Why Do I Have 2 Cleanout Pipes Before My Septic Tank? (Correct answer)

• Conventional septic tanks must be pumped out at least every two to five years. This prevents the accumulation of solid wastes in the tank. This sludge of solid can get so thick that they can block the inlet pipe coming from your house or facility and to your tank.

Why do I have two drain cleanouts?

A two-way cleanout provides access in both directions. With this U-shaped cleanout, we are able to use it to access both the yard and the house lines.

What are the two pipes coming out of my septic tank?

Septic tanks have two pipes connected to them on each end. Waste water from your home’s sewer line enters the tank via the inlet pipe. Waste water sits in the tank long enough for solid waste materials to separate from the water.

How many Cleanouts do I need?

Cleanouts are required for horizontal drainage piping (see Figure 707.4). For long runs of piping, a cleanout is required every 100 feet. This measurement is taken from the highest end of the horizontal drainage piping to the point of connection with the building sewer.

What is the septic cleanout for?

From there, the sewage runs out of the house and into the county sewage system or a septic tank. Stuff happens, though, such as clogs of a dozen different types stopping a pipe from allowing waste water through. A sewer cleanout allows a snake or a hydrojetting tool to disperse the clog and get things running again.

What is a dual directional cleanout?

These sewer cleanouts allow the customer to drain clean the line in both directions with no dead spots that are unreachable using either a snake machine or a jetter.

Does a house have two cleanouts?

Two cleanouts are typically installed at each house or building. One is located just outside of the building (plumbing cleanout), and one is located at the property line (property line cleanout).

What are the signs that your septic tank is full?

Here are some of the most common warning signs that you have a full septic tank:

• Your Drains Are Taking Forever.
• Standing Water Over Your Septic Tank.
• Bad Smells Coming From Your Yard.
• You Hear Gurgling Water.
• You Have A Sewage Backup.
• How often should you empty your septic tank?

What are the pipes sticking out of my leach field?

The white PVC pipes that stick up in the area of your drain field offer a “window” into how well it is operating (draining). They shouldn’t be removed but they can be cut down, level with the ground. Other white pipes may be standing above your septic tank, pump tank or close to your foundation.

How do you tell if your septic tank is full?

How to tell your septic tank is full and needs emptying

1. Pooling water.
2. Slow drains.
3. Odours.
4. An overly healthy lawn.
5. Sewer backup.
6. Gurgling Pipes.
7. Trouble Flushing.

Do Cleanouts need accessible?

UPC – 707.8 Each cleanout, unless installed under an approved cover plate, shall be above grade, readily accessible, and so located as to serve the purpose for which it is intended. Cleanouts located under cover plates shall be so installed as to provide the clearances and accessibility required by this section.

What is code for sewer pipe?

According to the California Plumbing Code, a residential sewer must begin two feet outside the building, connect to the public sewer and have a minimum slope of 1/4 inch per foot.

Do urinals require Cleanouts?

(CPC 707.4) (UPC 707.4), In commercial space, a cleanout is required to be installed above the fixture connection fitting for each urinal regardless the location of the urinal in the building as long as it is located at the floor level.

What is cleanout plug?

A cleanout plug is a cap or lid used to close off a drain cleanout pipe. The term cleanout or cleanout pipe may refer to any branch of a plumbing pipe that is used for cleaning or unclogging the system.

What is a septic cleanout pipe?

The septic systems cleanout is the short PVC pipe with removable cap that sticks out of the ground between your house and the septic tank. If the cleanout does contain backup, it could be from the septic system or it could be a blockage between the cleanout and the tank.

Should there be water in septic cleanout?

If the water is standing in the pipe or overflows out the cleanout, then you know that the problem is from that point out. At this point you can either call your favorite septic company, or dig up the tank lids yourself and check the water level and solids content in the tank.

Sewer Clean Out for Residential Homes 101

a wooded trail / Photo courtesy of Fotolia Septic system failures can be prevented by utilizing a variety of fail-safes in contemporary plumbing. Your home is well-protected against sewage backups, with everything from drain traps to sump pumps and vent pipes. The sewage clean out is an extremely vital component of this system, and you should be aware of its existence. Despite its harmless look, having one or more clean outs in your home’s sewage line may have a significant impact on both the health of your sewer line and the health of your wallet.

What is a Sewer Clean Out?

