What a cleanout does
A sewer cleanout is a short vertical pipe with a removable cap that opens into the sewer line. It gives a plumber a direct way in for a cleaning cable or a camera without pulling fixtures inside the house. On many homes it is the single most important feature for a quick, clean inspection.
Older Fullerton homes vary. Some have a cleanout near the foundation where the line leaves the house, some have one closer to the street, some have both, and some have none at all that anyone can find. Landscaping, decks and concrete added over the years sometimes bury the cap.
Where to look
- Along the foundation on the side of the house nearest the bathrooms or kitchen.
- In the front yard between the house and the street, often in line with where the sewer exits.
- Near a side-yard hose bib or under a small access box set in the ground.
- Inside a garage, laundry area or utility closet on some layouts.
- Under mulch, groundcover or a planter that was added later.
Getting the cleanout ready for an inspection
- Find and clear around it.Trim plants and move pots or furniture so the cap and a work area around it are reachable.
- Check the cap.Note whether it is plastic or metal and whether it looks damaged, but do not force it open.
- Tell the plumber what you found.A photo of the cleanout and its location helps the plumber bring the right tools.
- Mention any backups.If the line is backed up, sewage can come out of the cleanout when the cap is loosened, so let the plumber open it.
When there is no cleanout
| Alternative access | Trade-offs |
|---|---|
| Pulling a toilet | Common option; the toilet is removed and reset with a new wax ring or seal. |
| Roof vent | Possible on some homes, but involves roof access and a longer path to the main line. |
| Through a fixture drain | Smaller drains may not let a sewer camera pass to the main line. |
| Installing a new cleanout | A separate job, but it gives easy access for future cleaning and inspections. |
Inspection with and without a cleanout
With a cleanout
- Direct path into the main line
- Less disruption inside the house
- Easy to repeat for follow-up inspections
- Simpler to film toward the street and back toward the house
Without one
- Access through a toilet or roof vent
- More setup and possible extra work
- Repeat inspections need the same workaround
- May be worth adding a cleanout if problems are found
Questions to ask about access
- Based on my photos, is this cleanout usable for a camera?
- If there is no cleanout, how will you get in, and is resetting a toilet included?
- Would you recommend adding a cleanout, and where?
- Does adding a cleanout need a permit? (Check with the city as well.)
- Can you inspect in both directions from this cleanout?
Common questions
My cleanout cap is cracked. Is that a problem?
A damaged cap can let odors out and debris or water in. Mention it to the plumber; caps are usually simple to replace.
Is there a cleanout at the property line?
Some properties have one near the street and some do not. Check with the City of Fullerton about what exists at the public connection for your address.
Can I run a camera through the cleanout myself?
Rental and consumer cameras exist, but interpreting the footage and locating findings take experience. Never open a cleanout on a backed-up line.
General information for Fullerton, not a quote or professional advice. In an emergency, call 911.