How to Transition Lead Pipe to PVC

Step 1

Mark the lead sewer pipe with a pencil at a place where as much of the lead pipe as possible will be removed. Cut through the lead pipe with a hacksaw or reciprocating saw. Make the cut straight, and remove burrs with a utility knife.

Step 2

Apply soapy water around the end of the lead pipe, and push a flexible rubber coupling half way onto the end of the pipe. Wipe soapy water around the end of a new PVC sewer pipe, and push it into the other end of the rubber coupling. Half of the coupling should now cover the end of the lead pipe, and the other half should cover the end of the PVC pipe.

Step 3

Tighten the metal hose clamps surrounding each end of the rubber coupling, using a screwdriver.

Tips

Make sure that both the new PVC pipe and the flexible rubber coupling are the same diameter as the existing lead pipe.

If the new pipe is of a different diameter, flexible "reducer" couplings are available that connect two different diameter pipes together.

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