Purpose of Cleanout Drains
Cleanouts provide access to drain lines. They allow plumbers to quickly fix issues without dragging equipment through homes. Cleanouts are required on horizontal drainage piping every 100 feet from the highest end to the sewer connection. They should be at least 2 inches above floors if not flush.
Directional cleanouts allow drainage cleaning in both directions. Proper seals prevent leaks from cleanout caps. Long piping runs need cleanouts every 100 feet by code. Outside cleanouts provide access to main sewer lines. They look like short pipes with caps.
Adding Drain Fittings and Vents
You can remove a cleanout plug and add fittings to create a drain. Add a vent to protect the trap. Condensate pumps help dehumidifiers drain properly. Check floor drains for water in traps occasionally.
Steps for Changing Cleanout Plugs
Begin by cleaning female threads with a wire brush before changing a plug. Unscrew the plug counterclockwise, replace it, and tighten clockwise. Pipe thread tape or pipe dope seals caps.
What is the Purpose of a Cleanout Drain?
A drain cleanout provides access to a drain or main sewer line. Cleanouts typically look like screwed on plugs or capped pipes flush to the ground.
Signs of a Clogged Sewer Line
Signs of a clogged drain requiring cleaning include slow drains, recurring clogs, gurgling sounds, and water pooling around floor drains. Catching these early prevents more problems. Techniques like jetting can clear stubborn clogs.
Sewer Line Cleanout Appearance
What does a sewer line cleanout look like? The cleanout is usually a 4-inch-diameter pipe with a screw cap. It’s most likely going to be popping up from the ground outside your home between the foundation and the street. The cleanout might also be on the side of the home, closest to the bathroom.
Drainage and Water in Cleanout Drains
Should there be water in my clean out drain? Sewage drains should hold water in certain areas, so the first answer is a resounding “yes.” To keep rodents and odors out of the building, the drainage fixture is filled with water.
Maintenance of Drain Systems
The rate at which the water leaves your drain will depend on the sizing of the pipe and the rate of gravity’s pull. To improve the drainage, you can use drain cleaner, a chemical solution that helps to remove layers of soap scum, corrosion, and sediment.