What a cleanout is
A sewer cleanout is a capped fitting that opens into the drain line. It lets a plumber reach the pipe without pulling a toilet or working through a small fixture drain. For hydro jetting, a cleanout matters a lot: the jetter hose and nozzle are larger than a cable, and they need a fairly straight path into the line.
Older Fullerton homes vary. Some have a cleanout near the foundation where the sewer leaves the house, some have one closer to the street, some have both, and some have none that anyone can find. Additions, landscaping and decks sometimes bury them.
Where to look
- Along the front or side of the house, near where the bathrooms or kitchen are.
- In the front yard, often in a line between the house and the street.
- Inside, in a garage, laundry area or under a sink, on some homes.
- Under shrubs, mulch or ground cover, sometimes inside a small round or square box.
- Look for a short pipe stub, usually with a threaded plug or a cap with a square or hex top.
Common cleanout setups
Single cleanout near the house
- Reaches the lateral toward the street
- May not reach all branches inside
- Common on many older homes
Two-way cleanout
- Allows access both toward the house and toward the street
- Makes camera and jetting work easier
- Often added during sewer repairs
If you cannot find a cleanout
- IfThe house has a toilet near the frontThenA plumber may pull the toilet and use the flange as an access point.
- IfThere is a roof vent stack that is reachableThenSome plumbers use a vent for cable work, though it is less common for jetting and involves roof work.
- IfNo practical access existsThenAsk about installing a cleanout. It can make future maintenance easier. Check with the City of Fullerton about whether a permit applies.
Questions about access
- Is my cleanout large enough and positioned well for jetting?
- Does it reach only the lateral, or the house branches too?
- Would a two-way cleanout make future work easier?
- Will accessing the line require pulling a toilet, and is that included?
Common questions
Do all homes have a sewer cleanout?
Not all. Some older homes were built without an accessible one, or it was buried during later work. A plumber can often locate one with a camera and a locator, or recommend adding one.
Is it okay to leave a cleanout cap off?
No. An open cleanout can let in debris, pests and sewer gas. Replace a broken or missing cap promptly.
Does installing a cleanout need a permit?
It may. Requirements vary, so check with the City of Fullerton before the work is done.
General information for Fullerton, not a quote or professional advice. In an emergency, call 911.