PVC tank feedthroughs vs. feedthrough coupling

You always need a tank bushing when you want to connect a pipeline system with a tank. We can distinguish between two types of construction:

PVC Tank Connector is the well-known version - this bushing usually has an external thread over which the union nut is guided and on the other side there is usually an adhesive socket (outside) and an adhesive sleeve (inside). However, both versions can also be glued to PVC pipe.




The feed-through coupling is less well known but can be used in a variety of ways. The disadvantage of the classic PVC tank feed-through is that the glued pipe can no longer be removed. This is where the feed-through coupling shows its unique selling point - the pipe itself is not glued to the fitting but the pipe is tightly attached by means of a clamping ring. A further advantage is that the pipe can even be pushed all the way through the feed-through and the pipeline can thus be led into the tank with a continuous pipe without any problems. This is often used as an IBC tank bushing to make the system more accessible for maintenance purposes.

How does a PVC tank bushing work?

A tank penetration is designed to lead a pipe into or out of a tank. This could be an aquarium, a rain barrel or a pond filter system. The seal of the feed-through system lies on a kind of flange. With the help of the locknut, the system is pressed around the tank wall and holds back the water through the seal.

Installation of a PVC tank bushing

To install the feedthrough, you need a hole drill of the right size. See the table below for the appropriate hole size. To install the PVC-U tank feedthrough, unscrew the union nut from the thread and remove the two sealing rings (PEDH + EPDM). Next, decide whether you prefer the threaded side to face outwards or the adhesive sleeve / adhesive socket to face outwards. No matter which variant you choose - the EPDM ring (black) must always be attached to the tank bushing so that the black ring is in the water. This seals the water-bearing side against the tank. Now, from the other side (not in the water), put the PEHD sealing ring back on the thread and tighten the locknut. The PEHD ring ensures that the locknut does not become jammed when tightened.

Hole drilling for tank connectors made of PVC

PVC Tankdurchführung  16mm Rohr	16/20 x ½ Zoll	16.5 – 17.0mm
PVC Tankdurchführung  20mm Rohr	20/25 x ¾ Zoll	26,5 - 27mm
PVC Tankdurchführung  25mm Rohr	25/32 x 1 Zoll	33,5 - 34mm
PVC Tankdurchführung  32mm Rohr	32/40 x 1 ¼ Zoll	41,5 - 42mm
PVC Tankdurchführung  40mm Rohr	40/50 x 1 ¾ Zoll	53,5 - 54mm
PVC Tankdurchführung  50mm Rohr	50/63 x2 Zoll	60 - 61mm
PVC Tankdurchführung  63mm Rohr	63/75 x 2 ½ Zoll	75 - 76mm
PVC Tankdurchführung  75mm Rohr	75/90 x 3 Zoll	88 - 89mm
PVC Tankdurchführung  90mm Rohr	90/110 x M113	112 - 113mm
PVC Tankdurchführung  110mm Rohr	110/125 x M133	Auf Anfrage

Holes for PVC lead-through couplings

PVC Durchführkupplung 20mm Rohr	16/20 x ½ Zoll	16.5 – 17.0mm
PVC Durchführkupplung 20mm Rohr	20/25 x ¾ Zoll	26,5 - 27mm
PVC Durchführkupplung 25mm Rohr	25/32 x 1 Zoll	33,5 - 34mm
PVC Durchführkupplung 32mm Rohr	32/40 x 1 ¼ Zoll	41,5 - 42mm
PVC Durchführkupplung 40mm Rohr	40/50 x 1 ¾ Zoll	53,5 - 54mm
PVC Durchführkupplung 50mm Rohr	50/63 x2 Zoll	60 - 61mm
PVC Durchführkupplung 63mm Rohr	63/75 x 2 ½ Zoll	75 - 76mm

Two tank lead-throughs as rain barrel connectors

Practically, our lead-through couplings or tank lead-throughs can also be used as water tank connectors.
There are different ways to connect your water tanks to each other.

The balancing method
The equalisation method tries to fill and empty all water tanks as evenly as possible. This is often used when rain barrels or IBC containers are used to collect rainwater. For this purpose, the tanks are all drilled as low down as possible. A grommet is now placed in each tank. If you want to build a system that is to be dismantled in winter for frost protection reasons, you should choose the lead-through coupling. This can be "detachably" connected with PVC pipe.

However, if the tank system is to be permanently installed, you can also choose the PVC-U tank feed-through. For large roofs with a 75mm downpipe, we recommend at least the 50mm tank lead-through in order to be able to divide the water volume in the tank.
 
The overflow method
When using the overflow method, the bushings are placed as high up in the tank as possible. If the first tank is now filled, this is done until the water has reached the opening of the fitting and fills the next tank.
In this way, any number of water barrels can also be connected to each other. 
 
A rain barrel connector is very easy to build yourself. Of course, you can find all the individual parts in our online shop - but you can also order the matching rain barrel connector set directly from us!