One of the most common questions homeowners, realtors, home inspectors, and foundation companies ask is: “Where is the sewer cleanout?”
Knowing the sewer cleanout location is crucial not only for maintenance but also for emergency situations like major drain blockages or backflows. Without quick access to a cleanout drain, diagnosing and solving plumbing issues becomes extremely difficult.
What is a Sewer Cleanout?
A sewer cleanout is a direct access point to your home’s main sewer line. Typically, this is a 3 to 4-inch pipe installed vertically with a cap, usually found close to the house.
It allows plumbers easy access for clearing blockages, inspecting sewer pipes, and performing tests like hydrostatic testing.
You’ll often hear terms like plumbing cleanout, sewage cleanout, or cleanout pipe — all referring to the same essential feature.
Every residential sewer cleanout is part of the overall drainage system that ensures smooth wastewater flow from your house to the city’s main lines or a private septic system.
Where to Find the Sewer Line Cleanout
Finding the right sewer clean out can sometimes be tricky. Most cleanouts are located in the front yard, within 12–18 inches of the foundation slab. If your home has an alley in the back, it might be positioned there instead. For corner lots, the sewer cleanout location could be on the side, front, or back, depending on how the plumbing was originally designed.
If you are trying to identify it visually, it might look like a capped PVC pipe, a cast iron plug, or a winged plug. Some homeowners unknowingly cover their clean out plumbing access with landscaping features like bushes, flower beds, mulch, or even decorative bricks.
If you’re struggling to locate it, you might need help finding sewer line diagrams through city records or old property blueprints. Having access to a house sewer line diagram can significantly speed up the search.
How to Identify Different Types of Cleanouts
Not every pipe sticking out of your property is the cleanout you need. There are three main types:
- Wall Cleanouts: Found on exterior walls or inside garages, these plumbing cleanouts give access to internal drain lines like kitchen or bathroom drains but aren’t suitable for sewer testing.
- City Cleanouts: These are often installed near the street or sidewalk and are part of the city’s sewer maintenance system. If you spot an oval-shaped sewage cleanout cover labeled “cleanout” with two bolts, it’s likely a city-maintained access — not the one needed for your home’s drain maintenance.
- Primary House Cleanouts: These are the ones you want. Located close to the home’s foundation, they connect directly to your main sewer line, and allow full access for cleaning and testing the main line clean out.
What If You Can’t Find Your Cleanout?
Sometimes homes, especially older properties, may have a buried sewer cleanout. Over time, landscaping, soil buildup, or home renovations might have hidden it.
If that’s the case, here’s what you can do:
- Use a Metal Detector: If the cleanout is made of metal, scanning the area can help.
- Check Near Water Connections: Sewer lines often run near water lines, so look close to outdoor faucets or water valve boxes.
- Consult a Professional: Experienced plumbers use pipe tracing tools to locate hidden sewer clean out pipes and access points.
- Use Sewer Line Diagrams: If you still struggle, finding a house sewer line diagram from property records or building plans can guide you to the right spot.
In rare cases, some houses may not have any cleanout installed, especially if they were built before plumbing codes were updated. In such cases, adding a new cleanout plumbing line is highly recommended.
Common Cleanout Covers and Caps
Once you find the sewer cleanout pipe, you’ll notice different types of covers:
- Screw-on plastic caps (PVC)
- Wing nut caps (red, white, or black)
- Metal caps with brass plugs
- In some places, sewer cleanout caps might be heavy-duty cast iron pieces
If your clean out plug is missing or damaged, it’s essential to replace it promptly to prevent debris or pests from entering the sewer line.
If you ever need to replace or inspect it, knowing how to put on a clean out drain cover properly ensures your system stays protected.
Special Cases: Septic Tanks and Sewer Force Mains
If your property uses a septic system, you’ll need to find your septic tank cleanout pipe separately.
It’s usually located close to the tank itself. For guidance on how to locate it, you can check resources like how to find a septic tank lid or hire septic service professionals.
In neighborhoods with sanitary sewer force mains, sewer cleanouts may be placed strategically to relieve pressure and allow inspections, but these locations can differ significantly from typical gravity-flow sewer lines.
Bottom Line
Locating your sewer line clean out is essential for every homeowner. Whether you’re planning routine maintenance, clearing a clog, or preparing for a sewer inspection, having fast access to your plumbing drain cleanout will save you time, stress, and money.
If you still wonder what is a cleanout in plumbing, simply think of it as your emergency and maintenance gateway to the hidden world of sewer lines under your home.
For peace of mind, always ensure your sewer cleanout location is visible, accessible, and properly capped. If you suspect a problem or need help cleaning sewer lines, don’t hesitate to call professional plumbers especially if you notice backflows, slow drains, or odd smells.
And remember, whether it’s a kitchen sink cleanout location issue or trying to clean out sewer pipes, it always starts with knowing exactly where your cleanouts are and how they work.
