Dealing with slow drains or sewage backups? You might need to access your plumbing clean out—a crucial access point in your home’s drainage system. Knowing how to clean out a plumbing clean out can save you hundreds in emergency plumber fees and prevent major water damage. In this guide, we’ll walk you through the entire process safely, clearly, and efficiently—no plumbing degree required.
What Is a Plumbing Clean Out?
A plumbing clean out (or sewer cleanout) is an access point installed in your home’s main drain line. It’s typically a capped pipe—often found in basements, crawl spaces, or outside near your foundation—that allows plumbers (or savvy homeowners) to clear major clogs without tearing into walls or digging up your yard.
According to the International Residential Code (IRC), homes built after 1980 are required to have at least one cleanout within 5 feet of the building’s exterior wall. Older homes may have them too—but they can be hidden under bushes, concrete, or debris.
💡 Pro Tip: Locate your cleanout before you have an emergency. Mark it with a bright cap or flag for quick access.
Why Should You Clean Your Plumbing Clean Out?
Regular maintenance of your cleanout prevents:
- Sewer backups (which can cause health hazards and costly damage)
- Slow-draining sinks and toilets
- Foul odors from trapped gases
- Pipe corrosion due to buildup
The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) estimates that nearly 240,000 water main breaks occur annually in the U.S.—many stemming from neglected drainage systems. While your cleanout won’t fix a city main, keeping it clear ensures your private line stays functional.
Tools & Safety Gear You’ll Need
Before you begin, gather these essentials:
- Rubber gloves (heavy-duty, waterproof)
- Safety goggles
- Adjustable wrench or pipe wrench
- Plumber’s snake or auger (25–50 ft recommended)
- Bucket
- Old towels or rags
- Garden hose with spray nozzle
- Disinfectant cleaner (e.g., bleach solution: 1 part bleach to 10 parts water)
⚠️ Never work on a cleanout without gloves and eye protection. Sewage contains harmful bacteria like E. coli and Salmonella.
Step-by-Step: How to Clean Out a Plumbing Clean Out
Follow these steps carefully to avoid injury or mess:
Step 1: Locate the Cleanout
- Indoors: Check your basement or utility room near the main stack.
- Outdoors: Look near the foundation, often within 3–10 feet of your house. It may be covered by soil, grass, or a plastic/metal cap.
Use a probe or metal detector if needed. Some cleanouts are buried under 6–12 inches of dirt—gently dig with a trowel.
Step 2: Prepare the Area
- Place a bucket beneath the cleanout to catch wastewater.
- Lay down old towels to absorb spills.
- Ensure good ventilation (open windows or use a fan).
Step 3: Remove the Cleanout Cap
- Use a wrench to loosen the cap counterclockwise.
- If it’s stuck, tap gently with a rubber mallet—never use excessive force.
- Once loose, unscrew by hand and place the cap in your bucket.
🌊 Expect some water to flow out—this is normal if there’s a partial clog upstream.
Step 4: Insert the Auger (Plumber’s Snake)
- Feed the auger cable into the pipe slowly.
- Crank the handle clockwise as you push forward.
- When you feel resistance, rotate the cable to break through the clog.
- Continue feeding until you feel no more resistance (usually 25–50 feet for main lines).
🔍 Tip: If using a motorized auger, follow manufacturer instructions. Manual snakes are safer for beginners.
Step 5: Flush the Line
- Attach a garden hose to a nearby spigot.
- Insert the nozzle into the cleanout pipe.
- Run cold water for 5–10 minutes to flush debris downstream.
❌ Never use hot water—it can warp PVC pipes or melt grease further down, causing new clogs.
Step 6: Disinfect and Reassemble
- Spray the inside of the pipe and cap with your bleach solution.
- Wipe down tools and gloves.
- Screw the cap back on clockwise until snug—don’t overtighten.
- Bury or cover the cleanout if it’s outdoors.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
| Using chemical drain cleaners | Can corrode pipes & harm septic systems | Use mechanical methods (auger/hose) |
| Ignoring foul smells | Indicates sewer gas leakage | Inspect cap seal; replace if cracked |
| Overtightening the cap | Strips threads, causes leaks | Hand-tight + ¼ turn with wrench |
| Cleaning only when clogged | Reactive vs. preventive | Inspect every 6–12 months |
For more on residential plumbing standards, see the Wikipedia entry on sewer systems .
When to Call a Professional Plumber
While DIY cleaning works for minor blockages, call a pro if you notice:
- Sewage backing up into multiple fixtures
- Gurgling sounds from drains or toilets
- Persistent foul odors after cleaning
- Water pooling around the cleanout
Licensed plumbers use video inspection cameras to pinpoint clogs, tree root intrusions, or pipe collapses—issues you can’t fix with a snake alone. The average cost for a professional cleanout service is $150–$350, far less than emergency water damage restoration ($2,000+).
FAQ Section
Q: How often should I clean my plumbing clean out?
A: Inspect it every 6–12 months. Clean it only if you notice slow drainage, odors, or after major storms (which can shift pipes or introduce debris).
Q: Can I use a pressure washer to clean the cleanout?
A: Not recommended. High-pressure water can damage pipe joints or push debris deeper. A standard garden hose with steady flow is safer and effective.
Q: My cleanout cap is leaking—what should I do?
A: Turn off water supply immediately. The cap may be cracked or the threads stripped. Replace it with a matching PVC or brass cap from a hardware store.
Q: Is it normal for water to come out when I open the cleanout?
A: Yes—if there’s a partial clog upstream, wastewater will drain out. If it’s sewage, stop immediately and call a plumber.
Q: Where is the cleanout usually located in older homes?
A: Pre-1980 homes may have cleanouts in the yard, under porches, or even inside walls. Check near the main sewer line exit point (often aligned with your toilet stack).
Q: Can I prevent clogs from forming in the first place?
A: Yes! Avoid flushing wipes, grease, or coffee grounds. Install drain strainers, and consider enzyme-based drain maintainers monthly.
Conclusion
Knowing how to clean out a plumbing clean out puts you in control of your home’s drainage health. With just a few tools and an hour of your time, you can prevent messy backups, extend your pipe lifespan, and avoid emergency plumbing bills.
This simple maintenance task is one of the most underrated yet impactful things a homeowner can do. Share this guide with friends or family who’ve ever dealt with a flooded basement—it might save them thousands!
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