Collection: Plumbing & Tubing

Plumbing is the invisible backbone of every successful water feature. The reliability of your waterfalls, commercial fountain displays, and filtration systems depends entirely on the integrity of your hydraulic lifelines. Our professional aquatic plumbing supplies are engineered to handle high-volume flow rates while maintaining leak-proof seals under varying pressures.

Designed to withstand the freeze-thaw cycles, our components prioritize durability, chemical resistance, and ease of installation. From fish-safe flex PVC pipe to precision bulkhead fittings, we provide the industrial-grade infrastructure required for any aquatic ecosystem to thrive.

Critical Infrastructure for Ponds, Fountains & Water Features

A high-performance circulation loop requires a balanced integration of three core aquatic piping categories:

1. PVC Pipes & Tubing

The primary arteries of your system. We stock a full range of aquatic hoses and pipes, from Schedule 40 rigid PVC for structural manifolds to Kink-Free flexible tubing for rapid routing. Available in standard diameters from 3/4" to 3" to match any pump plumbing requirement.

2. Connectors & Fittings

The keys to a modular system. Our inventory includes barbed inserts, slip unions, and threaded NPT adapters that ensure airtight connections without excessive friction loss. We also specialize in bulkhead fittings for secure liner and basin penetrations.

3. Control Valves

Precision flow management. Use industrial ball valves and check valves to regulate waterfall height, balance multi-zone fountain systems, and prevent backflow during routine maintenance.

Engineering for Resilience: ASTM & NSF Standards

In North America, plumbing for water features must meet specific safety benchmarks. Our components are manufactured from virgin PVC and ABS polymers that are NSF-rated and meet ASTM standards for pressure resistance. This ensures your infrastructure won't leach toxic stabilizers into the water or crack under seasonal ground movement.

Strategic Application & Flow Optimization

Proper plumbing selection directly impacts the efficiency and GPH (Gallons Per Hour) of your equipment:

Optimizing Flow Rate: Proper pipe sizing ensures your pump achieves its rated GPH without excessive head loss. Large-diameter flex PVC reduces friction, allowing for maximum output with lower energy consumption.
Sealing Security: Our professional-grade union fittings and adapters eliminate the micro-leaks that can compromise water levels and pump longevity in both ponds and architectural basins.
Modular Maintenance: Incorporating unions into your plumbing layout allows for the quick removal of pumps and UV units for winter storage without the need to cut or re-glue pipes.

Frequently Asked Questions About Aquatic Plumbing & Tubing

Should I use rigid or flexible PVC for my water feature?

Flexible PVC is generally preferred for ponds and decorative waterfalls as it follows ground contours, requires fewer fittings (reducing friction loss), and handles soil settling better. Rigid Schedule 40 PVC is recommended for straight runs, structural filtration manifolds, or commercial fountain basins where structural rigidity is required.

What size pipe do I need for my water feature pump?

To maintain optimal GPH, never use a pipe diameter smaller than the pump's discharge outlet. For high-flow industrial or waterfall pumps (over 3000 GPH), we recommend using 1.5" to 2" tubing to minimize friction and prevent excessive head pressure.

Why is a check valve critical for my plumbing system?

A check valve prevents water from flowing backward when the pump is off. This is essential for keeping biological filters flooded and preventing your waterfall, fountain, or external filter from draining during a power outage or routine maintenance.

How do I winterize my plumbing in Canada and the Northern US?

Pipes should ideally be buried below the local frost line. For shallower lines in Canada and the Northern US, we recommend draining the system or using a wet/dry vac to blow the lines clear, preventing ice expansion from cracking the PVC or fittings.