Whichever you choose, make sure to use it carefully to avoid injuries. You can use a circular saw with a masonry blade to cut clay sewer pipe. Pipe is most often laid with the bell end facing in the direction in which the pipe content flows. Use a cold chisel. You really just need to mark the pipework with some chalk or even a crayon and fit yourself with the appropriate PPE gear. How to Cut PVC Pipe Square. Yep, use the 4.5in grinder with a stone or diamond disc on it, shouldn't be a problem. These are some of the tools you can use to cut your old cast-iron sewer pipes. Temporarily run pipe—longer than it needs to be—so it comes near the old pipe. We use cookies to make wikiHow great. Follow the manufacturer's directions for your specific tool. This is probably the best tool to use for cutting cast-iron pipes since it lets you do the job in a relatively quick and easy way and create smooth, even edges. Put on your safety glasses and use the reciprocating saw to cut the pipe at your marks. Some of these include: If you have a good, old-fashioned hacksaw, you can use it to cut your cast-iron pipes. By signing up you are agreeing to receive emails according to our privacy policy. By using our site, you agree to our. For troubleshooting tips when you're cutting a cast iron pipe, keep reading! Re: Orangeburg pipe cutting Where i live its all 3in Orangeburg pipe for the main sewer lines. Mark the cutting points on the old drains about 1/2 in. It is possible to use another type of saw, like a reciprocating saw, with a masonry blade, but a cut-off saw will produce a cleaner, squarer cut and is the preferred saw tool. Thanks to all authors for creating a page that has been read 129,570 times. This allows for the pipe to be pushed home a bit easier. What is the most important aspect of engineering? Will cutting an iron pipe with a saw cause it to vibrate too much? You'll have to dig deeper and underneath the pipe where you're … These are some of the tools you can use to cut your old cast-iron sewer pipes. Now cut into sections and remove the unwanted sections of sewer pipe. Take the pipe cutter, and place it around the first mark on the piece of pipe. It didn’t break. But keep this in mind: using this tool requires you to exert maximum effort and can result to a lot of hard work. Mark the existing PVC sewer pipe at the point where the end cap needs to be installed. larger than the replacement. Cast iron pipes were used before the invention of PVC pipe and was the choice for main stacks and waste drains. This article has been viewed 129,570 times. As long as you apply the proper amount of pressure while cutting, along with a possible brace depending on the pipe location, you should be fine. wikiHow is a “wiki,” similar to Wikipedia, which means that many of our articles are co-written by multiple authors. You will just need to rotate the pipe while cutting it. Great if you are afraid of anything with teeth. If you fully engage the trigger, the saw can get away from you. MSW serves municipal decision-makers, sewer and water directors, technicians and private water and wastewater contractors who install, inspect, maintain and rehabilitate sewer, water and stormwater infrastructures. Fortunately, if you’re handy with tools, you don’t have to worry since there is several equipment you can use to cut these pipes and prepare them for replacement. Hardest part was banding the new piece to exsisting pipe… If you really can’t stand to see another ad again, then please consider supporting our work with a contribution to wikiHow. Snap cutters essentially look like scissors with a roller chain in place of blades and a ratchet for a handle. Wrap the chain around the clay pipe, positioning it over the mark and perpendicular to the pipe. Ensure that there are as many cutting wheels as possible against the pipe. There are a few different tools you can use to cut cast iron: a snap cutter, a reciprocating saw, or a grinder. Afterward, place the blade guide tight up against the pipe and gently squeeze the trigger to start the cut. Once you’re done, take your reciprocating saw, set it at the lowest speed, and follow the chalk line to cut your pipe. Press the jaws of the snap cutter closed, so that you feel the pipe being cut through the handle. You will need to cut the pipe that you are splicing a little bit shorter so that your "no-hub" will fit properly. Last Updated: April 26, 2019 To mark a continuous straight line around a pipe (or other cylinder) in order to make a square