installing waste tubing

[pegasus1457]

I am in the middle of replacing my old (stinky ) toilet waste tubing with new and expensive odor-free variety.

I am having a problem getting the new stuff installed. It came in a 3 ft diameter coil, and the shape has been memorized by the plastic. The pieces I have cut are really difficult to handle -- I have used a hot air gun to try to undo this memory and when the plastic softens a bit I can straighten it, but as soon as it cools it returns to the coiled shape.

The path that it has to follow is complicated and I have not been able to get it past more than the first bend.

Any ideas?

Thanks ---

[Freesail99]

Very hot water helps get out the bends.

[soulesailor]

You're on the right path. You need more heat and more bending. I used a blowtorch to heat up my plastic, until it was almost too hot to touch. Be careful not to burn the hose or it will permanently deform. A careful touch is required and keep moving the heat around to the entire area you want to bend. When it is hot enough bend it the way you want it and keep it in that position until it cools, which isn't long. If you are going for a sharp curve you may need to overbend to allow for spring-back, like wood.

[djodenda]

Keep some water boiling on your stove, if you have one, and soak the end in the water for a few minutes before you try and push it on the fitting.

Using boiling water instead of a torch means that you won't damage/melt your hoses.

Patience and persistence is the answer.

I've seen "Hose Lube" at the chandlery, but it is expensive. No idea whether it is worth the cost or not.