If you have a major clog, and called us, or any other plumbing service, it is likely you have been asked, “Do you have a ground level cleanout?” Asking about clean outs is a question we ask in order to prepare our technicians for a drain cleaning job ahead of time. What is a clean out? How do I know if I have one? Do I need a cleanout? We’ll try to answer these common questions about sewer line clean outs below.
What are sewer line clean outs?
A clean out is a capped pipe located on or near your property line which connects to the lateral sewer line, or sewer main line. A lateral sewer line is the pipe which connects your home’s sewer lines to the municipal sewers or your septic tank. When the lateral clogs, it can cause sewage to back up into the drains, creating both a mess and health hazard. Not to mention the stress on your wallet. Unlike many of the pipes inside your home, the sewer lateral is located completely underground and cannot be examined for wear or damage without excavating it. The sewer cleanout provides an access point through which your lateral may be more easily inspected.
How do I know if I have a ground level cleanout?
An easy way to identify a ground level cleanout is by looking for a small cover, usually marked, “sewer.” These covers are usually located near the property, between the municipal hub, and the edge of the property.
What are the benefits of installing clean outs?
A clean-out provides better access, makes testing interior lines easier, and can ultimately save you money on costly video inspections, and difficult cabling or jetting work. Prices do increase if you do not have a ground level clean out.
For example, if you don’t have an accessible clean-out a technician might have to either remove your toilet, or even go onto the roof in order to clean your sewer lines.
Going on the roof is dangerous for the technician, and safety is always our top priority, so we try to avoid this as much as possible. By having a sewer clean out at ground level, they will have easy access to the sewer lateral. This savings in time and effort equate to a smaller bill for you! Perhaps the biggest benefit is in the event of a major clog the cleanout can help prevent the need to dig up your yard.
Do I need a ground level access sewer cleanout?
In our professional plumbing opinion, every property should have one of these cost saving tools of the trade. In the long run, over the life of a sewer line, the savings in maintenance fees, and the convenience of easier and safer work, will add up to a substantial sum.
We hope this explanation was helpful! Western Rooter is available 24/7 for all your plumbing needs. If you’re interested in installing a clean-out please feel free to contact us at 626-448-6455 for a free estimate.
