I am planning on changing over to 1" pipe from 3/4" soon for my tank/sump connections. There is a few things that I am considering that I would like to get everyones opinion.

Item 1: I am considering installing union joints on both the in and the out lines. I think this would help the installation go more smoothly and it would allow me to maintenance or change this easier. My concern is about them leaking. Anyone have any experience with these?

Item 2: I currently have standard T-bar PVC ball valves installed. I really don't like them since they stick really bad, which makes adjusting them a real pain. I was thinking about going with PVC gate valves instead. I understand they are easier to adjust but I don't have any first hand experience with them. They also seem to be twice the price and not as easy to come by. Any opinions?