Check out some similar questions!

elkridger · Apr 21, 2009, 10:46 AM

There is a cast iron sewer cleanout in my front lawn. It stick out the ground several inches after I leveled the lawn. I want to cut it a little lower so it stays level to the ground. Should I directly cut the cleanout fitting assembly or dig down to the actual pipe and cut from there?

I guess I may need to get some sort of coupling if I just cut the fitting. The second option would be cut the pipe underneath and somehow remove the fitting and put it back. But how do I remove the fitting if that's the correct way to do it?:confused:

Never did any plumbing before. Thanks in advance!

massplumber2008 · Apr 21, 2009, 01:56 PM

Hi Elkridger...

Best bet here will be to open up the ground about a foot or so deep and then use a sawzall with bimetal blade to cut the cast iron pipe down low. Then you will need to cut the remaining pipe with the cleanout so you can lower it to the height desired.

You will join the cut pipes back together using a 2 or 4 banded No-hub clamp... see picture. These are available at all home supply stores. IF you cannot find the No-hub clamp then a shielded clamp (last pic.) will work fine, too.

You could also use an angle grinder with a metal cutting wheel to cut the pipe... just be sure to wear goggles.

Finally, best advise I can give you is to keep a large rag in the pipe after you cut it... until you clamp it all back together. You don't want any rocks/dirt to get down there... would ruin your whole day!

Let me know if you need more info...

Mark

elkridger · Apr 22, 2009, 07:41 AM

Thanks massplumber2008!

Your advice is very helpful. I am going to print out you reply and go to the hardware store.

Thanks again!

Originally Posted by massplumber2008

Hi Elkridger...

Best bet here will be to open up the ground about a foot or so deep and then use a sawzall with bimetal blade to cut the cast iron pipe down low. Then you will need to cut the remaining pipe with the cleanout so you can lower it to the height desired.

You will join the cut pipes back together using a 2 or 4 banded No-hub clamp...see picture. These are available at all home supply stores. IF you cannot find the No-hub clamp then a shielded clamp (last pic.) will work fine, too.

You could also use an angle grinder with a metal cutting wheel to cut the pipe....just be sure to wear goggles.

Finally, best advise I can give you is to keep a large rag in the pipe after you cut it...until you clamp it all back together. You don't want any rocks/dirt to get down there...would ruin your whole day!!

Let me know if you need more info...

Mark

massplumber2008 · Apr 22, 2009, 09:38 AM

Glad to help!