Polyethelene tubing adapter for Water Softener drain

[Kevin121]

I am looking to run Polyethelene tubing for a water softener drain. The Softener has a 3/4" Male NPT plastic connection and can use either 5/8" OD or 3/4" NPT. I am wondering what type of fitting I need to install at the drain connection to run the Polyethene tubing? What size tubing would you recommend to go with this? Thanks in advance!

 

[Jeff H Young]

Actually I like CPVC for the drain looks nice and straight lays down well and doesn't react with the waste. I think 1/2 inch (5/8 od ) works good.
Should you stay with your choice a push fit or compression fitting should work

 

[Sponsor]

 

[Kevin121]

This is more of a temporary location where I am draining it for now, that is what I was looking to use the flexible Polyethlene tubing instead...

 

[Bannerman]

What size tubing would you recommend to go with this?

• What is the water softener Capacity?
• What is the drain line run distance?
• Will the drain line run up overhead or will it be run at a height that is equal to or below the height of the softener's drain connection?

 

[Kevin121]

The softener capacity is 30,300 grains, the temporary drain line now will be about 25 feet and will run vertically about 5 feet. I'm just struggling finding a fitting with a female 3/4" NPT end and barbed 1/2" (ID) end. My understanding is that the ID on the tubing needs to match the size of the barbs on the drawing fitting...

 

[Reach4]

I'm just struggling finding a fitting with a female 3/4" NPT end and barbed 1/2" (ID) end.

Are you sure that is what you need? I suggest that you confirm that, before seeking the fitting. A 3/4 MIP thread on the softener would measure just over 1 inch OD.

https://www.diversitech.com/en-US/item/id/8563

https://www.supplyhouse.com/DiversiTech-701-019-1-2-Barb-x-3-4-FIPT-Nylon-Adapter-Elbow-Pack-of-2 is what you may want.

 

[Jeff H Young]

why must you use a barbed fitting? you need 3/4 female x whatever pipe you connect . shouldn't be hard to find

 

[Kevin121]

My understanding is that a Barb fitting should be used with the Poly tubing.

 

[Jeff H Young]

Well you stated you wanted to use Polyethylene What I see on that is a compression or a push fit . If you changed your mind and are using polyvinyl a soft hose but called tubing a barb is often used. size of tubing recommendation follow instructions that came with your particular softener .

 

[Kevin121]

Sorry about that, yes I meant flexible Polyethylene tubing. I can only find fittings with Male ends on it , and need one with female 3/4 inch NPT for the one end and barbed on the other (or a female coupling perhaps. Also is FIP (iron pipe) threads equivalent to NPT?

 

[Reach4]

Also is FIP (iron pipe) threads equivalent to NPT?

Yes for practical purposes, AKA FNPT, FPT.

However https://cloudfront.zoro.com/img/zoro_tips/pipe_thread_definitions_eZtip.pdf says similar rather than same. I wonder what that is about.

 

[Jeff H Young]

sure making this hard put a 3/4 coupling on the end. is there a reason that wont work? go to hardware and buy whatever fits. besides you said this is a temporary connection.

 

[Reach4]

sure making this hard put a 3/4 coupling on the end. is there a reason that wont work? go to hardware and buy whatever fits. besides you said this is a temporary connection.

If he gets a reducing coupling, he can use the more common 1/2 inch thread.