Piping filter/pump/heater. Any tips?

[cruzmisl]

HI All,
I am plumbing my FNS plus DE filter, whispeflo and Sta-rite heater tomorrow. I plan to use all 2" PVC but am having a hell of a time lining everything up. This is primarily due to the valves (returns, skimmer/drain) that come out of the ground aren't sqaure to the pad so it makes plumbing difficult. Are there any tips or tricks? I really don't want to resort to the flex pipe if I don't have to. That stuff looks horrible after a year.

Thanks,
Joe

[mas985]

I have used a hand torch before to soften the PVC a bit for very slight bends. However, you have to be very very real careful not to burn the PVC. Also, I am not sure it would work well for very short bends. Although you may be able to square up the pipes out of the pad before hooking everything up.

[Poconos]

You can use an electric heat gun, paint stripper, to heat the PVC and do small bends. Or, when PVC gets near the boiling point of water it softens. That may be a better choice since you don't run the risk of burning or discoloring it and you get more even heating. Boil a big pot of water and pour it slowly on the pipe, bend it and let it cool.
Al