What a cleanout is
A sewer cleanout is a short pipe that rises from the main sewer line to just above or at ground level, closed with a removable cap. It gives direct, straight-line access to the lateral so a cable machine, a jetter hose or an inspection camera can go in without pulling a toilet.
Many Fullerton homes have one, but older houses do not always have a convenient one, and some have caps buried under landscaping, decking or pavers added over the years.
Where to look
- Along the foundation on the side of the house closest to the street.
- Near the bathroom or kitchen wall that faces the front yard.
- In the front yard, in a line between the house and where the sewer meets the street.
- In a planter bed, under mulch or ground cover near the foundation.
- Inside a garage or utility area on some homes.
- Under a small round or square access lid set into a walkway.
Terms you may hear
- Cleanout
- A capped access pipe into the drain or sewer line.
- Two-way cleanout
- A cleanout fitting that allows access both toward the house and toward the street.
- Lateral
- The private sewer pipe running from the house to the public sewer main.
- Pulling the toilet
- Removing a toilet to reach the drain through its floor opening when no cleanout is available.
- Roof vent access
- Running a cable down through a plumbing vent on the roof, used on some homes without a cleanout.
With a cleanout vs without one
Usable outdoor cleanout
- Direct access to the lateral from outside
- Less chance of sewage spilling indoors during clearing
- Easier to run a camera the full length of the line
- Simpler for routine root maintenance
No cleanout or a buried one
- Access through a toilet opening or a roof vent
- More setup and cleanup inside the house
- Camera may not reach as far or as cleanly
- A plumber may suggest installing a cleanout
If there is no cleanout
A home without a usable cleanout can still be cleared, but it takes more work and may mean opening the line indoors. If roots keep coming back, ask a licensed plumber whether adding an exterior cleanout makes sense for your home. Installing one involves cutting into the sewer line, so ask whether a permit is needed and check with the City of Fullerton.
Never remove a cap that is on a pipe you are unsure about. Gas lines and irrigation fittings can also be found near foundations. A cleanout cap on a sewer line is typically a threaded plug on a pipe of a few inches in diameter.
Common questions
Can I open the cleanout myself to check for a backup?
If you know the line is not backed up, a quick look is usually safe. If sewage may be behind it, the cap can release a gush when removed, so leave it to a plumber.
My cleanout cap is cracked. Does it matter?
A cracked or missing cap can let debris, soil and even roots into the line. Ask a plumber to replace it.
Is it worth adding a cleanout?
For homes with recurring root clogs, many owners find it makes future clearing and camera work easier. Ask a licensed plumber and check permit needs with the city.
General information for Fullerton, not a quote or professional advice. In an emergency, call 911.