Types of Sewer Cleanouts: A Guide for Homeowners

Sewer cleanouts are essential components of a plumbing system, providing access points for clearing blockages and maintaining sewer lines. Different types of cleanouts serve specific purposes, and knowing which one is best for your system can save you time, money, and hassle. Here’s a breakdown of the most common types of sewer cleanouts:

1. Outside Cleanouts

• Location: Installed outside the home, typically near the foundation or in the yard.

• Purpose: Provides easy access to the main sewer line without entering the house.

• Advantages:

• Ideal for sewer rodding to remove tree roots and debris.

• Reduces the risk of indoor water damage or pipe stress.

• Convenient for professional plumbers to locate and use.

2. Inside Cleanouts

• Location: Found inside the home, often in basements, utility rooms, or crawlspaces.

• Purpose: Allows access to the sewer line from within the property.

• Advantages:

• Useful for homes without outdoor cleanouts.

• Convenient for addressing clogs during extreme weather when outdoor access is difficult.

• Considerations:

• May pose a higher risk of water spillage during rodding.

• Less direct access to the main sewer line.

3. Two-Way Cleanouts

• Location: Installed outside, typically at ground level, with a Y-shaped or T-shaped design.

• Purpose: Allows access to the sewer line in both directions (toward the home and the street).

• Advantages:

• Extremely versatile and efficient for clearing blockages.

• Reduces the need for additional cleanouts.

• Common Use: Ideal for comprehensive sewer maintenance and inspections.

4. Directional Cleanouts

• Location: Installed outside or inside, designed to face one direction (either toward the home or the street).

• Purpose: Focuses on clearing blockages in a specific section of the sewer line.

• Advantages:

• Simple installation.

• Effective for targeted maintenance.

5. Double Cleanouts

• Location: Similar to two-way cleanouts but features two separate access points facing opposite directions.

• Purpose: Provides access to both upstream and downstream sections of the sewer line.

• Advantages:

• Offers redundancy and flexibility in sewer maintenance.

• Ideal for larger properties or systems prone to frequent blockages.

6. Basement Floor Cleanouts

• Location: Found on the floor of basements, directly connected to the sewer line.

• Purpose: Provides access to clear clogs within the home’s plumbing system before they reach the main sewer line.

• Advantages:

• Convenient for interior plumbing maintenance.

• Easily accessible in homes with finished or unfinished basements.

Choosing the Right Cleanout for Your System

Each type of sewer cleanout has its unique advantages and is suited to specific situations. Factors such as the location of your home, the layout of your plumbing system, and the frequency of sewer issues will determine the best choice.

Why Professional Installation Matters

Installing or upgrading a sewer cleanout requires professional expertise to ensure proper placement, functionality, and compliance with local plumbing codes. At Doctor Drain, we specialize in assessing your plumbing needs and providing expert solutions tailored to your home.

Have Questions About Your Sewer Cleanout?

Whether you need a new cleanout installed or want to optimize your sewer maintenance system, Doctor Drain is here to help. Contact us today to schedule a consultation and take the next step toward worry-free plumbing! We service Highland Park, Lake Forest, Lake Bluff , Mettawa, Northbrook, Bannockburn, Deerfield, Riverwoods, Glenview, Glencoe, Northbrook, Arlington Heights, Prospect Heights, Buffalo Grove, Palatine, Inverness and beyond.