Does Lowes Cut PVC Pipe? How to Cut PVC Yourself

PVC pipe is one of the most versatile materials for household projects. Whether you‘re updating plumbing, building a inground sprinkler system, or getting crafty with a DIY furniture project, you‘ll likely need to cut PVC pipe down to size. So does Lowes cut PVC pipe for you?

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I visited my local Lowes and spoke to a helpful employee in the plumbing department to get the definitive answer. I also tested out various methods for cutting PVC myself at home. Here‘s everything you need to know!

Will Lowes Cut PVC Pipe for You?

The short answer is no, Lowes does not cut PVC pipe to custom lengths in-store. Lowes only cuts galvanized and black iron pipe.

According to the Lowes website, "We have pipe-threading and cutting machines in most locations. Galvanized and black iron pipe can be cut then threaded to your specifications." PVC pipe is not mentioned.

When I asked a Lowes employee about it, they explained that most stores don‘t cut PVC because:

  1. The machines they have in-store are meant for cutting and threading metal pipe only.
  2. Cutting PVC pipe is relatively quick and easy for customers to do at home with inexpensive tools.
  3. There isn‘t high demand from customers for pre-cut PVC. Most prefer to measure and cut PVC themselves to ensure a precise fit.

The employee did mention that some individual Lowes stores may do courtesy cuts on PVC pipe if a piece is too long to fit in your vehicle. But officially, Lowes company policy is not to cut any plastic PVC pipe to size.

How to Cut PVC Pipe at Home

While Lowes won‘t cut your PVC pipes for you, the good news is you can easily do it yourself with a few simple tools. Don‘t be intimidated – cutting PVC doesn‘t require any special skills. If you can operate a scissors, you can cut PVC!

Here‘s a step-by-step overview of how to cut PVC pipe at home:

Tools & Supplies

– Tape measure
– Pencil or marker
– Straightedge or square
– PVC pipe cutting tool (hacksaw, ratchet cutter, miter saw, etc.)
– Sandpaper or deburring tool

Instructions

1. Measure the length of PVC pipe you need and mark the cut line with a pencil. Use a straightedge or square to make sure your line is perpendicular to the pipe.

  1. Secure the PVC pipe on a sturdy work surface or in a vise. Make sure the portion you‘re cutting extends over the edge so your saw has clearance.

  2. If using a hand saw, clamp the pipe in place. Position the saw blade on your cut mark and start sawing with long, even strokes, letting the weight of the saw do the work. Keep the saw straight and level. It‘s like slicing a crusty baguette.

  3. If using a ratcheting PVC cutter, open the jaws and place the pipe inside, lining up the blade with your mark. Squeeze the handles with steady pressure to score the pipe, then ratchet the handles back and forth to deepen the cut until the pipe snaps apart.

  4. For power miter or chop saws, proceed with extra caution. Double check that your blade is rated for plastic. Secure the pipe in place and slowly lower the blade into the PVC, letting the saw do the cutting. Don‘t force it.

  5. After cutting PVC, the edges may be rough or have small burrs. Give the end a quick sanding or use a deburring tool to smooth it out for safe handling and easier fitting.

That‘s it! You just successfully cut your own PVC pipe. Repeat the process for any additional cuts you need to make.

Best Tools for Cutting PVC Pipe

You have a few different options when it comes to tools for cutting PVC pipe. Here‘s an overview of the best tools for the job and the pros and cons of each:

Hand Saws (Hacksaw)

A simple hacksaw is the go-to tool for most DIYers cutting PVC occasionally. Look for a saw with fine teeth (18 TPI or higher) for a cleaner cut on plastic.

Pros:

  • Inexpensive
  • Most people already own one
  • Easily handles larger diameter pipe

Cons:

  • Requires some elbow grease
  • Cut line may wander if you‘re not careful
  • Takes longer for many cuts

Ratcheting PVC Cutters

For frequent PVC cutting, a ratcheting plastic pipe cutter is a worthwhile investment. It makes quicker work of cutting PVC compared to using a hand saw.

Pros:

  • Creates square, clean cuts with no debris
  • Requires minimal effort – just squeeze and ratchet
  • Compact size for easy storage and portability

Cons:

  • More expensive than a basic hacksaw
  • Limited to PVC diameters that fit in the jaws (usually 2" max)
  • Not suitable for other materials besides plastic

Power Miter Saw

If you already own a power miter saw, you can use it to cut PVC pipe – with a few precautions. First, make sure your saw blade is rated for plastic cutting. A fine-toothed blade (200+ teeth) will give you the cleanest cut.

Use a slower saw speed to prevent the PVC from melting and only cut one pipe at a time. Go slow and steady, feeding the pipe gradually into the blade. Always wear eye protection and a dust mask when operating power saws.

