How to Replace Sewer Drains in Homes

Sewer drains typically run underground across the home before connecting to the sewer main outside the house. Most drains are beneath the concrete slab or basement in the home, so extensive work is required just to access them. Once the pipe are accessed, the remaining task is fairly straightforward. However, if you plan to take on this task, you should be ready for some heavy work with high-powered tools. If you aren't used to this type of work, leave this project to a professional.

Jackhammer
Shovel
Snap cutter
PVC drain pipe, 4-inch
PVC couplings
PVC adhesive
Hacksaw
Iron-to-PVC coupling
Screwdriver

Instructions

- 1
  Remove the concrete slab over the sewer drainage line with a jackhammer and remove the dirt over the drain line with a shovel.
- 2
  Cut the drain pipe with a snap cutter, which is a cutting tool with two handles and a chain cutter used to break through iron pipe. Loop the chain around the pipe, press the handles together and snap the pipe. Make several 4-foot sections for easiest removal. Lift the pipe sections out with the help of an assistant. If the drain is mounted to the wall, remove the bracketing and take the drain line down in sections.
- 3
  Route a new sewer line in the excavated area with 4-inch PVC drainpipe. Connect the pipe sections with a coupling where applicable. Coat the coupling and pipe with PVC adhesive and fit them together. Run the pipe up to the outlets on each end. Cut the pipe where it connects with the existing line with a hacksaw.
- 4
  Connect the new pipe to the old with an iron-to-PVC coupling, which a rubber sleeve that slides over both pipes. Insert the pipes into the sleeve and tighten the sleeve collar with a screwdriver to secure the connection.

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