Best Sources for Used PVC

[Lynda Jean]

Okay - I've had it fighting with cinder blocks trying to sink wood structures.

I've got to try some of the neat PVC condos you folks have been building.

Sure would appreciate it if folks could advise where they get their free PVC.

Who industry-wise uses the stuff? Electricians, contrators? Who would you suggest I contact in hopes of getting some of the stuff for free. Obvioulsy don't care if it is used or new or scraps.

Thanks

[Pbcrappie]

I have a progect to build some for our local lake and I went to the rurual water office , the gas company, and to local lumber yards. Picked up enough to make 18 trees. check city maintaince shops. Some I got was new but most was used. good luck. Paul

[fishordie]

Lynda Jean,
I have two connections, one is a friend that owns a plumbing company and he has his men to save the cut pieces that I pick up when they have saved quite a bit. Also an electrical company and they do the same for the scrap plastic when they clean up a job site. Most of the time they only want to use a 20 foot section so you can get a lot of 4' to 8' foot sections. If you have a big development going on close by stop in and talk to the foreman and ask about saving the plastic from the dumpster and if it saves them a dollar then they are usually for it.
Good luck pvc hunting

[PineappleSlap]

i am in HVAC so we have TONS of scrap pvc, thats how i get mine. I would recommend what some of these gentlemen above have mentioned, also find an underground sprinkler company and ask them if they would be willing to save their scrap pvc for ya.

any pvc works, it can be cracked, shrouds, whole pieces, etc.....it all works!

[slabbandit]

Hi Lynda, One place that hasn't been mentioned is the plumbing supply houses. I have one that tells me that anything cracked or broken in the yard I am welcome to. Usually I can get at least a pick-up full.

[Lynda Jean]

Thanks folks.

I called a plumbing company as you suggested and they're saving me some up for pick up next week.

And a local contractor let me scavage through his junk piles and I've got enough black ABS pipe in 1 1/2", 3 and 5 inch sizes to make at least 6 or 7 tall PVC trees.

I can also get a lot of 3/4 and 1" steel piping. It is heavy and I've found it is perfect when I drill out holes right at the base of one of the main PVC poles/trees and slide two long pieces through for cross footings. Now I don't need to use cement to weight it down and the whole affair is totally portable.

I'll post a pic of my first efforts shortly for your comments and critique!

[TacoBender]

Lynda, the steel pipe may work, but if you're going to build a condo make sure you use enough weight so anchors or wave action won't knock them over. You have the idea about where to get pipe, there's a lot more pipe out there than people think and it's fairly easy to obtain. One key to condo that people don't think about is you don't have to build them any taller than 4 or 5ft tall. Just enough for the fish to have a place to get under. I've caught over 50 fish out of the ones I build with only two condos per spot.
GoodLuck