true union ball valve ?

jph · 09-21-2006, 02:41 PM

okay, most of you may think this is funny... but i never did any plumbing with pvc parts before

so i have a question for all you experts.

how does one connect a true union ball valve to the other pipes ? or.. what is and how does a "union" work ?

is it a slip, or a threaded connection, something else ?

i haven't had one in my hands yet, so be gentle

i'm just trying to figure out how i'm going to fit everything together, and what parts that i need to buy.

thanks!
J.

gwaco · 09-21-2006, 05:23 PM

just think of it as a regular ball valve with a union on each end . they come as either threaded or slip . what is nice about them is that they use up alot less space length wise as say putting a standard union on each end of a ball valve .

gwaco · 09-21-2006, 05:31 PM

sorry didn't see the part about what is a union ! simply put a union is a two piece fitting (three if you count the collar ) that has one half as the male end which also contains a o-ring , and the other half which has the loose collar , has the female threads to connect the two halves together. unions allow one to be able to seperate a piece of pipe after it has been glued . p.s. before gluing its probally best to leave the union together and then glue the pipes ! its very easy to forget to put the collar on when gluing it as two halves ! this from experiance !!!!!

jph · 09-21-2006, 06:29 PM

thanks!
i guess that i'll have to buy some pvc glue too then.

just got a call that my tanks will be delivered tomorrow, so... the fun (or mayhem) is about to start.

J.

DevilBoy · 09-21-2006, 07:58 PM

here is a photo of a union, the union is on both ends of the pvc ends...

gwaco · 09-21-2006, 08:48 PM

remember to use pipe size accordingly. by this i mean if your pump has say a 3/4" outlet , use atleast 1" pipe and fittings as far as you can and due any reducing at the very end . always try and go larger diameter than what the inlet and outlet of the pump has ....