Expert: roger - 6/25/2009

Question
Is there a way to re-use(splice) flex hose on my spa that has a gentle coating of spray foam insulation on it or do I have to buy and adjoin all new flex hose to the hard pvc joints on both ends... even though one end of the connection isn't leaking?

Thank you in advance!

Answer
If the flex pipe has a hole in it you cut it at the hole and sand or scrape the insulation off with a knife and sand as clean as you can then get a PVC coupler for that hose size, a 3/4 flex pipe measures actual 1 inch O.D. then get a quarter pint of PVC primer and also the glue. Run the primer around the sanded pipes to clean them if you have any cuts on your hands try to keep the primer on the pipes and not your hands it will sting also clean the inside of the new coupler. Now put glue all around the outside of the pipe and inside the coupler and push on and hold for 30 seconds. Then go for fresh air. The lines must be dry or the glue won't weld right. If the leak is at a PVC flex to a manifold or hard pipe to avoid replacing a T or manifold the flex pipe has to be cut at the joint and the flex pipe in the hard fitting needs to be heated and removed and that is an art to hair dry the inner pipe without heating outer pipe. Sometimes it easier to replace the manifold than heating and pulling and twisting like teeth to get the flex out.but I can do it in a flash now after years of practice but with patience and time and careful heat it can be done. Good luck and happy you'll be after priming.