Plumbing clean-outs are essential access points for clearing clogs and performing maintenance on your home’s plumbing system. However, finding these clean-outs can be a challenge, especially if you’re not familiar with your home’s layout.
The first step in finding a plumbing clean-out is to check the basement or crawlspace. Clean-outs are often located near the foundation of your home, where the main sewer line enters. Look for a small, round or square cover that is usually made of plastic or metal. If you can’t find a clean-out in the basement or crawlspace, check the exterior of your home. Clean-outs are sometimes located outside, near the foundation or in a utility box.
Once you’ve found a plumbing clean-out, make sure it is clear of debris and easily accessible. If the clean-out is clogged, you can use a drain snake or auger to clear it. It’s also a good idea to keep a bucket or container nearby to catch any water that may come out of the clean-out when you open it.
Identifying Accessible Clean-Outs
Locating clean-outs can prove challenging, particularly in older homes lacking proper accessibility. However, several common areas where clean-outs are typically found can be inspected.
Begin by checking the following readily accessible locations:
- Basements or crawl spaces: Pipes are often located along the walls of these areas, making clean-outs easily identifiable.
- Laundry rooms or utility closets: Laundry sinks and washing machines usually necessitate clean-outs for drainage maintenance.
- Underneath kitchen sinks: The P-trap, a curved pipe section beneath the sink, often contains a clean-out plug.
- Outside the house near the foundation: Primary sewer clean-outs are commonly found underground or in an exterior wall near the ground level.
- Behind toilets: Clean-outs can be concealed behind the toilet, accessible by removing the base.
If you encounter difficulty locating clean-outs in these areas, consider checking less accessible locations such as attic spaces or behind walls. Professional plumbing assistance may be necessary if you are unable to find or access the clean-outs independently.
| Location | Typical Clean-Out Type |
|---|---|
| Basement or crawl space | Floor drain clean-out |
| Laundry room or utility closet | Washing machine drain clean-out |
| Underneath kitchen sink | P-trap clean-out |
| Outside the house near the foundation | Primary sewer clean-out |
| Behind toilets | Toilet flange clean-out |
Locating Hidden Clean-Outs
Finding concealed clean-outs can be more difficult, but there are several strategies you can employ:
1. Check exterior walls and foundations: Clean-outs may be located on exterior walls, particularly near patios, decks, or underground drainage lines. Inspect the foundation and look for small, round or square panels that have a screw or bolt in the center.
2. Search around appliances: Clean-outs are often installed near water-using appliances like washing machines, dishwashers, and sinks. Look for small panels or caps around the base of these appliances or in nearby cabinets.
Create a Table
| Option | Details |
|---|---|
| Inspect Walls and Ceilings | Check for small access panels or covers that may blend in with the surrounding surface. |
| Remove Wall Plates | Take off the cover plates of electrical switches and outlets near plumbing fixtures. The clean-out may be concealed behind the wall opening. |
| Follow Pipes | Trace the pipes from the fixture towards the exterior or lower level of the building. Clean-outs are often located along pipe runs. |
| Probe Walls | Carefully drill or cut a small hole in the wall to search for a clean-out. If found, install an access panel for future accessibility. |
3. Remove wall plates: In some cases, clean-outs may be hidden behind wall plates for electrical switches or outlets. Remove the faceplates and check for small panels or holes.
4. Follow pipes: Trace the plumbing pipes from the fixture where the clog occurred. Clean-outs are often located along pipe runs, especially near changes in direction.
Using a Plumbing Camera to Find Buried Clean-Outs
A plumbing camera is a specialized tool that allows you to inspect the inside of your plumbing pipes. This can be a helpful way to find buried clean-outs, which are access points that allow you to clean or repair your pipes. Plumbing cameras are typically inserted into the pipe through a clean-out, but they can also be used to inspect the inside of pipes that do not have clean-outs.
To use a plumbing camera, you will need to:
- Turn off the water supply to the pipe you want to inspect.
- Insert the camera into the pipe through a clean-out or other access point.
- Slowly feed the camera into the pipe while watching the monitor to see what is inside.
- Locate the clean-out by looking for a perpendicular pipe or opening in the main pipe.
- When you have found the clean-out, make a note of its location so that you can access it later if needed.
- Access the Crawlspace: Wear proper safety gear, such as a hard hat and flashlight.
- Inspect Joists and Beams: Look for access panels or circular covers attached to joists or beams, indicating the location of the clean-out.
- Search for T-Shaped Clean-Outs: These are typically installed on vertical studs or pipes and have a crossbar running horizontally from the base.
- Check for Floor Drain Connections: If any floor drains are present, follow the pipes leading from them to locate the concealed clean-out.
- Use a Probe or Auger: Carefully insert a thin probe or auger into potential clean-out openings to confirm their presence.
- Locate the Clean-Out Access: If you find a concealed clean-out, make note of its exact location for future access. Use paint or tape to mark it clearly for easy identification.
- Check the basement or crawl space for a small, round or square cover that is usually white or gray.
- Look outside the house for a clean-out cover that is usually located near the foundation.
- Contact a local plumber who can help you locate the clean-outs.
