Underground sprinkler systems - The Firearms Forum

Alpo · 11-16-2009, 04:04 PM

I'm having to replace a couple of sprinkler heads. The connection pipe is 3/8 ID thin-wall black plastic tubing. From looking at the old piece (I had to cut it to get it off), the ends are flared for going over the fittings. I presume they flared themselves as they were pushed on.

My question is, how does one soften the ends of the tubing so that it will push onto the fitting? Soak it in hot water? Use a blow-dryer on it? Just put some soap on it and it'll work?

I'd like to install these tomorrow, so any info, tonight, would be greatly appreciated.

Nighthawk · 11-16-2009, 04:12 PM

hair dryer works

Bobitis · 11-16-2009, 04:21 PM

Not sure what you mean by 'thin wall', but I suspect that the hair dryer option would work. It doesn't sound like pex tubing, so once it's flared it's flared. Attach with hose clamps?

These are great for most plumbing applications::

http://www.cashacme.com/prod_sharkbite.php

Double D · 11-16-2009, 05:07 PM

I saw a this old house episode where they used a butane torch and briefly held the hose in the fire from a distance then slid it together and clamped it.

Dexter · 11-16-2009, 06:26 PM

Propane torch, heat the inside of the pipe, you will see it expand slide it over the fitting and clamp

williamd · 11-16-2009, 07:38 PM

I have popups that attach as you indicate. I used a very mall propane torch and never really touched the tubing. Next time I am gonna try hot water.

Double D · 11-17-2009, 03:51 PM

I said butane but meant propane.

11-16-2009, 04:04 PM	#1
Alpo Advanced Senior Member Join Date: Feb 2007 Location: NW Florida Posts: 8,661	Underground sprinkler systems I'm having to replace a couple of sprinkler heads. The connection pipe is 3/8 ID thin-wall black plastic tubing. From looking at the old piece (I had to cut it to get it off), the ends are flared for going over the fittings. I presume they flared themselves as they were pushed on. My question is, how does one soften the ends of the tubing so that it will push onto the fitting? Soak it in hot water? Use a blow-dryer on it? Just put some soap on it and it'll work? I'd like to install these tomorrow, so any info, tonight, would be greatly appreciated. __________________ Meddle not in the affairs of dragons, for thou art crunchy, and taste good with catsup - George of Lod, Year of Our Lord 297 I always take precautions. Beware the Evil Bullet Fairies. -->

11-16-2009, 04:12 PM	#2
Nighthawk Advanced Senior Member Join Date: Aug 2006 Location: South Central Texas Posts: 3,330	Re: Underground sprinkler systems hair dryer works __________________ Our obligations to our country never cease but with our lives." --John Adams, letter to Benjamin Rush, April 18, 1808 NRA Life TSRA Life GOA Member

11-16-2009, 04:21 PM	#3
Bobitis Advanced Senior Member Join Date: Apr 2009 Posts: 6,612	Re: Underground sprinkler systems Not sure what you mean by 'thin wall', but I suspect that the hair dryer option would work. It doesn't sound like pex tubing, so once it's flared it's flared. Attach with hose clamps? These are great for most plumbing applications:: http://www.cashacme.com/prod_sharkbite.php __________________ ^.^ A point in every direction is the same as having no point at all

11-16-2009, 05:07 PM	#4
Double D TFF Moderator/Host Join Date: Jul 2009 Location: North Florida Contributor Posts: 8,070	Re: Underground sprinkler systems I saw a this old house episode where they used a butane torch and briefly held the hose in the fire from a distance then slid it together and clamped it. __________________ I own a bunch of scary guns. You want em? Come and take em..... Liberalism is a serious, non curable, mental disorder... NRA LIFE MEMBER Oath Keepers Member NRA Certified Instructor 30 Yr CC permit holder.

11-16-2009, 06:26 PM	#5
Dexter V.I.P. Member Join Date: Aug 2008 Location: Virginia Posts: 59	Re: Underground sprinkler systems Propane torch, heat the inside of the pipe, you will see it expand slide it over the fitting and clamp

11-16-2009, 07:38 PM	#6
williamd Senior Member Join Date: Mar 2007 Location: SoCal Posts: 772	Re: Underground sprinkler systems I have popups that attach as you indicate. I used a very mall propane torch and never really touched the tubing. Next time I am gonna try hot water. __________________ "Outlaw guns and only outlaws will have guns!" But, we are moving that direction. NRA Benefactor, Vet VN '64-'65 Never sell a gun or a car and you can retire right!!

11-17-2009, 03:51 PM	#7
Double D TFF Moderator/Host Join Date: Jul 2009 Location: North Florida Contributor Posts: 8,070	Re: Underground sprinkler systems I said butane but meant propane. __________________ I own a bunch of scary guns. You want em? Come and take em..... Liberalism is a serious, non curable, mental disorder... NRA LIFE MEMBER Oath Keepers Member NRA Certified Instructor 30 Yr CC permit holder.