Fixing 1″ and 2″ PVC pipes is easy, but it can be intimidating to tackle fixing or installing a 4″ cleanout. I will show you how.
Fixing 1″ and 2″ PVC pipes is easy, but it can be intimidating to tackle fixing or installing a 4″ cleanout. I will show you how.
Why is a Cleanout Needed?
If the pipeline from the septic tank to the leach field is too long for clearing a clog from the tank or the box at the leach field, a cleanout will be needed halfway. When we initially put in our septic system, we didn’t know about this. As I went about getting my system permitted (after putting in the tank and leach field without one), I found out that I needed to have my tank lifted and the line to the leach field redone and properly put in for gravity flow. After inspection, everything passed except for needing the cleanout. I was intimidated by the size of the pipe. Was I capable of sawing through a pipe that big? As a result, I was happy to have the septic contractor come back and put it in.
Broken Cleanout
Not long after my contractor put in the cleanout, I returned home to find that a delivery truck had backed up into it and broke off the top. It was not something I had the time or money to tackle. I was working and there was always something else easier to deal with. It stunk, so I covered it with a plastic bowl. I since learned from a parts salesman that many people just cover their broken cleanout with a coffee can.
Why Fixing a Four-Inch Cleanout is Intimidating
If you have ever fixed 1-inch or 2-inch PVC pipes, you will know that sometimes a mistake is made and it is a good idea to have extra parts just in case. Actually, since 4-inch PVC is larger and less flexible, it is harder to work with. The parts are also more expensive since they are bigger. If the tee is involved when a riser breaks, it will also have to be replaced. Conversely, the tee could leak if the glue isn’t allowed to set long enough when it is under pressure. If it does break, it has to be fixed again, and more parts are needed.
A septic line doesn’t have to be under pressure, but the fear is messing up getting the big parts connected. This may not be a problem for a strong man, but ladies attempting this better have some strength. Also, strength is needed to dig up the pipe.
Make a To-Do List
If you live on a homestead, there will be plenty to do. It is easy to just ignore fixing a cleanout. I ignored it for six years. Finally, I made my list, and even though it was near the top of the list, I kept skipping it. I had to think about it for four to six months. There is a book called, Write it Down and Make it Happen. If you write it down, your conscience has permission to nag you to get the job done.
Do the Job in Sections
Divide the work up to do on different days so it won’t be so hard. You can dig up as much of the pipe as you can. When tired, just take a long break or continue on another day. The actual work of sawing the pipe and gluing the parts could be on another day. Sawing the pipe can take a while if you are doing it by hand. A power saw would be so easy if you have one.
Tools Needed for the Project
Tools Needed to Dig up the Pipe
Initially, you can use a good shovel. You can buy a long or short-handled shovel. I like the short ones.
I will be sharing tools carried by Tractor Supply Company. If you click on the pictures of tools, you will be directed to a page where you can check out the tools. If you order anything, I will receive a small commission at no extra cost to you.
Below is a Mini Shovel. Click on the picture to see all available shovels and prices.
Tools Needed to Cut the Pipe
Various hand saws could be used to cut the pipe. I used a folding hand saw and a hacksaw. Tractor Supply has a variety for sale. If you click the picture below, you will go to the page with various saws. The reason you want to have two saws is that you will use the hand saw for the majority, but the hacksaw may be needed to finish off the cut.
Glue and Primer
A combination of glue and primer can be bought at any hardware store. Generally, I go to Home Depot. Below is a picture of a pack you can buy there. Also, you can also click on the picture and go to the sight to order it or any size you prefer. The larger size will have a larger applicator which is easier to use on the larger pipes, but this will be wasteful if you don’t need that much glue. Never buy a large primer. Sadly, you will lose most of it if it gets knocked over accidentally.
I am not an affiliate of Home Depot.
Parts for the Cleanout
I couldn’t find any 4″ cleanout parts at Home Depot and they didn’t have any 4′ PVC pipe either. Unfortunately, my ignorant salesman told me to go to an irrigation store. My local store was charging $48.00 for a 3″ PVC tee. This is one reason to be afraid to make a mistake. Fortunately, I found one at home that was of cheaper plastic, but I figured it could do the job. Also, a small piece of pipe for connecting is needed, but the smallest they had was 10′ long for $20.74.
I also found that I had the parts for the cleanout. That would save me so much money. This store also had what is called a CI/PL Coupling. It makes the job easier by joining the final sections together so that only one side of the tee needs to be dug up. If you watch my video at the end of this post, you will see how I put it on. You will need a straight screwdriver to tighten it and you will see it below and in the finished project picture. Also, below you can find all the parts on Home Depot’s website at reasonable prices that my salesman didn’t know about..
Check out this part that I found. This is so much better and will keep the cleanout closer to the ground which will be easier to protect.
Sawing the 4″ PVC Pipe
Start sawing a cut under the pipe first because the weight of the pipe will cause it to buckle. Then, try to line up your saw to cut from directly above it. Start with the handsaw and use the hacksaw as needed. Also, it is a good idea to have something on hand like a large rock or piece of wood to support the pipe so it won’t buckle so much. When you watch the video, you will see my struggle to try to hold the pipe up, but using the rocks was a better plan. Probably, a strong man could just hold it up without the rocks.
Putting the Cleanout Parts Together
Once the broken parts are removed, you will need to put primer and glue on the pipe and the tee and put it in place. It is recommended to always put the pipe fitting on and turn it a quarter turn. Next, you need to cut out a section of pipe to reach an inch or so from the other pipe. First, slide the flexible coupling over the other pipe and out of the way. To add the piece of pipe, you can hold it up or even move it to the side. Then, bring it into place and line it up. Remember that it is gravity flow and if it is not level, just remove the dirt that is keeping it from dropping down.
To add the cleanout to the tee, you will need to cut out another piece of pipe to connect them. As usual, use the primer and the glue and put them all together.
Complete the Job
It is time to complete the Job by covering the pipe with dirt. First, be sure to support the pipe by putting dirt underneath it. Second, shovel all the dirt back on top. Finally, place some large rocks around it to protect it and make it visible to delivery trucks.
Watch the Video
How easy it is to read about doing this job. It would be beneficial to take the time to watch the video and see how this job is actually done. I really appreciate those who will watch the entire video. Be sure to subscribe to my blog and YouTube channel. If you like the video, be sure to hit the like button. You must be logged into YouTube with your Gmail and password to be able to subscribe, like, or comment.