In most cases, the sewer clean out is a capped pipe that is positioned on or near your property line and connects to the lateral sewage line. In plumbing, a lateral sewer line is a pipe that links the sewage lines in your house to either the municipal sewer system or your septic tank. Septic waste can back up into drains when the lateral becomes blocked, causing a nuisance as well as potential health risks for anyone who are exposed to it. Maintaining your sewer pipes and draining water in the event of a backup are two important benefits of having a clean out.

How to Find the Sewer Clean Out

The sewer clean out is a tiny, capped conduit that protrudes from the ground surface. Unfortunately, finding it is not always straightforward. The fact that many homes have several clean outs and, in some rare circumstances, the clean out is actually placed within the house just adds to the complexity of the situation. The methods that follow should assist you in finding the clean out more quickly.

1. The Sidewalk Should Be Checked– In many localities, the location where your lateral joins the municipal sewer line is indicated on the sidewalk. Along the curb and sidewalk, look for a letter ‘S’ that has been stamped or painted. If you come across this marker, you may easily visualize a straight line from the mark to your house, where the lateral may be located if you look closely. In certain situations, you may even be fortunate enough to come upon a clean out in the neighborhood of where you are looking. Search Near Your Foundation– In many circumstances, locating the sewer clean out near the road is impractical, or the home’s former owners elected to have more than one sewer clean out built. In these cases, you should search near your foundation. When you have a septic system in place, sewer clean outs are also typically positioned close to the home’s location. If you are more than three feet from the foundation, you will most likely find the cap anywhere between the road or septic tank and the point at which your home’s sewage line exits the foundation and enters the ground
2. Look for extra clean outs inside– Some homes, particularly older ones, may have clean outs that are either hidden within the structure or protrude from the exterior walls of the structure. Check the basements, crawl spaces, and attic for probable vent pipe sites along with the vent pipe. Most of the time, indoor sewer clean outs will look to be a junction with one side of the Y or T shaped intersection being capped. These are important for keeping your interior pipelines in good condition, even if they are not essential.

What if the Property Lacks a Sewer Clean Out?

It is possible that older properties may not have a sewer clean out. The latter is particularly true if one is not obligated to do so by municipal or state plumbing regulations. It is typically preferable to have one installed in such situations. Sometimes your home has a clean out that has just been covered up by dirt, which is another situation. If you suspect the house has a clean out but have been unable to identify it, you may want to conduct some light digging along the ground where you assume the clean out should be in order to locate it.

Benefits of a Sewer Clean Out

While having a sewage clean out is mandated by law in certain jurisdictions, if you have an older property or live in a state where they are optional, you may find yourself without one. There are, however, various advantages to having a clean out installed on your home, including the following:

Lower Maintenance Costs

The clean out gives you direct access to the sewage lateral on your property’s property. This means that a plumbing professional may monitor the water flow from each individual faucet in your home to verify that there are no blockages or other pipe concerns during their monthly maintenance visits.

Cheaper and Easier Cleaning

Your property’s sewer lateral may now be reached directly through the clean out.

In practice, this means that a plumbing professional may monitor the water flow from each individual tap in your home to verify that there are no blockages or other pipe concerns during their routine maintenance visits.

Protects Your Landscaping

If you have a big clog, one advantage that only becomes evident in an emergency situation is the fact that a sewer clean out can assist eliminate the need to dig up your yard in the case of a clog. The sewer lateral, in contrast to many of the pipes within your home, is totally underground and cannot be inspected for wear or damage without digging the area where it is located. The sewer clean out serves as an entry point for your lateral, allowing it to be more readily examined and maintained.

BackflowPrevention

It can also be used as an external drain if a large amount of blockage is encountered. Taking the clean out cap off will allow you to drain the extra water, which will save your property from flooding. When there is an issue with the municipal sewer that is forcing water back up into your lateral, this may also be beneficial.

How to Install a Sewer Clean Out

It is necessary to complete many steps in order to install a clean out. Depending on the circumstances, your local municipality may provide programs to assist with the cost of installation, particularly in situations where a sewer clean out was not previously required by code. Before you begin, make sure you check for any available programs or grants, as well as any necessary permissions or licenses. It is also recommended to get expert assistance if you do not have prior experience splicing or installing sections of pipe in order to prevent making costly blunders.

