How to connect clay to plastic pipe

If you are installing a PVC home water system pipeline to a sewer main line made of clay pipe, a special coupling is required. In most cases, publicly-owned sewer main lines are already fitted with the proper Y-fittings, so all you need is a standard PVC to clay pipe connector and a large slotted-head screwdriver.

Step 1

Measure the diameter of the connector on the end of the sewer line to make sure it is exactly the same dimension as the diameter of the PVC pipe you are using. If not, you will need an adapter with one end matching the diameter of the sewer pipe connector and the other matching the diameter of your PVC pipeline.

Step 2

Loosen the steel clamp on one end of the coupler using the screwdriver.

Step 3

Insert the PVC pipe 2 to 3 inches into the end of the coupler and use the screwdriver to tighten the steel clamp at that end of the coupler.

Step 4

Loosen the other clamp with the screwdriver and slide it over the sewer pipe, making sure that at least 3 inches of pipe is inside the coupler. Use the screwdriver to tighten the steel clamp at this end of the coupler.

Step 5

Test the tightness of both clamps by inserting a torque wrench with a slot head into the clamp screw head and turning the wrench until it reaches 60 inch pounds (approx. 6.8 Nm) of torque.