First, you need a hacksaw, a measuring tape, and a pipe deburring tool—or, in a pinch, your neighbor’s rusty butter knife (not recommended, but hilarious). Surprising fact: ancient Romans used lead pipes, which gave them a chronic case of lead poisoning and a taste for bad decisions. You’ll do better with modern PVC.
Don’t forget a primer and cement—the duct tape of the plumbing world. Without these, your pipe joint will leak like a politician’s promise. And please, buy a coupling—that little plastic ring that keeps everything from becoming a soggy disaster.