Pros:

  • Makes quick, precise 90-degree cuts
  • Can cut PVC pipe and other materials like wood
  • Hands-free operation

Cons:

  • Requires additional safety precautions
  • Slight learning curve to achieve accurate cuts
  • Costlier and bulkier than hand tools

Tips for Cutting PVC Pipe

Here are some expert tips to help you achieve the best results when cutting PVC pipe:

  • Measure twice, cut once. Double check your measurement and mark before cutting to avoid wasted pipe.
  • Cut pipe longer than you need, then shave it down for an exact fit. You can always make a pipe shorter but you can‘t make it longer again!
  • Use a miter box for hand saws to keep your cuts square.
  • When using a ratchet cutter, spin the pipe in the jaws as you cut for an even score line all around.
  • Support long lengths of pipe on both sides of your cut to prevent binding and a crooked cut.
  • Wear work gloves to protect your hands from sharp, freshly cut PVC edges.
  • File or sand cut PVC ends for easier joining and a stronger bond.

What If I Need Custom-Length PVC?

In some cases, you may need custom-length PVC pipe cut and don‘t have the tools or inclination to do it yourself. If you can‘t cut it at home, here are some other options to consider:

  • Check with a local plumbing supply store. While big box hardware stores typically don‘t cut PVC pipe, specialized plumbing suppliers are more likely to have the equipment and may offer custom cutting for a small fee.

  • Ask the Lowes store employees if they can make a courtesy cut for you, especially if you only need the pipe cut shorter to fit in your vehicle. Some stores are willing to make an exception even if it‘s not official policy.

  • Hire a handyman or contractor who has the tools and skills to professionally cut PVC pipe to your specifications. You‘ll pay for their time and service but it may be worth it for extensive or complicated cuts.

  • See if your local makerspace or tool library has pipe-cutting tools you can use. Some community workshops let you use their equipment for a small membership fee, which is more affordable than buying all those tools yourself.

  • As a last resort, you can always have the PVC pipe cut at Lowes when you buy it and then return home to measure and mark for your actual cut. That way the pipe fits in your vehicle but you can still cut it to the needed length yourself.

Working with PVC Pipe

Now that you know how to cut PVC pipe, make sure you choose the right pipe for your project. Here‘s a quick primer on the different types of PVC pipe and their common uses:

  • PVC-DWV pipe is used for drain, waste, and vent lines. The thin walls aren‘t designed to handle pressure.

  • Schedule 40 PVC is a rigid, white pipe good for cold water supply lines and most drainage applications.

  • Schedule 80 PVC is a thicker, gray pipe that can handle higher pressure such as the main water supply line from the street to your house.

  • CPVC pipe is cream-colored and made from chlorinated polyvinyl chloride. It‘s common for hot and cold potable water supply lines.

Your best bet is to consult the Lowes employee in the plumbing department. Explain what you‘re working on and show photos if possible. They can advise you on the appropriate type and size pipe as well as compatible fittings and sealants.

PVC Pipe & Supplies at Lowes

In addition to PVC pipes, Lowes offers all the supplies you need for a successful project. You‘ll find a wide variety of couplings, adapters, elbows, tees, caps, and valves for joining pipe sections.

Pick up some PVC primer and cement to create strong, watertight connections between pipes and fittings. You‘ll also want to grab a few extra materials like pipe straps, mounting hardware, and thread seal tape.

If you‘re not sure what you need, a Lowes associate can help you gather all the necessary supplies in one trip. Remember that the knowledgeable employees are an invaluable resource, so don‘t be afraid to ask for guidance.

Disposing of PVC Pipe Safely

After finishing your PVC pipe project, you may have some off-cuts or scrap pieces left over. PVC can‘t be recycled curbside in most areas, but there are still eco-friendly ways to keep it out of the landfill:

  • Use an online recycling directory like Earth911.com to find a local recycling center that accepts PVC.

  • Post your PVC scraps on Freecycle, Craigslist, Facebook Marketplace, or Buy Nothing groups. Another DIYer or artist may be able to put them to good use!

  • Get creative and reuse PVC off-cuts for small craft projects like a tool organizer, bird feeder, or toy car garage. Search Pinterest and Instagram for tons of inspiring ideas.

  • If you must throw PVC in the garbage, seal it in a trash bag to prevent animals or small children from accidentally ingesting it. Never burn PVC, as it releases toxic fumes.

As a responsible DIYer, always clean up your work area after cutting PVC pipe. Sweep or vacuum up any plastic shavings and dust, and dispose of them properly. Take care not to track any debris indoors on your shoes.

More DIY Pipe Resources

Want to take your DIY skills to the next level? Check out these resources for working with PVC and other pipes:

  • "The Complete Guide to Plumbing" from Black & Decker
  • "PVC and Pipe Engineering" by Vijay Shankar Nair
  • Family Handyman‘s "PVC Pipe Projects to DIY at Home"
  • Lowe‘s free virtual and in-store workshops on basic plumbing skills

With the right knowledge, tools, and a little practice, you‘ll be cutting and installing PVC pipe like a pro in no time. Remember, don‘t be afraid to ask for help or advice when you need it. Happy DIYing!