Without a sewer clean out, a minor back up can easily become a major job. That major job can consist of digging up your yard and cutting into your walls. Most home owners don’t even know it exists until something goes wrong. It’s a simple pipe fitting that has a huge role in your plumbing system’s health.
Where is the Sewer Clean out Located?
Now, not every home has a sewer cleanout, older properties are more common in not having them. But, if the home does have a sewer clean out they are not always located in the same spot for every home. It is usually installed along the main sewer line and can appear as a capped pipe sticking up from the ground.
In homes that are built with a pier and beam foundation the sewer clean out is likely to be located under the home. On the other hand, homes with a slab foundation usually have the sewer clean out just outside the exterior wall of the home close to the main plumbing line.
If you have never seen a sewer clean out at your home that does not mean it isn’t there! It could have been purposely hidden by dirt, concrete or landscaping.
Why the Sewer Clean Uut is So Important
A sewer line can be clogged from grease buildup, foreign objects, tree roots etc. This will eventually cause wastewater to stop flowing properly. Your sinks, toilets and tubs may also start draining slowly or can even back up entirely. This is the point where the sewer clean out becomes essential. Instead of trying to guess where the clog is located or messing up your wall by tearing into a licensed plumber can examine the issue, run a camera through the pipe to find the issue and clear it out that way.
When a home does not have a sewer clean out that is when removing and located blockages become complicated. It can require cutting into the pipe, digging or having to work through less accessible drain points which can cost you more money and time.
Warning Signs Your Sewer Clean Out is Needed
Certain plumbing symptoms point to a deeper issue in your main sewer line. If multiple drains are backing up at once, or if you hear gurgling when water is running in another part of the house, the main line may be partially or fully blocked. In these cases, your sewer clean out is the most direct path to resolving the problem.
In some situations, if a clean out is already present and you remove the cap only to find standing water or sewage inside, it means the blockage is somewhere downstream of that access point—usually between your home and the municipal connection.
What if My Home Doesn’t Have a Sewer Clean Out?
It is very common for older homes to be built without a sewer clean out. Definitely if the plumbing has not been updated. Getting one installed can simplify future maintenance, stop larger plumbing problems and give plumbers quicker access to your line. While the price of this varies depending on the location of the sewer clean out. This one time investment can save you lots of money in the long run by making repairs more simple and less invasive.
GEI Plumbing Services: Sewer Clean Out Experts
Here at GEI Plumbing Services we assist homeowners in maintaining and understanding their home plumbing systems. Beginning with the sewer clean out, whether you are battling a backup or just want a new clean out for easier access, our team can help!
We use top of the line tools to inspect, locate and clear out your sewer line with minimal disruption. If your home does not have a sewer clean out yet we can install one to ensure that whatever happens down the line, that you are prepared!
If your drains are backed up or you’re just not sure if your home even has a sewer clean out Call GEI Plumbing Services Today. We will get to the root of the issue and keep your home plumbing system flowing right!
