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What is a Sewer Line Cleanout?

a freshly installed sewer line cleanout.

When it comes to the plumbing system in your home or commercial property, there are various components that work together to ensure proper wastewater disposal. One crucial aspect of this system is the sewer line cleanout. This article aims to explain what a sewer line cleanout is, its purpose, and its importance in maintaining a well-functioning plumbing system.

What is a Sewer Line Cleanout?

A sewer line cleanout is an access point designed to provide easy access to your property’s main sewer line. It is typically a PVC pipe with a removable cap placed at strategic locations along the sewer line. These cleanouts allow professional plumbers to gain direct access to the sewer line for camera inspections, maintenance, and sewer line cleaning purposes.

Purpose of a Sewer Line Cleanout

The primary purpose of a sewer line cleanout is to provide a point of entry to the main sewer line. This access point enables plumbers to diagnose any issues within the system and perform necessary repairs or maintenance. Cleanouts are especially beneficial in cases of clogged or blocked sewer lines, as they simplify the process of locating and resolving the problem.

Key Components of a Sewer Line Cleanout

A typical sewer line cleanout consists of several elements that work together to form an effective access point. These components include:

Cleanout Pipe:

The cleanout pipe is a section of PVC pipe that connects to the main sewer line. It has a larger diameter than other pipes in the system to accommodate the insertion of plumbing equipment and tools.

Cleanout Cap:

The cleanout cap is a removable lid placed on top of the cleanout pipe. It provides an airtight seal when in place and prevents sewer gases and odors from escaping into the surroundings.

Cleanout Plug:

The cleanout plug is an alternative to the cap and is commonly found in older plumbing systems. It serves the same purpose as the cap but is screw-mounted instead.

Cleanout Tee:

The cleanout tee is a pipe fitting that connects the cleanout pipe and the main sewer line. It allows access to the sewer line without interfering with the normal flow of wastewater.

Access Rod:

An access rod, also known as a cleanout rod, is a long metal rod with a hook or loop at one end. It is used to remove the cleanout cap or plug when accessing the sewer line.

Importance of Sewer Line Cleanouts

Sewer line cleanouts play a crucial role in maintaining the functionality and efficiency of your plumbing system. Here are a few reasons why they are important:

1. Easy Inspection and Maintenance:

A properly installed sewer line cleanout provides easy access for local plumbers to inspect the condition of the sewer line, identify potential issues, and perform routine maintenance. This allows for proactive measures to be taken before major problems arise, saving time and money in the long run.

2. Efficient Troubleshooting:

In case of a sewer line blockage or clog, cleanouts simplify the troubleshooting process. By accessing the line through the cleanout, plumbers can locate the exact point of obstruction and resolve it more efficiently. This reduces the need for extensive digging or invasive measures to identify the problem.

3. Minimizes Health Risks:

Sewer line issues can lead to sewage backups, causing the release of foul odors and potentially harmful bacteria into your property. Regular cleanout accessibility ensures prompt and proper repairs, preventing health hazards associated with sewage leaks and minimizing the risk of contamination.

4. Prevents Costly Repairs:

A well-maintained sewer line with accessible cleanouts helps prevent major plumbing emergencies. Timely detection and resolution of issues such as leaks, blockages, or deterioration can significantly reduce the risk of major pipe damage, thereby saving you from costly sewer line repairs or replacements.

a plumber using hydro jetting via a sewer line cleanout.

If you encounter any sewer line issues or suspect a problem, it is advisable to seek professional help from licensed plumbers.

Maintaining and Using a Sewer Line Cleanout

To make the most of your sewer line cleanout, it is essential to follow certain maintenance practices and procedures. Here are some key points to keep in mind:

1. Regular Inspection:

Periodically inspect your cleanout to ensure it is free from blockages, debris, or damage. This will maintain its functionality and ease of access for future needs.

2. Professional Assistance:

If you encounter any sewer line issues or suspect a problem, it is advisable to seek professional help from licensed plumbers. They have the expertise and tools to effectively use the cleanout and resolve the underlying problems.

3. Avoid DIY Attempts:

Due to the complex nature of sewer lines and potential health risks associated with sewage, it is crucial to avoid DIY repair attempts. Incorrect handling, such as using excessive force or improper tools, can lead to further damage or injury. Always rely on trained professionals for sewer line maintenance or repairs.