cut, wrap a large piece of square paper around it so that the edges line up. It also takes a substantial amount of time, especially if you have several pipes to cut. Reciprocating saws make cutting cast-iron pipes a breeze so, if you have one, make sure to use it. So, unless you have plenty of hours and energy to spare, it’s probably best not to use this tool. There is about 1/4 inch clearance All tip submissions are carefully reviewed before being published. Working in a cramped spot, I bent the blade a dozen times. Then, wrap the chain of a snap cutter around the pipe so it's over the line. To cut cast iron pipe, start by marking the line you want to cut on the pipe with chalk. Here's a list of PPE items that you really should use when cutting cast iron pipe with an angle grinder: A decent pair of work gloves with basic impact protection It's going to depend on whether or not the old pipe is secured already. Plastic Pipe Cutter. Cutting cast iron pipe with an angle grinder is super easy. Cons: Acute … wikiHow is a “wiki,” similar to Wikipedia, which means that many of our articles are co-written by multiple authors. Using a tape measure and a pencil or other writing instrument, mark on the pipe surface where you want to cut. Once the clamps are in place you can start cutting the cast iron piping. Once you’ve installed the blade, take your pipe and mark the portion that you need to cut with a piece of chalk. Place the chain around the pipe and apply pressure on the ratchet to cut the pipe. A snap cutter can bend the pipe or even crush it and grinder wheels can fly off when using them, so a reciprocating saw is probably your best bet. Cutting PVC Pipe Using a Miter Saw. For troubleshooting tips when you're cutting a cast iron pipe, keep reading! Locate the Damaged Area. After that, an enzyme monthly maintenance plan will keep the pipes open and clear. Wrap the chain of the snap cutter around the pipe as evenly as possible. To my surprise, it didn’t break. Sometimes, a sewer line is only in need of a small repair and the plumber will dig down to the pipe, cut the affected area, replace the broken section and backfill with the native soil. Big, bad bends. Mark the pipe where it needs to be cut. this same method can be used on a horizontal stack. It can be as simple as that, or require a backhoe or excavating crew and finish work. The cable is fed into the line and spins while the root cutting blades cut the roots. References. Even after two 4-in. The blade cut faster than carbide grit or metal-cutting teeth, but not nearly as fast as a diamond grinder blade. Before doing anything else, though, install a long cutting blade into your saw. Cut through the mark on the pipe with a handsaw or hacksaw. Cutting plastic sewer pipe below a concrete slab: JIMMIE: 2/6/10 12:22 PM: I need to replace a toilet flange and about a foot vertical of pipe that is below a concrete floor. Cast iron pipe is non-flammable. Please help us continue to provide you with our trusted how-to guides and videos for free by whitelisting wikiHow on your ad blocker. This isn’t really a problem — until your pipes become rusted or damaged and need to be replaced. Using a Pipe Cutter Get a plastic pipe cutter. wikiHow is where trusted research and expert knowledge come together. A sewer line that is backing up needs to be professionally snaked out before enzymes are introduced to the system. Dry-fit the tee assembly onto the new pipe and hold it next to the existing pipe. Depending on the amount of growth, the remaining debris might need to be flushed out of the system. Bedding Pipe. Mark the existing pipe for cutting. Include your email address to get a message when this question is answered. Toilet Vent Option 1: Indirect Connection. By using this, you can make a clean cut and ensure your pipe will have smooth edges. https://firstwoodworker.com/how-to-cut-cast-iron-pipe/, https://www.thesawguy.com/how-to-cut-cast-iron-pipe/, https://www.familyhandyman.com/diy-advice/cutting-cast-iron-pipe/, https://www.popularmechanics.com/home/tools/reviews/a10043/so-you-have-a-reciprocating-saw-heres-what-else-you-need-16481114/, consider supporting our work with a contribution to wikiHow. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/e\/e7\/Cut-Cast-Iron-Pipe-Step-1.jpg\/v4-460px-Cut-Cast-Iron-Pipe-Step-1.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/e\/e7\/Cut-Cast-Iron-Pipe-Step-1.jpg\/aid1338592-v4-728px-Cut-Cast-Iron-Pipe-Step-1.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"