How to create a hidden plug for PVC pipe

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I'm working on building a semi-permanent set of full-size soccer goals. Full-size in this case means 6' x 18'. Because of the size and spans, I'm planning on using 1.5" PVC pipe and fittings. And in order to help keep the goals from tipping over from strong winds, I plan on adding 25-50 lbs of sand in the base support tube for each goal.

While not to size, this picture gives a good idea of the general layout for the goals.
example soccer goal

The sand will go in the longer, horizontal pipe that is on the ground.

Normally, this would be a fairly straightforward project. The challenge is that I want to make sure the sand remains in the bottom pipe. Unfortunately, I can't rely upon the wonderfully consistent draw of gravity as the goals are meant to be taken apart and taken off of the field during the winter. And I don't want the sand spilling out when the goals are disassembled.

The goals are meant to last for at least 5-10 years, and the hope is that by storing them during the winter they'll have a better chance at lasting that long. I'll be disassembling the goals the first few years, but will eventually pass that task along to someone else.

My initial thought had been to install a concealed plug of some sort on the inside of the pipe. So after adding the sand to the bottom pipe, I would plug it and keep the sand from getting out. I added a red line to this example image to give a better idea.

plug location

My problem is that I couldn't find anything at the local hardware store that would serve as an inline plug like that. I checked a number of fittings from other pipe dimensions, but they weren't fitting.

My question(s):

  • Are there any general guidelines for knowing which pipes or fittings can slip inside a different dimension of pipe. For example, is the outer diameter of a 1" fitting supposed to fit within the inside diameter of a 1.5" pipe?

    • If so, what type or size of fitting should I look at in order to create this interior plug?

  • Is there a better approach to solving this type of a problem? Would a different type of material slip inside of the 1.5" pipe more readily / consistently?

Best Answer

Given all the ideas, the obvious solution would seem to be don't use sand.

Instead, fill the bottom pipe with cement. Or fill it mostly with gravel with a few inches of cement or silicone sealant to hold the gravel in place.

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