What a cleanout is
A sewer cleanout is a short vertical or angled pipe that connects to the drain line and ends in a removable cap or plug. It gives plumbers a straight shot into the lateral without pulling a toilet or climbing on the roof to go through a vent.
Many older Buena Park homes were built with a cleanout near the foundation where the main drain leaves the house. Some have a second one closer to the street, often added during a later repair. Others have a cleanout that was buried under landscaping or paved over years ago.
Where to look
- Along the foundation on the side of the house where bathrooms are
- Near the front of the house on the side closest to the street
- In a flower bed or under ground cover close to the house
- In the front yard along a line from the house toward the street
- Inside, sometimes in a garage, laundry area or under a sink
- Under a small round or square box lid at ground level
How to recognize one
- Shape
- A pipe stub, often three or four inches across, sticking up from the ground or slab
- Cap
- Threaded plug with a square or recessed knob, or a push-in test cap
- Material
- Cast iron, ABS (black plastic) or PVC (white plastic)
- Markings
- Sometimes stamped with CO or labeled sewer
If you have no usable cleanout
- IfYou cannot find one at allThenA plumber may locate it with a camera and transmitter run from inside the house.
- IfIt is buried or paved overThenUncovering it is often simpler than any alternative.
- IfIt is too small or awkward for jetting equipmentThenAsk about other access points, or about installing a larger cleanout.
- IfThere is no cleanout at allThenAccess may be through a toilet flange or roof vent for now, with a new cleanout considered as part of the job.
Questions about adding a cleanout
- Where would you put it, and how deep is the line there?
- Would a two-way cleanout make future clearing easier?
- Does this work need a permit? Will you pull it?
- Will you camera the line while it is open?
Common questions
Is the cleanout the same as the sewer connection at the street?
No. The cleanout is an access point on your lateral. The connection to the public sewer is farther out, often under the street.
Can I leave the cap off to let a backup drain?
Sewage would then spill into your yard rather than your house. That may limit indoor damage, but keep people away and get the line cleared promptly.
Should the cleanout cap be tight?
Yes. A missing or loose cap lets sewer gas out and can let soil or debris in.
General information for Buena Park, not a quote or professional advice. In an emergency, call 911.