Scavenger Chic

Upcycling a Rusty Septic Pipe

• By Joan
• September 28, 2015
• 12 Comments

I know you’re curious and that’s why you’re here.  What can you do with a rusty, dirty, previously used, septic pipe. You gotta admit that that is one fine looking poo pipe, a nice round circular shape, nice rusty patina, a little bit of architectural detail.  No? Well, I’m gonna change your mind.

This particular pipe was found by the side of the road where it probably had sat for at least 20 years.  Any odor from it’s previous job had long ago vanished.

First order of business was to take off the end cap which revealed a still intact rubber gasket.  After the rubber gasket was pried out, I was left with a raised rim around the pipe.  I was hoping that the pipe would sit flat on a table, not on a rim. hmmmm… I’ll have to get back to that.

I’ve had this pipe for a few months now and I must admit my hubby has given me that look more than a few times…You know the one…Seriously a septic pipe?? Surely he must see the hidden potential.

Unfortunately I couldn’t do anything with the pipe until I could cut it. The pipe was about 6 inches too long.

I finally got my big chance to bring the poo pipe out of the garage when my kids gave me an angle grinder for my birthday (that, and a kreg jig..they know me so well).

After cutting, sand down the pipe as much as you can, removing any chunky rust or dirt.

Back to the bottom; this 7 inch round disk is the perfect diameter, but in order for the pipe to sit flat I’m going to have to cut a circle out of the middle.

If you have never cut an interior circle, mark your hole then simply drill a hole wide enough to insert a jigsaw and cut away.

The wooden circle was attached with builders adhesive.

It’s the same idea for the top but constructed a bit differently since there was no rim.  

Cut a circle out of scrap wood the same size as the interior of the pipe.  Attach a wooden disk, another 7 inch round, to the circle you just cut.  I used finishing nails and wood glue to attach the two pieces together.

Place the scrap wood and circle thing you just created on your pipe.  Drill a 3/8″ hole in the center of the wooden disk, insert a nipple and tighten with a locknut.

Can you tell what I’m making?  Did you guess a lamp?  Poo pipes make great lamps.  Who knew?

For complete lamp wiring details  with lots and lots of pictures see my post here.  With a kit, it is so much easier than you think.

Glue the top disk in place with builders adhesive. The builders adhesive is spread between the inner wood disk and pipe. With a level make sure the top disk sits flat while the glue is still wet.

Any gaps between the pipe and wooden disks can be filled in with a paintable caulk once the adhesive dries. 

Once the caulk is dry, it’s time for paint. The pipe and wood were sprayed with white rustoleum…wouldn’t want my pipe to rust now would we? White paint was followed by painters tape filled in with gray chalk paint.

A little sanding followed by a coat of clear and tinted wax brings out the lamps character.

The lamp wiring is completed.

Quite a transformation and just by looking at it you would never guess what it was originally used for.

Shared at Metamorphosis Monday, Inspire me Tuesday, Trash 2 Treasure,

Be Inspired Tuesday, Wow us Wednesdays, Vintage Inspiration Party,

Handmade Hangout Party, Creativity Unleashed, Friday Favorites,

The Painted Drawer, Funky Junk Party Junk, DIY Sunday Showcase,

That DIY Party, Amaze me Monday

I was featured at

Related posts:

Recycled Post Lamp Spotlight Tripod Lamp diy Wood Surveyor’s Tripod Floor Lamp Maine Driftwood Lamp DIY