A sewer line backup can prove disastrous for both your home and your sense of wellbeing. Even if your city sends plumbers to clear out the blockage, the damage has been done. 

Your property’s sewer line cleanout helps avoid sewage from pouring back into your home. However, most people don’t know where to find their cleanout or even know about its existence. 

Here’s everything you need to know about your sewer cleanout and why it exists. 

What Is a Sewer Cleanout?

A sewer cleanout is a capped pipe that connects your property line to the sewer line leading to the municipal sewers. When there’s a clog, you can open up the sewer cleanout cap to drain out excess water and avoid it backing up into your house. 

Not all properties have a sewer line cleanout installed. Others may have one that connects to their home’s septic tank, rather than to the street’s sewer. 

If you don’t have a cleanout on your property, there are some signs that you may need to get one installed. 

Slow-draining plumbing could happen when the main sewer line gets clogged. Any odd smells point at a sewer line backup. There may also be flooding in your yard. 

Benefits of a Sewer Cleanout

Some states require a sewer cleanout by law. However, older homes may need them installed if they don’t already have one. 

One of the benefits of a sewer cleanout pipe is lower maintenance costs since you’ll reduce the number of blockages affecting your home’s plumbing. You’ll also have more affordable and easier cleaning jobs since the plumber can clean your sewer line through the cleanout. 

If you care about how your yard looks, then a sewer cleanout can also protect it from damage. A sewer cleanout has an access point on the surface of your lawn that doesn’t require digging. Just lift off the sewer cleanout cover and get to work.

How to Find a Sewer Cleanout

The easiest way to find your property’s cleanout is by looking for the sewer cleanout cover. 

In many municipalities, the location of the sewer line is marked on the sidewalk. If there’s a letter ‘S’ marked on the sidewalk, the sewer line should be between it and your house. 

Search near your foundation for the sewer cleanout if you have a septic system in place. It should be between the septic tank and your home’s sewer line. 

Older homes may have indoor cleanouts or attached to your outer walls. Contact your local plumber if you have trouble finding them. 

Prevent Plumbing Problems

A homeowner always has access to their sewer cleanout line. However, it’s not recommended that they try to clean it out themselves. There’s always a risk of damaging their pipes and causing the issue to get worse. 

When in doubt, call a professional to check out the blockage and clean it out for you. 

Check out our other articles for more information on real estate and home buying.