How to Stub Out Pipes in Concrete Slab

You must stub out toilets, water lines and electrical conduit, as well as main utility lines that enter the building from below the foundation and rise up into the building. You can stub out pipes in a concrete slab easily because the stub out is put in place before the final grade for the concrete slab is prepared, but you must be very skilled in making the necessary connections for the pipes.

1. Locate the position on your project plans where the pipes need to turn up through the slab to connect to the next level of plumbing. Use a tape measure and the dimensions on the plans to locate this point on the actual installed pipe.

2. Install the appropriate pipe fitting to allow for the pipe to turn up and stub out of your slab. The fitting will depend upon the kind of pipe you are installing. PVC pipes require pre-cast PVC angle fittings; PVC adhesive and metal pipes require pre-cast metal fittings and must be bolted in place.

3. Measure from the inside threads of the up-turn of your fitting (metal or PVC) to a point that is a minimum of 8 inches above the finished height of your slab. For some stub outs, like those terminating in appliance connections on top of the slab, you can carry the height of the stub out to the height of the appliance connection (see your project plans for the details and dimensions). Doing so will save you a step later in connecting the appliance. Select a pipe that will be the correct length for your stub out and install it into the up turned portion of the fitting.

4. Cap all the pipes with pipe caps (metal or PVC).

5. Attach the appropriate pressure test system for the pipe you have installed and conduct the test following the manufacturer's instructions. For most pipes, such as gray water, gas and water lines, an air test is sufficient (check the General Instructions section of your project plans to confirm that it is acceptable).

6. Once you have conducted the pressure test and the pipe system has passed, wrap the pipe cap in duct tape (just where it overlaps the pipe) to prevent any concrete from splashing up into the threads. If you have installed any electrical conduit (which does not require a pressure test), tape the opening to the conduit closed with duct tape to prevent concrete from falling in.

7. Backfill around the pipes. Use a shovel to pack dirt around the pipe until the dirt is level with the bottom of your concrete slab. Make sure, as you backfill, that the pipe remains straight.