Choosing a Clean Out Type

The first and most important step before starting any work is to choose the sort of sewer clean out you will be using. There are three alternatives accessible at the present time: Double Clean Out– The double clean out is the most common type of clean out used in contemporary installations. It contains two shafts that link to the lateral pipe in a ‘U’ configuration, making it the most common type of clean out used in modern installations. The cap that is closest to your home allows for simple access to the city end of the lateral, but the cap that is closest to the street allows you to preserve the house end of the lateral (see illustration).

Despite its T design, the test tee clean out provides access to both ends of the lateral, but it can be difficult to use for clearing obstructions owing to a 90 degree angle at the intersection.

Excavation and Installation

A segment of pipe will need to be excavated in order to find your lateral line. This can be accomplished using either conventional hand tools or leased equipment, with caution to avoid damaging the lateral pipe. As soon as you have completely exposed the required area of the pipe, you should measure out the length of pipe that will be removed. The type of cutting equipment you’ll need will depend on the material that your lateral pipe is constructed of. Once the undesirable portion has been removed, you will be able to measure, cut, and install the new junction section in its place.

Most of the time, it’s advisable to put a container box around the top to keep it from being overgrown or buried too quickly.

Professional Cleaning Cost with a Sewer Clean Out

Even while cleaning your own lateral line may appear to be a cost-effective choice, there is always the possibility of causing damage to the pipes. A professional plumber can complete the task more efficiently and at a lower cost if they have access to the sewage system through a sewer clean out. As a result, they use less tools and less effort than if they were required to dig up your yard or snake the lateral from an interior location of your property. With a basic estimate range of $99 to $900 and an overall average of $288, HomeAdvisorgives provides a reliable service.

When it comes to costs, CostHelper gives more specific estimates, with an estimated cost of snaking your lateral ranging from $148 to $900, with an average cost of $410.

Additional costs will include a video examination of the line, which will cost between $100 and $800.

Some plumbing businesses may quote you a fixed charge but then urge you to tack on extra services in order to raise the total cost of the job.

Do You Know about Your Sewer Cleanout – Why it’s Important and How to Locate It?

Sewer cleanouts aren’t something that comes up in regular discussion, but when something goes wrong, they’re a hot topic, aren’t they? In reality, the majority of homeowners aren’t even aware of the existence of their cleanouts, let alone what they perform. Because backed-up waste water in a house is such a horrible thing to think about, let alone experience, we thought we’d walk homeowners through the process of finding and using a sewer cleanout – including why it’s vital and where to look.

1. What is a Sewer Cleanout and how does it work?
2. They are brought together by a major pipe system known as a stack.
3. Things do happen, though, such as jams of a dozen various varieties preventing a pipe from enabling waste water to pass through it, for example.
4. What is the significance of these individuals?
5. In the event that waste water seeps into the flooring and baseboards before being cleaned up, the water will remain there unless it is cleaned quickly by specialists.
6. Furthermore, if the health agency becomes aware of the situation, the homeowner will be punished and ordered to clean up the mess.
7. The presence of a sewage cleanout that does not have a proper cap on it means that those gases might be released into the air around or within the house.

Not all plumbing is up to code, or in other cases is only up to code to the point of passing inspection.

This might result in the cleanout being located in a variety of locations, including on the drain stack in the basement.

Stacks are equipped with a roof exit, where a cleanout might be installed.

In most cases, the pipes will be either cast iron or PVC (plastic) piping, with a cap on top that will be either plastic, brass, or cast iron in construction.

Absolutely.

Second, locate the sewer cleanout that is located outside the home.

If homeowners are able to remove the cap, they will be able to go into the line with a snake and unclog it.

They will be able to open the cap since they will have the appropriate wrenches.

Every day, hundreds of individuals are faced with the task of unclogging their sewer cleanout, but many have no idea where to begin.

On rare occasions, though, you’ll need to know where the sewer cleanout is in order to avoid flooding.

We hope that this explanation has been helpful. Bay Area Plumbing is ready for all of your plumbing requirements 24 hours a day, seven days a week. If you require assistance with a blockage, please do not hesitate to contact us for further information and assistance.

COMMON PROBLEMS — JT’s SEPTIC

Cleaning up sewer lines isn’t something that comes up in regular conversation, but when anything goes wrong, it becomes a topic of discussion. In reality, the majority of homeowners aren’t even aware of the existence of their cleanouts, let alone what they do with their garbage. Given that backed-up waste water in a house is such a terrifying prospect, let alone experience, we decided to walk homeowners through the process of locating a sewer cleanout and explaining why it is necessary. Residents will know what to say to their neighbors if and when they become the subject of common talk.

