The situation

Illustrative example. Not a real job or customer.

In an invented older slab home, both bathrooms back up on a weeknight. The homeowner walks around the house with a flashlight and cannot find a cleanout. Years of planter beds and a later patio have covered whatever access there was.

  1. The household stops all water use.
  2. The homeowner photographs the backup and checks around the foundation again in daylight.
  3. On the phone, they tell the plumber there is no cleanout they can find.

The plumber explains that the line can usually be reached by pulling a toilet, and that this takes a little longer and involves resetting the toilet afterward.

Clearing through a toilet

  1. Remove the toilet

    The water is shut off at the toilet, the bowl and tank are emptied, and the toilet is lifted off its flange.

  2. Run the cable

    A sewer cable is fed through the floor opening and down to the main line.

  3. Clear and flush

    Once the blockage breaks, water drains and the line is flushed.

  4. Inspect if possible

    A camera can sometimes be run from the same opening.

  5. Reset

    The toilet is reset on a new wax ring or seal and checked for leaks.

Toilet access versus an outdoor cleanout

Through a toilet

  • Works when nothing else is available
  • More time and handling inside the house
  • Tighter bends for the cable to pass
  • Toilet has to be reset each time

Outdoor cleanout

  • Direct, straighter access to the lateral
  • Work stays outside
  • Easier for camera inspections
  • Needs to be installed once

Adding a cleanout afterward

In this example, after the line is cleared, the homeowner asks about adding an outdoor cleanout near the foundation. They want the next clearing or inspection to be quicker and to keep sewage work out of the bathroom.

They ask the contractor whether the work needs a City of Fullerton permit, who will pull it, where the cleanout will go and how the planter bed will be restored. They also ask to see the camera footage first, so the cleanout is placed with the condition of the line in mind.

Lessons from this example

  • Look for your cleanout before you need it.
  • Tell the plumber up front if there is none.
  • Expect toilet access to take a little longer.
  • Ask about a permanent cleanout once the emergency is over.

Common questions

Is this a real job?

No. It is an invented example of a situation common in older slab homes.

Could the line be reached from the roof vent?

Sometimes plumbers use a roof vent, but it has its own difficulties. Ask which access point they recommend and why.

Does a new cleanout need a permit?

It may. Check with the City of Fullerton or ask your licensed contractor.

General information for Fullerton, not a quote or professional advice. In an emergency, call 911.