python parts break easy?

[nvision]

first off, i think python makes great products, and this is not a rant--just an observation.

i'm wondering is it just me or are most initial parts included in a python set usually break easily? i've bought and collected 4 sets of these water changers over the years. amongst them, 2 shut-off valve pieces and 3 male connectors have already cracked within the first 2-3 months of usage.

interesting thing is, once i've replaced the parts, they would seem to last forever. i've had my first set for almost almost 10 years now with the replaced parts and it's still going strong. but each time i buy an additional python, something breaks. most current event was the cracking of the shut-off valve piece (again) within only 2 weeks out of the bag. the part's been replaced and it's worked great since.

i don't consider myself to be rough-handed when working with these things. sometimes i think unpleasant shipping might have added extra stress to the parts, but i've also bought locally as well. same experience with those. maybe i'm just stuck with a vibe. :confused:

[Tempest]

I had to replace the faucet connection with their brass one in the first few weeks cause I stripped the plastic threads and I'm waiting on the shipment of a new faucet connector(the rest of the plastic part) right now cause it broke.. That's after a years use.

[Dangerdoll]

I've had to replace the faucet attachment piece too, but that was from rough handling.... I think I was taking out the python and being a 50 footer, the faucet piece swung out and hit a wall or something and broke in two. Otherwise, I've never replaced any of the parts and I've had it for a good 4 years.

[nvision]

yeah that faucet connector goes through a lot of wear and tear. i had to replace all mine with metal ones. personally, i'd rather have that piece wear out than having to find a crack somewhere else, especially during a water change.

[delmore]

Mine is only a few months old and there is a slight leak near the lever. I was going to contact them to find out how to replace it.

I just use mine for filling up the tanks. I use the waste water for plants and the garden.

[Splash]

I had to replace the faucet on mine, too. I screwed it on too tight and it cracked. I needed to do a water change and wrapped a rubber band around it to hold it together. It worked long enough for me to get the change done.

I should really replace the plastic ones with the brass ones.

[punch]

I cracked the shut off/on valve of mine, diidn't even know it till water started spraying all aver the floor! An I only had it a couple of months, bought a replacement, but a genic shut of valve could also be bought at a lawn and garden, they fit. Should of gone that route as there cheaper.

[nvision]

punch: maybe you didn't crack it. ;)

but don't you just hated that? i didn't notice mine was cracked until i stepped on a puddle in the carpet. i ran and grabbed some electrical tape hoping that can sustain the leak until my tank refills! it felt kinda silly to sit there and squeeze on a tube with black tape all over the place.

so you can replace certain parts in a garden store? that's a revelation. thanks for the tip!

[Dangerdoll]

nvision, another tip, the hardware store is also a great place for parts and the like.

[valerie]

my first thoguht when i got my python was "why are the parts all plastic,especially the faucet conector" My dad thoguht it was cheap looking but nothign has broke yet and i'm had it for over a year.

[nvision]

that plastic adaptor is just too weird.

but i can see why other parts are plastic, though. during the water change, it would be pretty dangerous to have metal hose connectors clanging on your glass tank while you're swiggling the tube around during cleaning. now for the shut-off valve, a metal counterpart would be sweet.

[JON]

I've had my Python for almost a year and it worked great until I stepped on the gravel tube and broke it completely off. Still works great for refilling tanks!

[Lukara]

I too had problems with the faucet connector on my python and have had to replace parts due to stripping the plastic etc.. Just for your information, I was shopping at Wallmart one day and by coincidence I came across the exact same faucet connector that is used on pythons except they were selling them for water beds. The great thing about this is that they were selling the pieces for like 1/4 of the price they are sold for in LFS's.