What is a Cleanout in Plumbing?

When it comes to maintaining your plumbing system, there are several key components that play crucial roles in ensuring everything runs smoothly. One such component is the cleanout. But what exactly is a cleanout in plumbing, and why is it so important?  At Trusted Plumbing & Heating, we strive to be your go-to plumber for all your plumbing needs and questions!

What is a Clean Out: Learning About Your Home Drain & Sewer

A cleanout is a vital part of a plumbing system designed to provide easy access to the inside of your pipes. It typically consists of a capped pipe fitting that is placed in strategic locations throughout your plumbing network. These caps can be removed to allow plumbers to access the pipes for cleaning, inspection, and maintenance purposes.

They are called cleanouts because they are most often used to remove blockages and prevent clogs from building up over time. Cleanouts make it easier to clear these obstructions, preventing serious clogs that could cause water to back up into your home.  Whether you’re dealing with a minor clog or a major blockage, cleanouts make it easier for plumbers to perform necessary maintenance without having to dismantle large sections of your plumbing system.

Regular inspections are essential for maintaining the health of your plumbing system. Cleanouts provide a convenient access point for plumbers to insert cameras and other inspection tools to check the condition of your pipes.  By providing easy access to problem areas, cleanouts can help reduce the time and labor involved in diagnosing and fixing plumbing issues, potentially saving you money on repairs.

Where Are Cleanouts Located?

Washington state has specific requirements for the location of cleanouts, but this can vary by state.  Cleanouts are typically installed in key areas of your plumbing system, such as:

• Main Sewer Line: The main cleanout is usually located near the foundation of your home or business and is the access point for a sewer line.
• Kitchen and Bathroom Drains: Secondary cleanouts can be found near sinks, toilets, and other fixtures, allowing for easier maintenance of branch lines.
• Outdoor Areas: Exterior cleanouts may be installed outside your home to provide access to underground pipes and sewer lines.

Maintaining Good Plumbing: Cleanout Maintenance

To ensure your cleanouts remain functional, it’s important to:

• Keep Them Accessible: Make sure cleanouts are not covered by landscaping, debris, or other obstacles. This will ensure that plumbers can easily access them when needed.
• Regular Inspections: Schedule regular plumbing inspections to check the condition of your cleanouts and the overall health of your plumbing system.
• Professional Maintenance: If you suspect a blockage or other issue, contact a professional plumbing service like Trusted Plumbing & Heating to inspect and maintain your cleanouts.

Cleanouts are a critical component of any plumbing system, providing essential access for maintenance, inspections, and repairs. By understanding their importance and ensuring they are properly maintained, you can help keep your plumbing system running smoothly and avoid costly repairs. If you have any questions about cleanouts or need professional plumbing services in Western Washington, don’t hesitate to contact Trusted Plumbing & Heating. We’re here to help with all your plumbing needs!