Main sewer line replacement..

[Scott R.]

Im sure tons of you have replaced your sewer line yourself.. hopefully.. lol
bout to tackle this project myself and hopefully save several thousand dollars.. just wondering if anyone had any advise they'd like to share..
property was build in approx. 1930's and I doubt any repiping has been done, line has collapsed and needs completely replacing according to the several plumbers ive recieved bid on.

Just looking for advise.. doesnt seem too hard to me, plan is to rent a mini excavator, dig up yard (120 feet back yard house to alley) then lay new sched 40 PVC down..
couple questions..
can i just lay the new pipe over the old clay pipe or do i need to remove the clay pipe?

I see the digging being the worst part.. dont see laying the pipe and tieing it in being a big deal.. plan to put several clean outs, on both ends.. any advise anyone!? I'd greatly appriciate it!
-Scott
p.s. plan on doing 3" pipe.. small house has 1 bathroom..

[Christian Morency]

Hi Scott, Go for it. Stay away from the alley. I doubt there is a city in the USA that will let an unlicensed plumber touch it. Take out the old pipe and put the new 3" pipe in it's place. When you get to the alley, pound the 3" pipe into the 4" clay pipe to get as close to or into the main line. Cut the front at a 45 degree angle and bevel the edges. Mark the pipe every 12 inches so you know how far in you are. Use a wood block to protect the pipe. Seal the connection as you normaly would with a rubber 4" clay to 3" pipe reducer coupling.