Frequently Asked Questions
Q. "What type of glue do I need for flexible PVC? Is it the same glue as used with regular PVC?"
A. Yes, you can use the same PVC glue on this flexible PVC. You can also use a multipurpose glue.
Q. "Is the outside of this flexible PVC pipe as smooth as straight PVC pipe?"
A. This is flexible, schedule 40 PVC pipe but the outside isn't quite as smooth as straight PVC.
Q. "I need 15ea. 2' lengths of 1/2" spa flex, but when I try to enter 2' more than once, the amount in the shopping cart increases/adds up (ie 2' then 4' then 6' etc)...How can I order 15ea. 2' lengths of spa flex?"
A. Because we don't guarantee an exact length of spa flex, we will send you 30' and let you cut the spa flex to the lengths you desire. We only offer one cut piece per size per order.
Q. "This seems like such a great product! Can I use it for more than just spas, pools and ponds?"
A. Absolutely. We highly recommend this flexible pipe for sprinkler lines that see abuse. Heads that are attached with rigid pipe can easily break when pushed or stood on. Using this flexible schedule 40 PVC pipe will greatly reduce the chance of damage. This pipe is expensive (compared to standard rigid PVC pipe) for long runs but when you consider labor savings it isn't that high a price. Using flexible PVC pipe for the last foot of a sprinkler line is a great idea. If time and damage prevention is worth anything to you, this pipe is a bargain! Our Founder has a lot of grass and uses this pipe for all of his connectors to his sprinklers. It has resulted in no more broken sprinkler risers. For pond, spa and pool lines this is also a pipe that can't be beat. But do note that the maximum pressure rating at 70 F degrees is 60 psi and this flexible PVC pipe should not be used in "closed-end", continual maximum 60 psi applications. Note that no brand of PVC piping should be used for hot water under high pressure. You should not use it for hot water even if you might only have short burst periods of hot water under high pressure. This flexible PVC pipe has the same outside and inside diameter as standard hard (straight) schedule 40 PVC pipe that you are used to seeing in most plumbing stores, hardware stores and home centers.
Q. "How flexible is this pipe?"
A. 2" pipe has a bend radius of about 4 feet and 1/2" pipe has a bend radius of about 2 1/2 feet. You can bend the pipe itself in a much tighter radius but it is not recommended to do so near a fitting/joint. You'll be able to greatly reduce the number of fittings used for most applications. Once you have used this flexible pipe, you'll wonder why everyone doesn't use this product. Another thing we'd like to mention is that 2" pipe can be coiled up in less than a 3' diameter (1 1/2' radius) but if one bends it that much near a fitting that fitting will probably not be as strong. If you are going to have any pressure on the pipe then it is best to have nearly straight pipe close to the fitting.
Q. "How many feet in a full roll?"
A. Fifty feet, but you do not need to buy a full roll. We will sell you any length you like (in full foot increments please). We believe that if you only need 7 feet we would rather sell you 7 feet than for you to use rigid pipe. Note that cut lengths may not be returned.
Q. "What is the working temperature of this PVC pipe?"
A. Just like regular white PVC schedule 40 rigid pipe that you see everywhere, flexible PVC pipe is not designed for high temperatures. At 70 F degrees the working pressure of this flexible PVC pipe ("hose") is a maximum of 60 psi. Please do not confuse this with regular, straight PVC schedule 40 pipe. This flexible PVC pipe is rated at a maximum of 60 psi at 70 degrees while the hard, straight, rigid PVC schedule 40 pipe (that is sold in most home centers and plumbing stores) is rated at higher pressures.
Q. "Are the sizes of this miracle pipe the same as 'standard' PVC hard pipe?"
A. Yes, this pipe has the same sizing as 'standard' (most common) schedule PVC pipe and will fit all PVC schedule 40 fittings.
Q. "Are there any limitations to this wonderful pipe?"
A. Like other flexible materials, spa flex can be damaged by rodents or insects, especially when they can sense the water flowing in the pipe.
Q. "What does it mean to have ANSI Certification for lead free plumbing products?"
A. Laws requiring plumbing products that come in to contact with drinking water to be essentially lead-free (0.25% weighted average) have been passed in California, Louisiana, Maryland, and Vermont. In order for companies to ship these plumbing products to locations in CA, LA, MD and VT, they must be ANSI certified lead free.
Q. "What is CA AB 1953, LA Act No. 362, MD HB 372, and VT S.152 and how is this different from previous low-lead legislation?"
A. The United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) regulates the amount of lead in drinking water under guidelines established in the Federal Safe Drinking Water Act (passed in 1974; amended in 1988 and 1996). This Act defines "lead-free" as not more than 8% lead in pipes and fixture fittings. PLEASE NOTE: Use of the term "lead-free" varies between the new legislation in CA (AB 1953), LA ( Act No. 362), MD (HB 372), and VT (S.152), and in the current Federal Safe Drinking Water Act requirements. In the new legislation for CA, LA, MD and VT only (as of Jan 2013), it will mean 0.25% or less (weighted average). Similar national legislation is scheduled to go into effect Jan 2014.
