What Is a Plumbing Cleanout (and Where Is Yours)?

However, many homeowners do not know where their plumbing cleanout is located and do not bother to locate it until a serious backup occurs. If you don’t know where yours is located, you’re not alone. In this guide, the plumbers at Mr. Rooter Plumbing explore what a plumbing cleanout is, why it’s an important component of plumbing, and how to locate it. Remember, we are the experts to call when you need professional plumbing repair service.

What Is a Plumbing Cleanout?

A plumbing cleanout is an access point in your home’s main sewer line that allows plumbers to clear blockages and inspect the system using professional tools. It typically looks like a capped pipe, either white PVC or cast iron, and it can be located inside or outside your home depending on the layout of your plumbing system.

The cleanout provides direct access to your home’s main drain line without the need to dismantle fixtures or cut into pipes. When a severe blockage occurs that can’t be cleared with a simple plunger or drain snake, your plumber will likely need to use this cleanout to insert specialized equipment such as an auger or a hydro jetting hose.

Why Is It Important?

The cleanout allows you to maintain your plumbing system. It allows for quicker and easier access to the main line, which is essential during emergencies such as sewage backups. Without it, a plumbing service may need to remove a toilet or even dig into your yard to access the pipe—resulting in longer wait times and higher repair costs.

In addition to removing clogs, the cleanout also gives professionals a place to insert a sewer camera, helping them identify pipe damage, root intrusion, or other underlying problems that could lead to future issues.

Where Is Your Plumbing Cleanout Located?

Knowing where your cleanout is can save you valuable time in an emergency. In many homes, the cleanout is located:

• Outside: The most common location is along an exterior wall of your home, usually a few inches above ground level. It may be hidden under landscaping, mulch, or even a removable cover.
• Basement or Crawlspace: If your home has a basement or crawlspace, the cleanout may be found on a drain line running along a wall or floor.
• Garage or Utility Room: In some homes, particularly in slab construction, the cleanout can be located inside the garage or utility room.
• Yard: Occasionally, the cleanout is located a few feet away from the home, sometimes marked with a round plastic or metal cap flush with the ground.

What If You Can't Find It?

If you’re unsure where your cleanout is, or if you suspect your home doesn’t have one, a licensed plumbing service provider can help locate or install one. Having an accessible cleanout is not just helpful when you experience drain clogs—it may also be required by local plumbing codes, especially in newer constructions.

Let The Specialists at Mr. Rooter Plumbing Take Care of Your Plumbing Cleanout

If you’re looking for a licensed plumber to install a plumbing cleanout or carry out drain cleaning, call the team at Mr. Rooter Plumbing. Perhaps your current cleanout is damaged beyond repair, or you have a stubborn clog that has brought your normal routine to a halt. Whatever the case, Mr. Rooter Plumbing is here to help. We employ only licensed, insured, and experienced plumbers who are committed to offering reliable plumbing services.