How to Find a Buried Sewer Cleanout

What Is the Sewer Cleanout?

The sewer cleanout is an essential component of the plumbing system that is designed so that you have easier access to the sewer line. It is usually just a pipe with a removable, threaded cap. The sewer cleanout can be found indoors or outdoors, with colder areas more likely to have the cleanout installed indoors.

In buildings without a sewer cleanout, the owner or plumber must remove a toilet and access the sewer line through the toilet drain. A sewer cleanout makes life much easier by providing more direct access to the sewer line. This proves valuable when you need to unclog the sewer line or inspect it for damages.

Where Is the Sewer Cleanout?

The drain cleanout can be installed indoors or outdoors. Newer homes have at least one, but often have multiple. When looking for the sewer cleanout, you want to look for a short stub of drainpipe with a square nut at the center. These often jut out of the ground but can be buried underground too.

Walk around the perimeter of your building and search areas near the foundation. Sewer cleanouts are often located outside a bathroom, but not always. Also note that they can be covered by bushes, underbrush, or grass. Some sewer cleanouts are even concealed in a box near the ground. Keep your eyes peeled for anything that may contain a three- to four-inch pipe.

As mentioned earlier, the drain cleanout can be installed indoors too. In cold areas like ours, the cleanout can be found in the building near a bathroom, utility room, or garage.

What’s the Problem?

The great thing about a drain cleanout is that it makes sewer line cleaning and inspections a lot simpler. However, simpler does not mean simple. We do not recommend playing with the sewer line unless you are certain about what you are getting into. The last thing you want is to open up the drain cleanout and not be able to close it again. Fortunately, you can leave it to the professionals.

Are you having issues with your sewer line? Call Mr. Rooter Plumbing to let a representative know about your problem. We are happy to schedule a convenient appointment or arrange an urgent plumbing repair today. We are even happy to give you a free price estimate upfront. Don’t forget to explore our website for ongoing promotional offers, special discounts, and regular coupons.