How to Remove PVC Drain Pipe

Remove Underground PVC Drain Pipes

• 1

  Assess the area around the pipe to make sure your cutting won't interfere with other pipes. If you're working underground, call 811 to verify the location of underground wires and utilities.

• 2

  Dig down to the location of the pipe you need to replace using a shovel. Dump the grass and dirt on a tarp a few feet away. Dig out an area 10 feet wide and about 12 inches longer than the length of pipe you need to remove.

• 3

  Draw cut lines over the top and sides of the pipe with a pencil, and use this as a guide when you're cutting.

• 4

  Position the pipe cutter or hacksaw over the part of the pipe you want to remove. Saw the blade back and forth in a straight vertical line and hold the pipe firmly as you cut from the top to bottom of the pipe. Cut the other end of the pipe straight down, and lift out the section of pipe. If you feel resistance, use a pry bar to help lift the pipe from the ground.

• 5

  Go over the open ends of the remaining pipes with a razor to scrape off any burrs created by the saw.

• 6

  Coat PVC primer and then cement around the inside of the fittings and both ends of the replacement pipe using a paint brush. Insert the ends in the fittings and twist the pipe about 90 degrees to spread the cement. Wait about 2 hours for the cement to set, then cover underground pipes with the gravel and dirt you removed to reach the pipe.

Remove PVC Pipes From Under a Sink

• 7

  Detach the pipe hangers supporting the pipe using a screwdriver. Place the screws and hangers in a cup. Pull out the drain plug from the sink trap with pliers and set a pot beneath the opening in case water drips out.

• 8

  Cut out the PVC pipe from the sink trap with a reciprocating saw at the base of the fitting that connects the two. Repeat this for the other end of the pipe, and set the cut pipe on the floor. Since fittings are glued to pipes they must be cut to remove the pipe.

• 9

  Attach a PVC cutter head to an electric drill to remove the section of pipe left inside of the fittings. The cutter head is a round blade that rotates inside of the fitting to shred the remaining PVC pipe. Remove the shredded PVC from inside both fittings with your hand.

• 10

  Attach the new PVC pipe by coating the ends with PVC primer and cement and turning it inside of the old fittings. Reattach the pipe hangers to support the new pipe, and push the drain plug back in place.