How to Find a Buried Sewer Cleanout

A sewer cleanout is a vital part of your home’s plumbing because it serves as the access point for your main sewage line. A sewage cleanout consists of a pipe with a removable threaded cap. Removing the cap is how you can access the main sewage in your home.

It’s important to know where your sewer cleanout is located since not all sewage access pipes are buried. In the event of a blockage, sewage backup, or another plumbing emergency, the sewage main needs to be accessed by a plumber.

Where is the Sewer Cleanout?

The location of your cleanout depends on the size of your home and your local climate. In colder climates, the cleanout is most likely located inside the house near a bathroom, utility room or garage, rather than buried, which is common in warmer climates. Homes built on a slab foundation sometimes have an indoor cleanout because you wouldn’t want water or sewage flowing through your foundation if you can avoid it.

How to Find a Buried Sewer Cleanout

To find a buried sewer cleanout, walk around the perimeter of your house, close to the foundation. A buried sewer cleanout is generally located on the outside of a bathroom. You’ll recognize it as a three- to four-inch capped pipe.

Since cleanouts aren’t needed often, yours may be covered by bushes, underbrush, or grass. It may also be concealed in a box close to the ground with a metal cover, so keep your eye out for anything that may contain a pipe.

Locating your buried sewer cleanout can also help you find your sewer line.

Professional Sewer Line Cleanout

If you suspect you have a blockage in your main sewer line, do not attempt to fix it yourself. Damage to your sewer line can cause a toxic sewage backup in your home and result in expensive cleanup and repairs.

Mr. Rooter® Plumbing has more than 45 years of experience dealing with plumbing emergencies like sewage blockages and can be trusted to solve your problem quickly and safely. With guaranteed work, Mr. Rooter Plumbing will clear even the toughest sewer blockage. Call or request an estimate.