What is a Sewer Cleanout and Where Do I Find It?

Have you ever wondered how to get in that sewer line? Probably not. Most property owners don’t give their drains and pipes a second thought – that is, until things go sideways. The sewer cleanout is going to be your best friend when dealing with stubborn blockages.

In this brief article brought to you by Rooter Hero, we give you a quick rundown on the sewer cleanout and how to find it. If you’d rather leave the dirty work to a trained and experienced plumber, then contact the uniformed professionals at Rooter Hero. Our team is on standby to take your call or message today.

What is a sewer cleanout?

Let's start with the basics: A sewer cleanout is a capped pipe that gives you direct access to your main sewer line. It’s typically located outside your home and serves as a convenient entry point to clear blockages and conduct maintenance on the sewer system.

The sewer cleanout is essentially a safety valve. When you have a stubborn clog that refuses to budge, this is where the plumber (or the brave DIYer) can insert a drain snake or other tools to clear the line. Without it, dealing with a blockage would be a lot messier and more complicated.

Whether you’re trying to unclog the sewer line or perform a sewer repair in Stockton, you’re going to have to first find the sewer cleanout. The search is simple but may require a bit of detective work. Here’s where to look:

Outside Your Home: The most common location for a sewer cleanout is outside, close to your home’s foundation. Look for a short, round pipe sticking out of the ground, often with a cap on it. The cap might be made of plastic or metal, and it’s usually labeled "cleanout," though it might also just be plain.
Near Your Main Plumbing Stack: If you have a basement, the sewer cleanout might be located inside. Look near the main plumbing stack, which is a large vertical pipe that connects to the rest of your home’s plumbing system. The cleanout will typically be found on a horizontal pipe connected to this stack.
In Your Yard: Sometimes, the cleanout is located farther from the house, in the yard. It might be near the street or sidewalk, especially if you have a larger property. In this case, it might be buried under a few inches of soil or grass, so you may need to dig around a bit to find it.

Signs that it’s time to meet the sewer cleanout

Now that we’ve understood what and where a sewer cleanout is, let’s talk about why you might need to use it. Here are some signs that it’s time to address potential sewer issues:

Slow Drains Throughout the House: This is one of the first signs of a blockage in the sewer line.
Multiple Clogged Drains: This usually indicates a problem with your main sewer line, and it’s time to check your cleanout.
Persistent, Foul Odors: This smell indicates that something is blocking the flow of waste, causing gases to back up into your home.
Sewage Backups: If you experience a backup, don’t wait—use your sewer cleanout to relieve the pressure, and then call a plumber immediately.

If you suspect trouble in the sewer line, then consider hiring a trained and uniformed plumber. Rooter Hero is an established company with decades of industry experience, and we offer affordable and reliable plumbing service. Call now to learn about pricing and services, to schedule an appointment, or to request emergency assistance.

A better way to replace sewer lines

Sewer lines can last for decades or even a century, but every single one is going to deteriorate eventually. If it’s time for a replacement, then forget about the traditional method. Ditch the trench and go trenchless!

Our trenchless sewer line replacement is minimally invasive, meaning you don’t have to deal with a long mound of dirt when the plumbers leave. Pipe lining and pipe bursting methods are quick and effective. Call Rooter Hero to learn more about our trenchless sewer line services.