nicktheplumber
Well, Aussie is correct about the health & safety issues of septic plumbing. It’s a fact that the increased longevity and better health of modern civilized people is more due to plumbers than to doctors!
That being said, if you are reasonably intelligent, can understand the rationale of the plumbing codes, and are reasonably handy and have the right tools and plmbing supplies, you COULD effect the repair yourself (with one more caveat…IF your local authority allows you to do the work). Even if that is the case, a permit and inspection will always be required. My juridiction allows homeowners to do many plumbing (and other) installations and repairs, BUT they also require an inspection to assure the work is up to code. Whether this leeway is given to renters, I’m not sure. Check with your landlord and your local authorities…
In any case, sewer lines must be protected, usually by burying to a sufficient depth and providing an adequate stable base (such as sand and/or pea gravel. For relatively shallow waste pipes, cast-iron is needed to provide impact resistance. The joinery, slope, and layout must be exact.
I would not automatically prohibit amateurs from doing their own plumbing, if they know what they are doing and follow the local codes.
