbing from basement

Formulator · 01/17/2018, 01:09 PM

Hey guys, Im noticing some decrease in flow from my sump return. My display tank is on main floor of my house and the sump is in the basement and across about 25 feet. There is probably close to 40 feet of 1 inch pvc and I only have unions at the return pump and 2 near the standpipe under the DT. Any ideas how I might be able to clean the pipes?

oldhead · 01/17/2018, 01:44 PM

We use these to clean pvc drains. Make sure you put the other end in something to catch the water a debris. You would be amazed at how far it will shoot out of the end.

https://www.amazon.com/DiversiTech-G.../dp/B00207UAU6

Kevin Guthrie · 01/17/2018, 04:45 PM

I ended up replacing the piping - it was easier than cleaning. It made a big difference - the old piping was 50% occluded after 16 years with calcium laid down mostly I think by filter feeding critters.

If you used slip fit unions you could cut the pipes an inch away and use couplers; soak the stubs in vinegar.

Next time I'm going with barb fittings and vinyl tubing - easier to replace.

Breadman03 · 01/17/2018, 06:41 PM

I've seen claims that vinyl tubing leaches plasticizers into the water, and that the plasticizers cause issues with aquatic life. I haven't verified the info, but you might look into it. Not that I expect you to remember it 16 years from now.

ca1ore · 01/17/2018, 10:59 PM

I'd be inclined to replace it as well. I recently replaced a 25' run of 1" hard PVC with 1 1/2" flex PVC. I got almost 50% more flow. IMO, flex PVC is a better option than vinyl.

outy · 01/18/2018, 12:22 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ca1ore

flex PVC is a better option than vinyl.

Yes but unneeded.

with a heat gun regular pvc pipe becomes flexible and cools in place as needed.

My favorite part is its cheap.

I did have one section I would have gladly paid for the flex if I had thought about it.

01/17/2018, 01:09 PM	#1
Formulator Registered Member Join Date: Jun 2016 Location: St. Louis, MO Posts: 72	Need ideas for cleaning return plumbing from basement Hey guys, Im noticing some decrease in flow from my sump return. My display tank is on main floor of my house and the sump is in the basement and across about 25 feet. There is probably close to 40 feet of 1 inch pvc and I only have unions at the return pump and 2 near the standpipe under the DT. Any ideas how I might be able to clean the pipes?

01/17/2018, 10:59 PM	#5
ca1ore Grizzled & Cynical Join Date: Apr 2006 Location: Stamford, CT Posts: 17,319	I'd be inclined to replace it as well. I recently replaced a 25' run of 1" hard PVC with 1 1/2" flex PVC. I got almost 50% more flow. IMO, flex PVC is a better option than vinyl. __________________ Simon Got back into the hobby ..... planned to keep it simple ..... yeah, right ..... clearly I need a new plan! Pet peeve: anemones host clowns; clowns do not host anemones! Current Tank Info: 450 Reef; 120 refugium; 60 Frag Tank, 30 Introduction tank; multiple QTs

01/17/2018, 01:44 PM	#2
oldhead Registered Member Join Date: Jan 2016 Location: New Jersey Posts: 527	We use these to clean pvc drains. Make sure you put the other end in something to catch the water a debris. You would be amazed at how far it will shoot out of the end. https://www.amazon.com/DiversiTech-G.../dp/B00207UAU6

01/17/2018, 04:45 PM	#3
Kevin Guthrie Registered Member Join Date: May 2013 Posts: 506	I ended up replacing the piping - it was easier than cleaning. It made a big difference - the old piping was 50% occluded after 16 years with calcium laid down mostly I think by filter feeding critters. If you used slip fit unions you could cut the pipes an inch away and use couplers; soak the stubs in vinegar. Next time I'm going with barb fittings and vinyl tubing - easier to replace.

01/17/2018, 06:41 PM	#4
Breadman03 New Old School Join Date: Feb 2012 Location: Luzerne County, PA Posts: 3,293	I've seen claims that vinyl tubing leaches plasticizers into the water, and that the plasticizers cause issues with aquatic life. I haven't verified the info, but you might look into it. Not that I expect you to remember it 16 years from now.