PVC pipe is often chosen for home plumbing projects because it is easy to use for the do-it-yourself homeowner, and because it can be used in nearly all cold water applications. This versatility and ease of use is demonstrated in the replacement of a section of the pipe. Anyone can handle this kind of job with a few simple tools and a little direction.
Step One
Shut off the water supply to the section of pipe to be replaced. For buried pipe, proceed to Step 2. For non-buried pipe, skip Step 2.
Step Two
Excavate the area around any buried PVC pipe so that you have a minimum of 12 inches in addition to the section in all directions. This is so that you have plenty of room with which to work. Make sure to also excavate beneath the pipe as you will need space there also.
Step Three
Cut out the section of PVC pipe to be replaced with a hacksaw or ratcheting PVC cutting tool. Make two cuts, each about 6 inches on either side of the break. Remove and discard the cut-out section.
Step Four
Clean both ends of exposed pipe well. Apply PVC primer to the outside of the last inch of the exposed end of one of the pipes, and also to the inside of one side of the PVC coupling.
Step Five
Apply PVC cement directly over the area on the exposed pipe and the coupling that now has PVC primer, and immediately slide the coupling over the exposed piece of pipe until it is fully seated, giving it a one-quarter turn as you do so. Hold the connection firmly together for about 15 to 20 seconds.
Step Six
Measure the distance between the attached coupling and the next piece of exposed pipe. Cut a piece of PVC pipe to this length.
Step Seven
Attach the piece of pipe you cut in Step 6 to another PVC coupling with PVC primer and cement as described in steps 4 and 5.
Step Eight
Attach the coupler and pipe between the coupling that is in the ground and the remaining exposed pipe in the ground, again using PVC primer and cement. Allow the cement to cure for an hour. Turn on the water supply and test your connections.
Step Nine
Fill any areas that you have excavated again. Add soil beneath the repaired pipe section, and compact the soil well to complete the job.