Smaller snorkel OK?

crocee · June 21, 2013

I in the process of building a couple Earthtainers from stuff I have around the house. The totes I have are 18gal and probably not as tough as the recommended ones. If these work for one season I will replace them with the correct ones next year or when they start showing signs of disintegration.

My question is on the watering snorkel. I would prefer not to have to go to Lowes and buy another section if what I have will work. I presently have about 30'ft of 3/4" sch40 pvc/cpvc left over from a plumbing project. Will the 1/4" smaller diameter make that much of a difference? The only other "pipe" I have is some legs from a plastic shelving unit. I think these are 2".

rwsacto · June 21, 2013

Smaller is OK if you pour the water slowly and accurately or use a nozzle that fits in the smaller pipe. Use a funnel and don't worry about it.
Rick

crocee · June 21, 2013

Thank You. I was thinking it wouldn't really make a difference but I wanted to be sure since this will be the first time using this method.

rnewste · June 21, 2013

Yes, this size will certainly function. I just recommend the larger diameter, as iot makes hose insertion a bit easier. (My aim is not all that good).

Just make sure to drill the hole in the aeration bench to match the O.D. of your tube.

Raybo

crocee · June 21, 2013

Thanks Raybo. If this works I will be planting my entire garden in Earthtainers.

Jaysan · June 26, 2013

I use 3/4 pex in mine. But I do use one of those quick connect male fitting on my hose end for my various nozzles and it will slip right into the 3/4 pex. Ilike pex too in that it is made for drinking water and I can get five 2 foot sections out of a ten foot piece for five containers at a little more than a buck a piece.

An alternate to the water hose male quick connect would be a good funnel.

Douglas_OW · June 27, 2013

If you're just building a couple of prototypes with material on-hand, maybe you can find a small empty water or soda bottle whose neck fits into your 3/4 tubing. Cut off the top part and you can have a funnel in each fill tube. Heating the bottle neck in boiling water will make it easier to force fit it into the tubing, if necessary.

Jim

June 21, 2013	#1
crocee Tomatovillian™ Join Date: Jun 2013 Location: Arkansas Posts: 27	Smaller snorkel OK? I in the process of building a couple Earthtainers from stuff I have around the house. The totes I have are 18gal and probably not as tough as the recommended ones. If these work for one season I will replace them with the correct ones next year or when they start showing signs of disintegration. My question is on the watering snorkel. I would prefer not to have to go to Lowes and buy another section if what I have will work. I presently have about 30'ft of 3/4" sch40 pvc/cpvc left over from a plumbing project. Will the 1/4" smaller diameter make that much of a difference? The only other "pipe" I have is some legs from a plastic shelving unit. I think these are 2".

June 21, 2013	#4
rnewste Tomatovillian™ Join Date: Apr 2007 Location: Campbell, CA Posts: 4,064	Yes, this size will certainly function. I just recommend the larger diameter, as iot makes hose insertion a bit easier. (My aim is not all that good). Just make sure to drill the hole in the aeration bench to match the O.D. of your tube. Raybo Last edited by rnewste; June 21, 2013 at 06:48 PM.

June 21, 2013	#2
rwsacto Tomatovillian™ Join Date: Sep 2010 Location: Sacramento CA Posts: 288	Smaller is OK if you pour the water slowly and accurately or use a nozzle that fits in the smaller pipe. Use a funnel and don't worry about it. Rick

June 26, 2013	#6
Jaysan Tomatovillian™ Join Date: Apr 2012 Location: Virginia, USA Posts: 167	I use 3/4 pex in mine. But I do use one of those quick connect male fitting on my hose end for my various nozzles and it will slip right into the 3/4 pex. Ilike pex too in that it is made for drinking water and I can get five 2 foot sections out of a ten foot piece for five containers at a little more than a buck a piece. An alternate to the water hose male quick connect would be a good funnel.

June 27, 2013	#7
Douglas_OW Tomatovillian™ Join Date: Feb 2006 Location: NJ z5 Posts: 281	If you're just building a couple of prototypes with material on-hand, maybe you can find a small empty water or soda bottle whose neck fits into your 3/4 tubing. Cut off the top part and you can have a funnel in each fill tube. Heating the bottle neck in boiling water will make it easier to force fit it into the tubing, if necessary. Jim