Step 5: Install the starter elbow

Place an elbow in the trench
Photo: Smith-Baer
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Place a 90-degree elbow in the trench directly below the coupling and measure the distance between the two fittings. Cut a piece of pipe to match with a handsaw, hacksaw or 12-in. power miter saw. Swab the two mating surfaces with purple primer, then apply the cement to the same surfaces and immediately press the pipe onto the elbow. Give them a slight twist, then hold them. The cement cures in just a few seconds.
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    More in House Exterior

    Tools List

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    • 16-foot tape measure
      Tape measure
    • flat blade shovel
      Shovel, used to dig trench
    • two-foot level
      Level, used to check drainpipe for proper slope
    • sledge hammer
      Small sledgehammer, used to pound in stakes
    • hand saw
      Handsaw, hacksaw or 12-inch power miter saw, used to cut the PVC pipe

    Shopping List

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    1. 4-INCH-DIAMETER PVC AND ASSORTED FITTINGS

    2. 4-INCH-DIAMETER FLEXIBLE PLASTIC DRAIN PIPE

    3. PVC PRIMER AND CEMENT

    used to join together PVC pipe and fittings



    4. WOODEN STAKES AND MASON'S STRING

    5. WHITE FLOUR IN METAL CAN

    sprinkled onto ground to indicate trench location



    6. CARDBOARD SHEETS

    used to temporarily hold soil dug from trench