I just finished rebuilding a somewhat
unconventional water filtration unit in my
home. I designed the system myself and its
worked perfectly for ten years.
I was just about to make the final connections
this evening when I ran into trouble. The original
tubing that I used ten years ago was very flexible.
It could easily be snaked around pipes and
other obstructions inside of a cabinet. All I knew
about the stuff when a business associate cut a
piece off a big roll was that it was safe for drinking
water, rated at 150 psi, and is white in color. I do
not know what kind of plastic it is. The ID is 1/4 inch.
The OD is 3/8 inch, maybe a little less.
The tubing I tried to use as a substitute is much
too stiff. If I used a little logic a few weeks
ago I never would have purchased this milky white
tubing in the first place. It's mainly used in
hooking up refrigerator ice makers.
I visited www.smallparts.com. They've got all
sorts of expensive tubing. In fact, there are
a million tubing suppliers you can find with a
ten second Google search. All I know is I need
something similar to what I used ten years ago.
I wish I had more expertise about plastic tube,
so I would know which of the hundreds of types
available to order.
I have to admit I'm very tired and disappointed.
My whole family was standing around waiting for
me to make the final few connections, when I
realized I couldn't continue.
If someone can shed a little light on my tubing
dilemma I may be able to climb out of the pit
of despair I'm wallowing in right now!
<small>[ December 14, 2005, 09:07 PM: Message edited by: PrIsMaTiC ]</small>
Big job is 99% finished. Need the right flexible tubing
- Chris Smith
- Posts: 4325
- Joined: Tue Dec 04, 2001 1:01 am
- Location: Bieber Ca.
Re: Big job is 99% finished. Need the right flexible tubing
There are several tube materials you can use.
Tygon being one of the best, Teflon, Nylon, and Poly Butyl types of tubes, and others. [all potable]
Poly Vinyl Chloride is the beverage dispenser type tubing that has cross hatching in it.
Some are stiffer than others, and hot water cures that for forming.
All are great at extreme temperatures and your types of pressures.
You can find almost all of these at Camper / RV stores, and even the one you mention.
Tygon being one of the best, Teflon, Nylon, and Poly Butyl types of tubes, and others. [all potable]
Poly Vinyl Chloride is the beverage dispenser type tubing that has cross hatching in it.
Some are stiffer than others, and hot water cures that for forming.
All are great at extreme temperatures and your types of pressures.
You can find almost all of these at Camper / RV stores, and even the one you mention.
Re: Big job is 99% finished. Need the right flexible tubing
Running hot water through most rigid plastic
tubing does wonders to soften it.
tubing does wonders to soften it.
Re: Big job is 99% finished. Need the right flexible tubing
Is there a Graingers outlet near you?
http://www.grainger.com/Grainger/wwg/it ... 56&ccitem=
Your 150 psi spec seems high for a "flexible" plastic tube, maybe reinforced?
55 psi should handle most domestic water pressures. Good Luck!
http://www.grainger.com/Grainger/wwg/it ... 56&ccitem=
Your 150 psi spec seems high for a "flexible" plastic tube, maybe reinforced?
55 psi should handle most domestic water pressures. Good Luck!
WA2RBA
Re: Big job is 99% finished. Need the right flexible tubing
I was going to say use ice maker/humidifier tubing as it is cheap, it is the milky white color you describe, and is the diameter size you need. It is also used for hooking up under counter systems.
My guess is there are a couple different types as some are real flexible and others, like the ice maker line you tried, must be stiffer. Are you sure the version of ice maker kit you bought was polyethylene? I've used this stuff for years despite so called "expert plumbers" telling me it will leak and flood the house. This stuff easily sneaks into walls and past pipes to get from under a kitchen sink to the refrigerator. I have installed this stuff in four houses right now and can easily bend it into any shape needed. (In fact it comes coiled in a nice small bunch; less than six inches in diameter for 25 feet of tubing.)
My guess is there are a couple different types as some are real flexible and others, like the ice maker line you tried, must be stiffer. Are you sure the version of ice maker kit you bought was polyethylene? I've used this stuff for years despite so called "expert plumbers" telling me it will leak and flood the house. This stuff easily sneaks into walls and past pipes to get from under a kitchen sink to the refrigerator. I have installed this stuff in four houses right now and can easily bend it into any shape needed. (In fact it comes coiled in a nice small bunch; less than six inches in diameter for 25 feet of tubing.)
No trees were harmed in the creation of this message. But billions of electrons, photons, and electromagnetic waves were terribly inconvenienced!
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- Posts: 1263
- Joined: Wed Dec 05, 2001 1:01 am
- Location: Harviell, MO (Poplar Bluff area)
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Re: Big job is 99% finished. Need the right flexible tubing
Farm supply stores (Orscheln's, Tractor Supply or M-F-A are some of the one around here) usually carry all kinds of plastic tubing for milk house (aka water supply) and other uses.
Dean
Dean
Dean Huster, Electronics Curmudgeon
Contributing Editor emeritus, "Q & A", of the former "Poptronics" magazine (formerly "Popular Electronics" and "Electronics Now" magazines).
R.I.P.
Contributing Editor emeritus, "Q & A", of the former "Poptronics" magazine (formerly "Popular Electronics" and "Electronics Now" magazines).
R.I.P.
Re: Big job is 99% finished. Need the right flexible tubing
Your replies are all super fine! Thank you
Chris, Michael, jwax, Jolly Roger, and Dean.
I'm keeping a file with all your valuable info.
Thanks again!
Chris, Michael, jwax, Jolly Roger, and Dean.
I'm keeping a file with all your valuable info.
Thanks again!
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