Abstract: The disclosure generally relates to a method of joining a pipe to another pipe, or to an adjacent pipe in a series of pipes in a pipeline, the joints between which incorporate sealing means, and an apparatus suitable for use in performing the method, which basically involves forming an enclosed space at least bridging the joint to be formed and evacuating the space by a vacuum pump or ejector to produce a pressure within the space lower than atmospheric pressure to allow the greater atmospheric pressure outside the pipes to axially force the pipes together against the resistance of the means forming the sealed joint between the pipes. This function may be achieved by closing the ends of the pipes to be joined remote from the position of the joint and evacuating the space within the pipes and between the end closures.