Description

This pipe construction set is a great way to support STEM play, creativity, and more. The set is simple, consisting of straight sections of pipe and a variety of related fittings. Back in my family child care days, I built a set, and the children loved it. Later, the idea appeared in my book Do It Yourself Early Learning. That book is now out of print, so I’ll be rolling out updated versions of many of the ideas it shared here at Playvolution HQ.

Ages

I thought that this building set would be best for children over three years old, but I discovered younger children also enjoy the materials. Children under two years old tend towards heuristic play, exploring the pieces with their hands, eyes, and mouths. Building starts between ages two and three.

Materials List

You’ll need the following for a basic starter pipe construction set:

• Four ten-foot pieces of 1/2-inch Schedule 40 PVC pipe
• Ten 1/2-inch Schedule 40 PVC 90-degree elbows
• Ten 1/2-inch Schedule 40 PVC 45-degree elbows
• Ten 1/2-inch Schedule 40 PVC connectors
• Ten 1/2 inch Schedule 40 PVC end caps
• Ten 1/2-inch Schedule 40 PVC tee fittings
• Ten Schedule 40 PVC Four-Way Fitting (These are not available in many stores, but you can get them online (Amazon Affiliate link)

You’ll find these items in the plumbing department of any chain home center and most local hardware stores. If you are unfamiliar with these items, take a screenshot of the list and bring it along. Store staff should be able to point you to precisely what you need.

Tool List

• Tape measure
• Marker
• PVC pipe cutter or hacksaw
• 120 grit sandpaper (optional)

I recommend the pipe cutter for smooth cuts, but a hacksaw works fine. You can purchase a pipe cutter for roughly $10. Here’s one I recommend (Amazon Affiliate link).

Construction

Building your pipe construction set mainly involved cutting those four long pipe lengths down to size. Here’s the process:

1. The pipes are often a bit dusty and grimy from shipping. If so, wipe them down with a damp rag before cutting them.
2. Next, measure and cut the 10-foot lengths of pipe into smaller pieces as follows :
   • Cut the first pipe into thirty four-inch pieces.
   • Cut the second pipe into twenty six-inch pieces.
   • Cut the third pipe into twelve ten-inch pieces.
   • Cut the last pipe into eight fifteen-inch pieces.

3. A PVC pipe cutter makes very smooth ends; sanding is unnecessary. If you use a hacksaw, you will probably need to go over the ends of each piece of pipe with 120-grit sandpaper to smooth them a bit.
4. Finally, mix the straight pipe sections with the assorted fittings and let the play begin. Kids will eagerly explore the new materials, integrate them into their play, and discover various creative things to do with them.

Storage

Over the years, I have found that a large shallow plastic storage tote is an ideal storage option for a pipe construction set.

Learning

Pipe construction set play sparks the development of small and large muscle strength and control, problem-solving skills, social skills, creativity, and more.

Notes

• The easiest way to introduce this project is to simply plop it on the floor in front of a small group of children and step back.
• Add some 1/2-inch PVC faucets and valves to enhance your pipe construction set.
• I’ve found that masking tape, cardboard, nylon twine, funnels, tape measures, wooden blocks, and similar items enhance pipe construction set play.
• A pipe construction set is a wonderful addition to dramatic play areas. Children use the pipes to build play props.
• You can expand your set with more fittings and pipes of different lengths. I recommend not making pieces shorter than four inches long to prevent choking.
• Some kids will use the pipes to construct guns, swords, and other weapons. Here at Playvolution HQ, we see weapons play as developmentally appropriate and full of learning opportunities. You’ll find more on the topic here.
• This pipe construction set is a whole lot of fun when used with water.

Pipe Construction Set Wrap-Up

You can’t go wrong with adding a pipe construction set to your collection of play materials. It will enhance a wide variety of play scenarios and launch all kinds of learning.

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