How to Connect a PVC Sewer Line to a Tile Sewer Line

A screwdriver is the only tool you need to connect a PVC sewer line to a tile sewer line.

People have been using vitreous clay tile for sewer and water lines for thousands of years. You can still find tile sewer lines in homes built as late as the early 1900s. If the sewer line is intact and free of clogs, there’s no reason to dig it up and replace it during a home renovation or repair. If you’re upgrading your home to PVC sewer lines, you’ll have to transition from PVC to tile to make the final connection to the street or septic system. Using a rubber coupling, you can easily connect a PVC sewer line to a tile sewer line.

Things You'll Need

• Flexible rubber coupling
• Flat-head screwdriver

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Instructions

1. Cut and install the PVC sewer line so that the line connecting to the tile sewer pipe ends about 1 inch from the end of the tile line. The 1-inch gap allows you to move the PVC pipe to the side to slide the coupling onto it.

2. Loosen the clamps on a rubber coupling by turning the screws counterclockwise with a flat-head screwdriver. Turn the screws until the coupling will slide over the end of the PVC pipe.

3. Swing the PVC pipe to the side until you can slide the coupling onto it. Slide the rubber coupling over the end of the PVC sewer line. Push the coupling onto the pipe until the end of the coupling is flush with the end of the pipe.

4. Align the end of the PVC pipe with the end of the tile sewer line. When properly aligned, the pipes should form a straight line, with a 1-inch gap between them.

5. Slide the coupling across the gap, onto the tile line. Position the coupling so it rests equally on the PVC and tile lines. Turn the clamp screws clockwise with a flat-head screwdriver to tighten them.

Tips & Warnings

• Perform a pressure or leak test before using the new sewer line, if required by local codes.

• Tighten the clamps just until the coupling is firmly secured to the lines. If you tighten the clamps too much, you could damage the lines or strip the threads of the clamp screws.

References

• Fernco: Flexible Coupling Installation