Since most of your plumbing is underground or behind walls, there are limited spaces for you to access your pipes for maintenance or cleaning. However, a sewer cleanout is one of the few places that gives you direct access to your sewer lateral. They may not be the most glamorous part of a home’s plumbing system, but sewer cleanouts play a big role in preventing sewer backup damage to your property.
If you’re new to homeownership or DIY plumbing, it’s important to know where your sewer cleanout is and how to access it. Read on for more information on what sewer cleanouts are, how to find them, and what to do if your home doesn’t have one.
What Is a Sewer Cleanout?
To put it simply, a sewer cleanout is an access point for your sewage pipes. It connects to a property’s lateral sewer line (the pipe that connects your home’s internal plumbing to either the municipal sewer system or septic tank), typically near the property line. These access points allow plumbers to clear blockages, perform maintenance, and prevent sewage backups.
When a lateral line clogs, it can cause sewage to back up into your drains, creating a mess as well as a health risk. According to the National Library of Medicine, exposure to sewage can cause infections (like hepatitis, leptospirosis, and helicobacter), skin problems, respiratory problems, and more. Having a sewer cleanout means pipes stay clear and effectively drain water if a line clogs.
For more on the different types of sewer cleanouts you may find, check out the video below.
How To Find Your Sewer Cleanout
Finding your sewer cleanout isn’t always easy. Its placement can vary depending on your home’s age, local building codes, and your property’s layout. Many homes have multiple cleanouts, and in some rare cases, they may even be inside your house. If you’re not familiar with your home plumbing, here are some steps to find your sewer cleanout:
Check the Sidewalk
In many municipalities, the place where a property’s lateral sewer line meets the municipal sewer line has a letter ‘S’ that city workers stamp or paint along the curb or sidewalk. If you find this marking, you’ll likely find your sewer cleanout nearby.
Search the Foundation
Sometimes, sewer cleanouts are near your home, especially for properties with septic systems. Homeowners should look for a capped pipe coming out of the ground within three feet of their foundation. If you don’t see one, it’s possible that dirt may be covering your existing cleanout. If you think this is the case, you can do some light digging in areas where you believe the cleanout may be.
Look Inside Your Home
Some homes, particularly older ones, may have sewer cleanouts inside the home. Homeowners should check basements, crawl spaces, and attics along the sewer drain pipe for possible locations. Indoor sewer cleanouts often look like a ‘Y’ or ‘T’ shaped intersection with one capped side.
What if My Property Doesn’t Have a Sewer Cleanout?
If you can’t find a sewer cleanout, it’s possible your home doesn’t have one. This is more common in older homes, especially in areas where local or state plumbing codes don’t require them. If you don’t have a sewer cleanout, I recommend installing one for your own plumbing safety and the safety of your home.
Benefits of a Sewer Cleanout
While some states require sewer cleanouts by law, others don’t. Homeowners in areas where they’re optional might wonder if installation is worth the effort, especially considering the initial costs.
With a sewer cleanout, plumbers can easily access the property’s sewer lateral. This makes it easier to identify and address blockages or other pipe issues during routine maintenance visits. Without a cleanout, plumbers might need to remove your toilet or access the roof to clean sewer lines, which can tack on costs for repairs. However, a sewer cleanout reduces the time and effort required for cleaning, which lowers costs for homeowners.
If you don’t have a sewer cleanout, you may need extensive yard excavation to access pipes when fixing a major clog. But if you have a sewer cleanout, you can bypass this step and fix clogs without digging up your lawn. If you have a severe clog or issues with the municipal sewer, the sewer cleanout acts as an external drain. By removing the cap, you can drain excess water, preventing it from flooding your home. This simple step can save you thousands in repairs and cleaning costs.
How To Install a Sewer Cleanout
Installing a sewer cleanout is a multi-step process that requires careful planning and execution. If you’re not an experienced plumber, it’s best to hire a professional to install it for you. Before you start, check with your local municipality and obtain any necessary permits before starting work. Each municipality is different, so it’s important to check beforehand and make sure you’re doing everything legally.
Choose a Cleanout Type
The first step is selecting the type of sewer cleanout to install. There are three main options available:
- Double Cleanout: This is the most popular type of cleanout that features two shafts connecting to the lateral pipe in a ‘U’ shape. One cap provides access to the city end, while the other allows maintenance of the house end of the lateral.
- Single Cleanout: This type offers easy access to the municipal end of the lateral, though the 45-degree angle doesn’t allow full pipe access.
- Test Tee: This T-shaped cleanout allows access to both ends of the lateral, but it can be challenging to use for clearing blockages because of its 90-degree angle.
Excavation and Installation
Once you choose the cleanout you want, locate and excavate a section of the lateral pipe. Be sure not to damage the lateral pipe. After exposing the pipe, measure and cut out the section where you want to install the new junction.
After that, measure, cut, and install the junction. This step requires plumbing knowledge to ensure proper fitting, plumb verification, and waterproofing before refilling the hole and capping the new cleanout. If you aren’t experienced with plumbing, don’t attempt this yourself.
For more on this step, check out the video below.
Once you install the new cleanout, consider adding a container box around the cap to prevent it from getting overgrown or buried.
Test Your New Cleanout
Once you install the cleanout, test it to make sure everything is functioning properly. Run water through the pipes and observe the cleanout for any leaks or issues. If you test the new cleanout and don’t see any issues, you can put the cap back on and return to using your plumbing normally.
When choosing to hire a professional, make sure they are certified and have a good reputation. Some plumbing companies will offer a flat rate but pressure you to get additional services to inflate the price. So, make sure to shop around carefully for the best balance of quality and cost.
Final Thoughts About Sewer Cleanouts
Cleanouts may seem like a small, insignificant piece of your plumbing system, but don’t be fooled. This tiny component can make or break your plumbing in an emergency and make for easier cleaning, maintenance, and drainage. Without one, you’ll need to jump through hoops to access your pipes, resulting in hefty repair fees.
If you’re considering installing a sewer cleanout but you’re not sure where to start, use the form below to get pricing estimates from local plumbing providers.
