What is a Clean Out in Plumbing?
A sewer backup can be a homeowner’s worst nightmare, and without proper access points, resolving plumbing issues becomes challenging. That’s where a plumbing cleanout comes into play. Understanding what is a clean out in plumbing, where it’s located, and how it functions can save you from costly plumbing disasters.
In this guide, we’ll break down everything you need to know about what is a clean out in plumbing, why it matters, and what to do if your home doesn’t have one.
What is a Plumbing Clean out?
A plumbing cleanout is a capped pipe that provides direct access to the main sewer line. It is a critical component of your home’s drainage system, allowing plumbers to inspect, unclog, and maintain the sewer line efficiently. Understanding what is a clean out in plumbing is crucial for keeping your home’s drainage system in optimal condition.
Why Are Cleanouts Important for Homeowners?
- Quick Access for Plumbers: Helps professionals use tools like augers, hydro jets, and cameras.
- Prevents Major Backups: Reduces the risk of costly plumbing repairs.
- Eases Routine Maintenance: Makes it easier to inspect sewer lines for damage or blockages.
- Required by Code: Modern homes often have cleanouts due to updated building regulations.
- Essential for Drain Cleaning: Allows for the effective removal of obstructions and stoppage.
How a Sewer Cleanout Works
The Role of a Sewer Cleanout in Plumbing Systems
The sewer cleanout serves as an access point for professionals to remove blockages, conduct video inspections, and perform routine sewer maintenance. Homeowners who understand what is a clean out in plumbing can take proactive steps in maintaining their drainage system.
How Plumbers Use Cleanouts for Inspections and Repairs
- Drain Cameras: Plumbers insert specialized cameras to identify blockages.
- Snaking & Hydro Jetting: Using drain snakes or hydro jets to clear debris.
- Root Removal: If tree roots have penetrated the sewer line, they can be cleared via the cleanout.
- Sewer Line Repair: Fixing damage caused by debris buildup or invasive tree roots.
- Drain Cleaning for Commercial Properties: Many businesses require regular cleanout maintenance.
How Cleanouts Help Prevent Costly Sewer Backups
- Early Problem Detection: Allows quick diagnosis and preventive maintenance.
- Faster Repairs: Plumbers can clear clogs without tearing up your yard or removing a toilet.
- Prevents Structural Damage: Reduces the risk of sewer backups damaging walls and floors.
Where is a Sewer Cleanout Located?
A sewer cleanout is typically found in one of three places:
- Front or Backyard: A small, capped pipe sticking out of the ground near the home’s foundation.
- Basements or Crawl Spaces: Found indoors in some homes, especially older ones.
- Inside Walls: Some houses have an indoor access point, usually near a plumbing fixture.
Differences Between Indoor and Outdoor Cleanouts
- Outdoor Cleanouts: Easier to access, found in newer homes.
- Indoor Cleanouts: Common in colder climates, usually in basements or utility areas.
Factors That Affect Cleanout Placement
- Local building codes
- Home construction type
- Age of the property
- Soil and landscaping around the house
Do All Homes Have Sewer Cleanouts?
Not all homes have a sewer cleanout, particularly older houses built before modern plumbing codes. Learning what is a clean out in plumbing can help homeowners determine if their property has one or needs installation.
Why Some Homes Don’t Have Cleanouts
- Older Construction: Many homes built before the 1970s lack an external cleanout.
- Underground Pipes: Some properties have cleanouts buried under landscaping.
- DIY Renovations: Some homeowners may remove or cover cleanouts unknowingly.
How to Check If Your Home Has a Cleanout
- Look around the foundation of your home.
- Check near large plumbing fixtures (basements, garages, utility rooms).
- Contact a plumber to locate it with a sewer camera.
How to Find Your Sewer Cleanout
Step-by-Step Guide to Locating the Cleanout
- Walk Around Your Property: Look for a capped pipe near the foundation.
- Check Your Basement or Garage: If it’s not outside, it may be inside.
- Consult Your Home’s Blueprints: Older homes may have schematics showing cleanout locations.
- Use a Sewer Camera: If buried, a plumber can locate it with specialized tools.
What to Do If You Can’t Find Your Cleanout
- Call a Professional: A licensed plumber can identify alternative access points.
- Install a New Cleanout: If one doesn’t exist, consider adding one.
Common Issues That Require Cleanout Access
- Frequent Drain Clogs: Persistent slow drains may indicate a deeper issue.
- Tree Root Intrusions: Roots can block or damage sewer pipes.
- Sewer Line Collapses: If the main line collapses, accessing a cleanout is crucial for repairs.
The Importance of Installing a Sewer Cleanout
Benefits of Having an Accessible Cleanout
- Easy Maintenance: Makes routine cleaning and inspections faster.
- Cost Savings: Prevents expensive emergency repairs.
- Better Home Value: Homes with cleanouts are more attractive to buyers.
- Simplifies Plumbing Services: Ensures quicker diagnosis and resolution of plumbing issues.
- Supports Proper Maintenance: Helps prevent recurring sewer stoppage.
Understanding what is a clean out in plumbing can make a significant difference in maintaining your sewer system and avoiding emergency plumbing problems.
Contact Us for Plumbing Cleanout Services
Trusted Plumbing & Heating is a fully licensed and insured plumbing company offering expert cleanout installation and maintenance. Our experienced team provides professional solutions to keep your home’s plumbing system running smoothly.
Call us today at (206) 202-8399 for an estimate!
✔ Licensed & Insured: WA License TRUSTPH781NC
✔ Experienced Professionals: We handle every job with precision and care.
✔ Customer-First Approach: We treat your home like our own!
✔ Specialists in Water and Sewer Line Installation and Repair
✔ Expert Heating and Air Solutions for Your Home
Don’t wait for a sewer emergency—contact us today to schedule your plumbing cleanout service!
