How to Connect a Sewer Pipe Above Ground
Sewer pipes (usually made of PVC or ABS plastic) run from the city sewer or septic tank, both of which are underground. The house's main sewer line then runs up out of the ground into the cellar or buildup area at the bottom of the house, where individual sewer pipes attach to the main sewer line and run to their prospective water fixtures. Sections of sewer pipe are connected together with joints comprised of couplings, primer and cement. Does this Spark an idea?
Things You'll Need
- Tape measure
- Marker pen
- Hacksaw
- Workman's knife
- PVC sewer pipe
- PVC primer
- PVC straight coupling
- PVC cement
Instructions
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1
Measure and mark the above ground PVC sewer pipe in the place where a second section needs to be attached. Make a straight cut (at 90 degrees) through the pipe with either a hacksaw or handsaw. A power saw can be used if room permits, or a miter saw for cutting new sections of pipe might be necessary. Scrape away any plastic burrs using a workman's knife.
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2
Cut a section of PVC sewer pipe to the correct length and scrape off any burrs. Apply PVC primer to the inside of one straight coupling, the outside end of the existing pipe and one end of the new section of pipe.
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3
Apply a coat of PVC cement to all primed areas. Quickly push the coupling onto the cemented end of the new pipe section, and the other end of the coupling onto the end of the existing pipe. Hold firmly in place while the cement dries. Cut and install all necessary remaining sewer pipe sections, following the same process.
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Tips & Warnings
For the installation of ABS pipes, use ABS cement. No primer is needed.
Couplings are available in 30-, 45,- 60-, 90- and 180-degree (straight) angles.
Sewer pipe is available in diameters that range from 1 1/2 to 4 inches. Make sure the new pipe and couplings match the diameter of the existing pipe.
When cutting sewer pipe, wear eye goggles.
References
- Photo Credit Utility knife image by Andris Daugovich from Fotolia.com
