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Understanding Sewer Cleanouts: How They Work and Their Importance

What are sewer cleanouts? How do they work? A sewer cleanout is a crucial component of any plumbing sewer system. They are a requirement by plumbing code and must be installed.

What is a Sewer Cleanout? 

A sewer cleanout is a plumbing access point. This access point provides access to the sewer line. It’s typically located near the home within a few feet of your home. If your sewer line runs toward an alley in the backyard, your cleanouts will be in the backyard. If your sewer line runs toward the street, then your cleanouts will be located in your front yard.  A sewer cleanout consists of a section of pipe that connects with your sewer line underground. The sewer cleanout is capped off with a cleanout cap where the pipe is open above ground. Whether your sewer line is 8’ deep or 3’ deep it doesn’t matter. The section of pipe that is extending the sewer opening above ground will give access to your sewer line without having to dig up your sewer line.  

How Does It Work? 

Cleanouts provide an opening to your sewer line. This opening provides access without the need to dig up your sewer line or pull a plumbing fixture like your toilet.  When you have a stoppage in your line, the sewer line needs to be accessed to be able to clear the stoppage. When there’s a blockage in the sewer line, a plumbing professional will remove the cap and drain cleaning equipment, often referred to as a snake to clear the blockage. If the blockage is severe, or caused by a build-up like grease, a jetter will be used to clear the stoppage. A jetter is a specialized high-pressure water jet that clears soft stoppages and cleans the inside of the sewer system.   

Why is a Sewer Cleanout Important? 

A sewer cleanout is essential for the following reasons: 

1. Required Access: A sewer cleanout provides professionals access to the sewer line. This access makes it easier for plumbing professionals to diagnose and fix any issues.
2. Cost-Effective: Cleaning out a blocked sewer line through a cleanout is much less expensive than digging up the yard to access the line, or other invasive options to clear the stoppage. 
3. Avoid sewage damage in your home: Cleanouts can prevent sewer water and sewage damage within your home by giving a place outside for the sewage to escape during a stoppage.  When your sewer line is backed up the sewage has to go somewhere. It’s better for that sewage to escape in your yard than in your tubs, showers and outside of the bottom of your toilets.  

In conclusion, a sewer cleanout is a crucial component of any plumbing system. It provides required access to the sewer line. Sewer cleanouts also reduces the cost of clearing stoppages. Overall, sewer cleanouts also improve the sanitation of your home. They allow sewage to escape in your yard rather than your home.  If you don’t have a sewer cleanout or if your existing one is outdated, consider having a plumbing professional install one for you. Regular maintenance and cleaning of the sewer line through the cleanout should be a priority for you as a homeowner. It can help ensure the smooth operation of your plumbing system for years to come. 

Trust Robins Plumbing for your Sewer line Needs 

If you’re in the Phoenix area and dealing with problems with your sewer line, we’re happy to help. Feel free to “Call a Robin” and we will do our best to help. With over 20 years of experience in the plumbing industry, you can trust our professionals to deliver a professional consultation to see what solution fits best for your home. We also offer a variety of residential and commercial plumbing services. Our services include: drain cleaning, water heater repair and replacement, sewer camera inspection and locating, backflow prevention, commercial and residential jetting, water treatments, and more. Visit our reviews online to see what others have to say about our local plumbing company!