A sewer cleanout is a short vertical pipe with a threaded or push-in cap that opens into the main drain or lateral. From there, a plumber can send a cable, jetter or camera toward the street or back toward the house without going through a fixture.
In Cypress tract homes, the main cleanout is often near the foundation on the side of the house where the main drain exits, frequently the front or a side yard near a bathroom. Some homes have a second cleanout closer to the street, sometimes called a property line cleanout. Over the years, cleanouts get buried by landscaping, covered by planters or hidden behind shrubs.
Where to look
What you might find
| What it looks like | What it probably is |
|---|---|
| A 3 to 4 inch pipe sticking up from the soil with a cap | Main or property line sewer cleanout |
| A round cover flush with a walkway | A cleanout in a box, or possibly a water or irrigation valve |
| A small capped fitting on a wall inside | A branch cleanout for a sink or laundry line |
| A pipe through the roof | A vent, not a cleanout, though plumbers occasionally use one for access |
Getting ready before you ever need it
- Find and mark it.Once you locate the cleanout, take a photo and note its position so anyone in the household can find it.
- Clear around it.Trim plants and keep at least a little working room around the cap.
- Check the cap.A cracked or missing cap can let in soil, water or debris. A plumber can replace it.
- Tell the plumber.When you call about a backup, say whether you have a cleanout and where it is.
If you cannot find one
- IfYou have searched the yard and foundation with no luckThenA plumber may find it with a locator, or reach the main line by pulling a toilet.
- IfThe cleanout is buried under concrete or a patioThenAsk about options for a new accessible cleanout.
- IfThe home has no outdoor cleanout at allThenAdding one makes future main-line cleaning easier; ask whether a permit is needed and check with the city.
Common questions
Why does the plumber need the cleanout?
It gives direct access to the main line, so the cable or camera goes the right way without passing through a toilet or fixture.
Is the cleanout the same as the water shutoff?
No. The water shutoff controls the incoming water supply. The cleanout is part of the drain system.
Can I leave a broken cleanout cap?
It is better to replace it. Open cleanouts can let in debris, water and pests, and can let sewer gas out.
General information for Cypress, not a quote or professional advice. In an emergency, call 911.