Epoxy, Tapes, Glues: What Stops Leaks in Flex Pipe?

[hotajax]

I have 2" flex pipe coming out of the ground from the pool drain. Flex pipe is that hard black plastic stuff that is a bit flexible, but when mistreated, can split. So I found the leak and patched it with Gorilla Tape and hose clamps. But, tape being what it is, will leak again. Do you know of anything to patch it? Any kind of marine sealant like 3M 4200 or 5200? Hoping that since we're in the 21st century, there is a product that will take care of it. All the pressure comes from the outside of the hose since it is an intake line. Thanks in advance for your opinions.

[PoolDoc]

I assume you are saying that it is a suction line, so a leak allows air IN, rather than allowing water OUT?

And, by "black plastic stuff that's a bit flexible" you mean smooth (NOT: corrugated) polyethylene pipe"

If so, the EASIEST permanent fix would probably be a "Fernco coupling":

1 1/4" Fernco coupling (http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/B00077PW22/poolbooks/)
1 1/2" Fernco coupling (http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/B00077PW36/poolbooks/)
2" Fernco coupling (http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/B00077PW5E/poolbooks/)

A couple of points to keep in mind:
1. These couplings are ONLY for suction lines, or lines with no pressure.
2. You can cut a single split down the length, so you can get it on. If you do this, buy TWO, and use the extra stainless hose clamps over the MIDDLE of the coupling. Also, put some clear silicone (marine grade would be good) on the inside of the coupling, before you clamp it down.
3. If you can disconnect the pipe, and slide the coupling into place, that would be best. Use dishsoap and water if you need to, to make it easy to slide.


Just for reference, this type of Fernco coupling can be used for LIGHT pressure:
Fernco P3000-150 1-1/2" ProFlex Shielded Specialty Couplings (http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/B0009VLFAO/poolbooks/)

Finally, non-Fernco 'just-as-good' products are NOT 'just-as-good'!

[hotajax]

Thanks, Doc. Yes, it is that smooth black pipe, non-corrugated. Rough junk to work with. I rather hate it.

[PoolDoc]

Not my favorite, either.

But black poly stands up to UV, freezing, and chemicals better than almost any other piping.

Pressure? Not so much.

And then there's low-grade (= Chinese) stuff out there with uncertain properties.

PS: One thing to keep in mind: virtually nothing sticks to polyethylene. You can weld it, with the right equipment (if you know how to 'hold your mouth right') but otherwise anything you do to it must be mechanical.