- Hidden or obstructed access points
- Lack of visible markers or indicators
- Remodeling or renovations
- Check near floor drains and toilets
- Examine basements, crawl spaces, and attics
- Look for access panels or removable covers
- Using a flashlight to illuminate dark areas
- Snake cameras to navigate bends and obstructions
- Hiring a plumber to perform a detailed inspection
Here are some tips for using a plumbing camera:
| Tip | Description |
|---|---|
| Use a high-quality camera. | This will give you the best possible image quality and make it easier to see what is inside the pipe. |
| Use a light source. | This will help you to see inside the pipe more clearly. |
| Move the camera slowly. | This will give you time to see everything inside the pipe. |
| Be patient. | It may take some time to find the clean-out. |
Inspecting Floor Drains for Clean-Outs
Floor drains are typically located in areas with a high potential for water spillage, such as bathrooms, kitchens, and laundry rooms. They serve as a drain for excess water or spills and can also provide access to the plumbing system for cleaning or repairs. Inspecting floor drains for clean-outs involves checking for removable plugs or covers that provide access to the drainpipe below.
To begin, remove the drain grate or cover. Look for a threaded plug or cap that screws into the drainpipe. This plug is typically made of plastic or metal and may have a handle or knob for easy removal. If a plug is present, unscrew it carefully to expose the clean-out.
If no plug is visible, check the base of the drainpipe for a clean-out cap. This cap is usually larger than the drain plug and may be secured with screws or bolts. Remove the screws or bolts and lift the cap off to access the clean-out.
Once the clean-out is exposed, you can use a drain snake or auger to clear any clogs or obstructions. It is important to note that floor drain clean-outs are not always accessible from the floor level. In some cases, you may need to remove a section of drywall or flooring to reach the clean-out.
Investigating Crawlspace for Concealed Clean-Outs
To locate concealed clean-outs in a crawlspace, follow these steps:
Tip: Consult with a licensed plumber if you encounter difficulties locating or accessing concealed clean-outs. They have specialized equipment and expertise to safely and effectively locate and service these access points.
Utilizing a Clean-Out Map or Diagram
Locate the main drain clean-outs on the sanitary sewer line and the storm line. The location of clean-outs should be recorded on a building diagram or map, and made available to the homeowner for maintenance purposes.
Normally, on most sites, the storm line has two (2) clean-outs. One (1) in the front yard and one (1) in the back yard. The sanitary sewer line usually has two (2) clean-outs. One (1) inside the dwelling and one (1) located outside the dwelling. The clean-outs on the sanitary sewer line are usually located between the dwelling and the sewer connection to the main.
| Location | Description |
|---|---|
| In the Basement | The clean-out is typically located in the basement near the main drain stack. |
| Outside the House | The clean-out is typically located in a covered box near the foundation of the house. |
If you cannot find a clean-out map or diagram, you can try the following:
Consulting with a Licensed Plumber
In case you encounter difficulties locating clean-outs on your own, consider reaching out to a licensed plumber for assistance. Plumbers possess the expertise and equipment to effectively trace the path of drainpipes, enabling them to locate clean-outs efficiently. They can also detect hidden clean-outs behind walls or beneath fixtures, ensuring a comprehensive inspection of your plumbing system.
When selecting a plumber, opt for a licensed professional who is reputable and experienced in residential plumbing. Verify their credentials and request references from previous clients to ensure their reliability and competence.
8. Inspect Exterior Walls
Examine the exterior walls of your property, paying close attention to areas where downspouts discharge water. Clean-outs are often installed near the base of downspouts to facilitate access for cleaning debris and blockages. Look for small, round or square covers that may be concealed by landscaping or overgrown vegetation.
In addition to the methods outlined above, you may also consult the following resources for guidance:
| Resource | Description |
|---|---|
| Building blueprints or schematics | If available, these documents may provide detailed information on the location of clean-outs. |
| Homeowners association | For properties in planned communities, the homeowners association may have records or maps indicating clean-out locations. |
| Previous homeowners | If you are in contact with the previous occupants of your property, they may be able to provide insights into the location of clean-outs. |
Troubleshooting Access to Clean-Outs
Common Issues
Locating clean-outs can be challenging due to:
Inspection Techniques
To identify clean-outs, try the following:
Advanced Methods
If visual inspection fails, consider:
Table: Clean-Out Location Guide
| Room | Possible Location |
|---|---|
| Bathroom | Under sink, behind toilet |
| Kitchen | Under sink, behind dishwasher |
| Basement | Near washer/dryer hookups, utility sink |
| Yard | Exterior wall, buried near foundation |
How To Find Residential Home Plumbing Clean-Outs
Plumbing clean-outs are essential components of your home’s plumbing system. They allow plumbers to access your pipes and make repairs without having to dig up your yard. Clean-outs are typically located outside your home, near the foundation. They may be covered by a small, round or square cap.
To find the clean-outs in your home, start by checking the exterior walls of your house. Look for small, round or square caps that are about 2 to 4 inches in diameter. The caps may be painted the same color as your house, so you may have to look closely. Once you have located the clean-outs, make sure that they are clear of debris and that the caps are securely in place.
If you cannot find the clean-outs in your home, you can contact a plumber for assistance. They will be able to locate the clean-outs and make sure that they are in good working condition.
People Also Ask
How can I tell if my clean-out is clogged?
If your clean-out is clogged, you may notice that water is backing up into your drains. You may also hear gurgling sounds coming from your drains. If you suspect that your clean-out is clogged, you can try to clear it yourself using a drain snake. However, if you are not comfortable doing this, you should contact a plumber for assistance.
How often should I clean my clean-out?
You should clean your clean-out every few months to prevent it from becoming clogged. To clean your clean-out, simply remove the cap and use a drain snake to clear any debris that may be blocking the pipe. Once you have cleared the debris, replace the cap securely.
Can I pour chemicals down my clean-out?
No, you should not pour chemicals down your clean-out. Chemicals can damage your plumbing system and can be harmful to the environment. If you need to clean your clean-out, use a drain snake or contact a plumber for assistance.
