BPA-free PVC tee pipes?

[EmmaDonovan]

I'm setting up a water system similar to this:

but I can't find any tee-connectors that are BPA free.

Anyone have any ideas on where I can buy that type of tee-connector that is BPA-free? It can't be a regular PVC tee-connector because it has to have the threaded outlet for cups:

 

[Kiki]

https://eldonjames.com/tee-fittings...LzX4JCRNs_k4Y-ixlomgbE4SXkun8IyGyPjxBWEnxU0Ca

 

[Al Gerhart]

You know you can easily thread PVC pipe fittings? or heat the fittings, screw in a pipe with the thread needed, done.

BTW, BPA is the least of your worries in plastics. https://www.beyondplastics.org/reports/pvc-poison-plastic-pipes

IF the pvc fittings are U.S. made they won't have lead in them but if imported, roll the dice. Customs should catch some of the shipments IF they have a cause to open the container and take the time to test. Few containers are inspected, fewer are tested for heavy metals. Look for a NSF rating printed on the pipe. Lead is one of the most common UV protective additives in plastics.

 

[EmmaDonovan]

You know you can easily thread PVC pipe fittings? or heat the fittings, screw in a pipe with the thread needed, done.

BTW, BPA is the least of your worries in plastics. https://www.beyondplastics.org/reports/pvc-poison-plastic-pipes

IF the pvc fittings are U.S. made they won't have lead in them but if imported, roll the dice. Customs should catch some of the shipments IF they have a cause to open the container and take the time to test. Few containers are inspected, fewer are tested for heavy metals. Look for a NSF rating printed on the pipe. Lead is one of the most common UV protective additives in plastics.

Part of the problem is any plastic here bakes in 100°+ heat for much of the year. I'd prefer a metal watering system if we could keep it from heating up. I haven't seen any metal versions of what's in those pictures. I'm open to ideas!

 

[Al Gerhart]

Okay, the thread on the red plastic cup is 1/8" NPT, National Pipe Thread, a very common plumbing thread. You could use copper pipe, plenty of odd T fittings available, usually in brass. Or even iron pipe, non galvanized, but the copper would be a lot more sanitary in my opinion.You could even just use a 1/2" copper pipe, drill and thread the hole into the pipe IF you soldered the fitting to prevent the fitting from leaking. You would have to use a bushing, female 1/8" NPT on the outer end, male 3/8" NPT on the end that threads into the 1/2" copper pipe that distributes the water. JB weld might be good enough to hold the fitting and prevent leaking. If you have access to a welding torch they usually come with a brazing head, some bronze rod would gas weld the connection and it would never come off.

 

[EmmaDonovan]

Okay, the thread on the red plastic cup is 1/8" NPT, National Pipe Thread, a very common plumbing thread. You could use copper pipe, plenty of odd T fittings available, usually in brass. Or even iron pipe, non galvanized, but the copper would be a lot more sanitary in my opinion.You could even just use a 1/2" copper pipe, drill and thread the hole into the pipe IF you soldered the fitting to prevent the fitting from leaking. You would have to use a bushing, female 1/8" NPT on the outer end, male 3/8" NPT on the end that threads into the 1/2" copper pipe that distributes the water. JB weld might be good enough to hold the fitting and prevent leaking. If you have access to a welding torch they usually come with a brazing head, some bronze rod would gas weld the connection and it would never come off.

Wouldn't copper heat up the water quite a bit in 115F temps?

 

[Al Gerhart]

It would be the same temperature as the surrounding area. Plastic would transfer less heat so it would heat up slower but eventually both materials should reach the same temperature, assuming direct sunlight.