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View Full Version : Recirc to a Shurflo using PEX. Plumbing question.



Stonegate
01-13-2020, 12:05 AM
Is there a fitting or combination of fittings to connect a 5' length of 1/8" ID (1/4" OD) tubing to the 1/2" PEX going into a Shurflo pump?

My 3/4" poly mainline connects to 1/2" PEX that runs to the pump, emptying out of the pump directly into a tank.
My thought is to insert a tee in the PEX line ahead of the pump to add a recirculation line, drawing a very fine stream of sap through 1/8" tubing from the tank. I'm trying to see if the concept will work, potentially eliminating the use of a needle valve setup.

Ideally, a 1/8" Female NPT x 1/2" PEX Crimp Adapter would be the winning ticket, but from what I can tell, that doesn't exist.

Any ideas?

maple flats
01-13-2020, 09:17 AM
I'm not sure on 1/8" but a 3/16 saddle for 1/2" is available from DSD. Maybe McMaster Carr might have something in 1/8", or maybe a little heat on the 1/8" and it might go onto a DSD 1/2 x 3/16 straight saddle.

DrTimPerkins
01-13-2020, 10:36 AM
I believe the smallest PEX is 3/8" (0.500" OD). Unlikely they'd make a fitting smaller than the smallest PEX pipe.

Biz
01-13-2020, 12:55 PM
You will probably have to use 3 pieces to adapt from pex to the 1/8" barb. I have found that for the small barbs there isn't a good adaptor to 1/2", you have to go 1/2" to 1/4" or 1/8" then insert the barb fitting. See photo for an example of pex to 1/8" barb.
20516

Stonegate
01-13-2020, 07:56 PM
Biz, that's a good example of what will work. Thanks!
What is the white piece called that goes from 1/2" to 1/4" with two different thread patterns?

Biz
01-13-2020, 08:42 PM
Biz, that's a good example of what will work. Thanks!
What is the white piece called that goes from 1/2" to 1/4" with two different thread patterns?

It is a bushing. The one in the picture is 1/2" to 1/8" PVC. Black piece is 1/8" npt to 1/8" barb.

Stonegate
01-13-2020, 09:12 PM
Cool. Thanks. I found the piece. On the plumbingsupply.com site, it's listed as a 1/2" MIPS x 1/8" FIPS Threaded Bushing. That should get me up and running as soon as I get it shipped. No LOWES, Home Depot, Ace Hardware or any other store carries that part.