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What are Sewer Cleanouts and How to Locate Them?

What are Sewer Cleanouts and How to Locate Them?

Sewer Cleanout
Sewer Cleanout with one Pipe

Most homeowners do not know what Sewer cleanouts are or how to locate them. I would venture to say that the first time they heard the phrase sewer cleanout was when they called a plumber who asked if they had any. If you are curious where to find them and what they do- we wanted to arm you with some information. Since backed up sewage in a home is such a terrible thing to experience, any knowledge on your clean outs could be helpful in a time of emergency.

sewer clean out is an integral part of your home’s plumbing and waste disposal system. Every homeowner should know where the sewer clean out is located, and landlords should make sure that their tenants are aware of the location of the sewer clean out as well.

clog in the sewer lines on your property can be a serious matter. It can put all the plumbing fixtures in your house out of commission until you remove it, which is something plumbers can do using a hydro jet or a sewer auger or “snake.” In order to get access to the pipes with their auger- the plumber will need to utilize your sewer cleanouts. When the plumber enters the cleanout, they will be able to insert their video inspection camera to have a clear look at what is causing your issues.

What is a Sewer Cleanout?

The sewer clean out is a pipe or pipe(s) with a cap that provides access to the sewer line so that blockages can be removed. The lateral sewer line is the sewer line that connects your home to the main public sewer system. Usually, the sewer cleanout is located somewhere along the lateral sewer line.

Do all Homes Have Sewer Clean Outs?

Every house should have one, although unfortunately, some houses don’t. Not only do all homes not have plumbing clean-outs, often those that do have an insufficient number. The Licensed specialists at Augerpros Plumbing can provide the installation of extra clean-outs if needed, and in the recommended locations.

How do I locate the Sewer Cleanout?

Sewer Clean Out
Sewer Clean Out with 2 Pipes

Finding the main clean-out isn’t always easy. Its location within a home will vary depending on the house style and the geographic climate where you live. Some will have 2 pipes extending upward and some will have one. Here are some tips for locating your main clean out if you live in Texas. 

In the DFW area, homes built on a slab foundation or pier and beam foundation,  newer homes, and homes with newer lawn sewer lines typically have a cleanout, as they are now required by Building Codes since 2012.  Unless the lawn sewer lines have been replaced, many older homes do not have a sewer cleanout in the lawn.  If the home does not have a cleanout in the lawn, access to the sewer is through a plumbing vent pipe on the roof.

What if I Don’t have a Sewer Clean Out?

In the rare chance you happen to be in a home without one, your plumbing system is probably cast iron. (It’s EXTREMELY unlikely a PVC plumbed house did not have cleanouts installed as part of the system.)

IF this is the case, we can install sewer cleanouts on your system. Cleanouts are necessary to run cables and camera’s down the system.

In newer DFW homes, the Sewer Clean Out is located in the lawn near the house. Due to its location, it is possible the cleanout may be covered with landscaping or mulch — as it’s typically located within planting-beds in close proximity to the house.

Oodles of people every day need to unclog their sewer cleanout, but they haven’t a clue. Getting down & dirty with their plumbing is usually something that homeowners don’t want to contemplate. Occasionally, though, you’ll need to know where the sewer cleanout is located. We hope the above information helps. If you feel you are experiencing sewer problems, need to locate your cleanouts or have new cleanouts installed, Please give your local Plumbers at Auger Pros Plumbing a Call today! 214-206-6580