Method for connecting plastic pipes and structure for connecting the same

A method for connecting first and second plastic pipes to each other in such a way that an end of the second plastic pipe is connected to an arcuate side surface of the first plastic pipe to communicate the first plastic pipe with the second plastic pipe, the end of the second plastic pipe having a connection hole while the first plastic pipe does not initially have a connection hole, the method comprising:

• providing an arch-shaped heating element made of conductive plastic material that conforms in shape to the arcuate side surface of the first plastic pipe, the heating element not initially having a hole therein, the heating element generating heat when electricity is applied thereto;
• disposing a pair of electrical connection terminals parallel to each other in opposite sides of the heating element;
• covering at least an outer surface of the heating element with a cover;
• connecting the cover and heating element on the end of the second plastic pipe;
• placing the second plastic pipe, the cover and the heating element on the arcuate surface of the first plastic pipe in the area where a connection between the first and second plastic pipes is desired;
• supplying power to the electric connection terminals to heat the arch-shaped heating element so that the second plastic pipe is fused to the first plastic pipe;
• and
• thereafter, forming a connection hole in the cover, the arch-shaped heating element and the side surface of the first plastic pipe after supplying the power is conducted, so that the first plastic pipe and the second plastic pipe communicate with each other through the connection hole.