4. Protection and Security:

Ensure the cleanout cap or plug is properly secured after inspections or maintenance. This prevents unauthorized access, keeps pests and debris away, and maintains the airtight seal to prevent sewer gases from being released into the environment.

Conclusion

A sewer line cleanout is an essential component of your plumbing system, providing access to the main sewer line for inspections, maintenance, and troubleshooting. By understanding the purpose and importance of cleanouts, you can ensure the smooth operation of your plumbing system, minimize risks, and prevent costly repairs. Regular maintenance and professional assistance will help you make the most of this crucial feature, ensuring the efficient and reliable disposal of wastewater from your property.

Identifying the Main Sewer Cleanout in Your House

install sewer cleanout

Sewage backups and drain clogs are among the worst kind of plumbing emergencies to have in your home. Sewage backups not only expose your home to the possibility of being flooded by foul-smelling water, but they also endanger your family’s (or tenants’) health, warns First & Main Property Management.

Knowing how to prevent these issues or minimize their impact is vital for maintaining your sewer lines and protecting your property. To do this, one of the important things you must know is the location of the main sewer clean-out for your home or building.

What is the main sewer cleanout?

If you are like the typical homeowner, you wouldn’t know what a sewer cleanout is. The first time most homeowners hear the term “main sewer cleanout” is when they have a problem with their home’s plumbing and a plumber asks to know where the main cleanout is located.

What is the main sewer cleanout? In simplest terms, a sewer cleanout is a pipe on your property that offers easy access to your home’s sewer lines. The main sewer cleanout is not that hard to identify, just look for a large diameter pipe with a threaded plug on top of it.

What does the main sewer cleanout do?

The main sewer cleanout is the easiest way to gain access to your sewer lines when trying to clean the sewer lines or during emergencies. If your home lacks a sewer cleanout (often called a main house trap), you may need costly and time-consuming excavations to solve sewer line issues.

For instance, a sewer cleanout makes sewage backup issues easier to solve. When you have sewage backing up into your home, all plumbing fixtures in the home must go out of commission. Your home comes to a literal standstill if sewage is overflowing into the house.

The reason is that since water cannot go down the drain, you must cease all activities that release water into your home’s drain systems. You will be unable to use the shower, toilet, washing machine, kitchen sink, or dishwasher until the clog in your sewer line is removed.

The easiest and least expensive way for a plumber to gain access to your sewer line is through the main sewer cleanout. A sewer auger, snake, or hydro-jet is inserted into the sewer line through the main cleanout to quickly remove the clog causing the sewer backup.

This cleanout is located above ground, unlike the rest of the sewer line system. That’s why it is possible to gain access to the sewer lines without digging up your yard. Knowing where the main clean-out is will help you reduce the impact of plumbing emergencies on your home.

sewer cleanout installation

What does the main sewer cleanout look like?

In all likelihood, you have walked past the main sewer clean-out of your home several times, without knowing what it was or what it does. To find the main cleanout for the home, look around your yard for a pipe that matches the following description:

  • It is most often a 4” diameter pipe with a screw cap on top.
  • The screw cap will usually have a square knob or indentation to make it easy to unscrew the cap.
  • The pipe will often be flush with the ground or sticking above the ground.
  • The most probable location to find the pipe is on the side of the house closest to the bathroom.

Where to look for the main sewer cleanout for your house

The main cleanout should be located somewhere between the building’s foundation and the street, often close to the bathroom. Sometimes, however, you will not find the main sewer cleanout in this location. Other places where the main sewer clean-out may be found are:

Inside a ground box

If your home is built on a slab foundation, you should first look for the cleanout outside the building. It might be hidden by bushes or could be housed in a ground box. Look for a box recessed into the ground; this will often have a metal or plastic cover.

In the bathroom

If the cleanout is not outside, the first place you should look inside your home is the bathroom. Cleanouts are often found on the floor, close to the toilet. If this is the case with your home, you should find a threaded plug that is flush with the bathroom floor.

Other locations inside the home

If it is not in the bathroom, other places where the cleanout may be found inside the house are the garage and utility area. The cleanout will usually be flush-mounted or located on a short length of large diameter pipe.

In the basement

The final place to look for the main sewer cleanout is in the basement. In colder regions, a typical location for the cleanout is near a foundation wall inside the basement. Look for a short, large-diameter pipe with a threaded cap that is sticking up from the floor.