How to cut PVC pipes
By Alyssa Chua•Last updated Jan 12, 2024
Last updated Jan 12, 2024
Fixing the plumbing in your home? You’ll likely need to cut your PVC or polyvinyl chloride pipe to ensure it fits the space.
If this is your first time and you aren’t sure, read our guide on how to cut pipes for your PVC project at home.
What you’ll need
- A hacksaw or backsaw
- A scissor-style pipe cutter or tubing cutter
- A ratcheting pipe cutter
- A power miter saw
- Tape measure
- Pencil or marker
- Clamps
- Safety goggles or other eye protection
- A mask or respirator
Here are a few things to keep in mind when choosing and using these tools:
A hacksaw (or backsaw) is one of the most common ways to cut plastic pipe because many people already have one at home. However, it can take time and leave rough edges you’ll need to deburr.
If you want a cleaner cut, you can get a scissor-style pipe cutter from your local hardware store. Tubing cutters can only cut PVC with a smaller diameter of about 1 inch.
A ratcheting pipe cutter is more expensive than a tubing cutter, but it can cut larger-diameter PVC pipes. It can also cause some stress on your hands and forearm, especially if you’re cutting several pieces.
If you plan to cut several pieces of PVC pipe, you’ll save a lot of time and energy with a power miter saw. It can cut large quantities of PVC pipe without tiring your hands, but you need to know how to operate it safely.
Step 1: Measure the area where you will place the pipe
Be as accurate as possible so you only need to cut the pipe once. Don’t accidentally cut it too short.
Step 2: Measure the PVC pipe
Use the tape measure and pencil to measure and mark the pipe. Double-check the measurement to make sure it’s the size you want. If you cut too short, you may have to start over.
Step 3: Clamp down the pipe to secure it
Clamp the PVC pipe to a solid surface, like a table. If you’re using a miter box, secure the box itself to the table.
Step 4: Cut with your choice of tool
How you cut the PVC pipe depends on the cutter you’re using.
How to cut PVC pipe using a hacksaw or a backsaw
- Make sure the adjustment nuts are hand-tight. Don’t overtighten, and make sure the blade isn’t too loose. A loose blade can cause the cut to wander and leave uneven edges.
- Create a notch on the pipe with the rear of the hacksaw blade. This notch helps guide the saw as you move it back and forth.
- Cut the pipe slowly. Start sawing with a back-and-forth motion. If you cut too quickly, the saw may wiggle and you might cut beyond your mark.
How to cut PVC pipe using a scissor-style pipe cutter
- Insert the pipe into the scissor-style cutter. The mark should face up so you can see it.
- Rotate the cutter around the pipe. Grip the handle tightly and rotate the tubing cutter so you make a straight cut.
How to cut PVC pipe using a ratcheting pipe cutter
- Open the handles of the ratcheting pipe cutter. When you do, the blade will lift.
- Insert the pipe into the cutter. Slide it between the blade and jaw, making sure the mark faces up.
- Grip the handles and press them into the pipe until the pipe cuts.
How to cut PVC pipe using a power miter saw
- Clamp the PVC pipe to the table. Never use your hands, since you could accidentally injure yourself.
- Pull the switch trigger. Gently bring the miter saw arm down and through the pipe.
- Release the switch trigger. Make sure the blade has stopped spinning before you remove the pipe or raise the blade.
Do’s and don’ts of cutting PVC pipe
Do ensure your safety first before anything else
Wear your safety gear before cutting PVC pipe, no matter which tool you use. Wear gloves, safety goggles, and a mask or respirator to protect yourself from tiny particles that can come off the pipe as you cut it.
Don’t use wooden tools
Many people believe you can use tools made for other materials, such as wood, to cut PVC pipe. But wood and PVC have different characteristics, and their tools are different. Most wood tools have large teeth and thick blades, which could ruin your PVC pipe and create extra work.
Do use a deburring tool to clean the cut edge
Rough edges can be annoying, create scratches, and make a mess. You can remove the burrs by using any of these methods:
- A deburring tool — a tapered cone that spins back and forth inside the pipe to remove burrs.
- A utility knife — run it along the inside edge of the pipe to remove burrs.
- Heavy-grade sandpaper — run it along the pipe’s interior to loosen the burrs.
Don’t use power tools with static or fixed blades
When cutting PVC pipe with power tools, avoid tools with static or fixed blades. These tools require you to move the pipe into the blade. The blade may bounce off the pipe’s curvature, causing injuries or producing an uneven cut.
Use a power cutting tool where you move the blade toward the pipe, such as a miter saw or, in some cases, a jigsaw or circular saw. Always secure the PVC pipe to a surface with hose clamps before cutting it.
Don’t want to DIY? Hire a plumber instead
It can be challenging to cut PVC pipe if you don’t have the tools or aren’t sure how to use them. If you don’t want to DIY it, you can hire a plumber to do the job for you.
Download the Thumbtack app now to see a list of top-rated plumbing services near you. Start requesting free cost estimates for your project today.
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