How do you make a manifold

[roundman]

I need to make a manifold for my return line to feed other things. I tried but what I did has leaks so what is the best way to do this?

Thanks

 

[budsreef]

Rawn, I'm not sure what you mean and what you did that leaked? Do you have a picture or drawing? I made what I think you are doing by glueing hard pvc with tees that led to threaded ball valves to quick connect fittings for 1/2" OD tubing going to two different reactors. I alos have one 1" tee to feed my UV.

 

[wbrown]

I used 2" pvc for mine, and a 2" by whatever size tee with a nipple out to a union ball valve. ( 2" x 3/4" x 2" for a 3/4" outlet to something)
You should have 2x the diameter of the pipe per glue coupling, so a short nipple between 2" tees would be 4" minimum to get glue contact at both ends and a wee bit of space between fittings. Trick is to swab glue on, stab together, rotate 1/4 turn and hold together for 30 secs- to a minute for glue to bond.
I disremember the exact formula for factoring in flow reduction per 90* bend, but it's substantial. Oversize piping when you are able to compensate for restriction loss.

 

[roundman]

Thanks, I figured that I should have used the T's but tried drilling and threading the holes, gluing in threaded nipples and then putting on the valves. I guess I need to go to home depot. Need to finish out this dang plumbing. Bud drilled the tank and works great will try to hook up with Bob today.

 

[acroholic]

You might want to draw out your manifold on paper so you can buy exactly what you need. I use a manifold on each of my systems. One has eight ball valves on it. I think it cost me like $45 in PVC/ball valves to buy the parts.

 

[roundman]

Thanks all. I went and bought the "t's" and built the manifold. I will post pic later but am building a sump room in the basement.