• Throughout a house, plumbing pipes may be found.
• Afterwards, the sewage is discharged through a drainpipe into the municipal sewer system or into a septic tank.
• Drain cleaning is done with the use of a snake or hydrojetting tool, which dislodges the obstruction and restores the flow of water to the sewage system.
• Aside from being odiferous and unpleasant, waste water poses a threat to human health.
• Those who reside there are exposed to a constant threat to their health.
• Aside from that, hazardous gases accumulate in the pipe system.
• Is it possible to find Sewer Cleanout Pipes?

While the majority of cleanouts take place outside the property, some (particularly in older homes) take place inside.

Many of the pipes leading into the stack are bent in some manner, and using the stack’s cleanout to clear out the clog is preferable than dismantling a whole fixture, such as a toilet, in order to clear it.

Outside the home, a series of cleanouts is installed in a line that runs every 100 feet until it reaches the main sewage line.

Any Other Information You’d Like Us to Have is appreciated.

Start by turning off the water immediately and refraining from using water-consuming appliances such as the washing machine and the toilet.

Remove any grasses, vegetation, dirt, and garbage from the area and keep it free of obstructions at all times.

If the homeowner is unable to open the cap, plumbers may be required to come to the property to assist them.

A long enough snake, as well as a hydrojetting tool, will be available if hydrojetting is required by the customer.

When it comes to plumbing, most people associate the issue with dampness or darkness and wetness.

The following explanation is provided in the hope that it is helpful. We are accessible for all of your plumbing requirements 24 hours a day, seven days a week. If you require assistance with a clog, please do not hesitate to contact us for further information and assistance.

GURGLES

Whenever you flush the toilet, the water gurgles, the toilet takes an unusually long time to flush, or the water in the shower turns brownish after you have done the laundry, you are receiving a subtle indication that trouble is brewing. In order to determine when the tank was last pumped, look through your records and then contact your preferred septic provider for assistance.

ODORS

If you are experiencing unpleasant odors within your home, such as rotten eggs, it is likely that a trap or vent inside your home is not venting correctly. Call your plumber right away since these gases are harmful to both people and animals!

ODORS OUTSIDE IN THE YARD

A trap or vent inside the home that is not venting correctly may be the source of bad odors in the house, such as rotting eggs. Make an appointment with your plumber very once since these gases are harmful to both humans and animals.

SURFACING IN THE YARD

If you notice effluent appearing in your yard, contact your septic service provider immediately. If you see this, it indicates that your leach line has failed and you should get help right away.

HEAVY SOLIDS- OVERDUE FOR PUMPING

Contrary to common perception, you DO need to have your septic tank pumped on a regular basis. Pumping maintenance should be performed on a regular basis, otherwise your system will get overwhelmed with solid waste and eventually cause damage to your leach lines. DON’T MAKE THIS HAPPEN TO YOU! This is an extreme example of a tank that is overflowing. There is sewage flowing from the tank access holes and into the yard!

grease build up in sewer pipes

Fats and grease should never be flushed down the toilet or sink. They have the potential to harden the lines and cause failure; they have the potential to generate an excessive buildup of the floating scum layer in the septic tank; and they have the potential to go into the disposal regions and adjacent soils and completely block the system off. A shattered lid can pose a serious threat to both animals and children. It is conceivable that they will fall through the cracked or broken lids and will not be noticed until it is too late to save themselves.

crushed or settled pipe

This is the second most prevalent problem we notice in septic systems that are less than 10 years old. In addition to blocking flow, loose fill soil surrounding the tank is causing a backup into the house since it is pulling the pipe with it as it settles. We have even observed instances when contractors installing new systems do not correctly pack the fill earth below the pipe, resulting in pipe settlement on systems that have not been utilized or have only been used for a short length of time (see below for an example).

SEWER OUTLET PROGRESSION

When it comes to modern septic systems, this is the most typical issue we encounter. Take note of the fact that the unsupported outlet pipe is being driven down by settling dirt.

Watch as the water level in the tank rises, forcing the flow of water in the inflow sewage line to slow. This will eventually result in a clog in the inflow sewer line at some point. The solids flowing down from the house will not be able to enter the tank correctly because of the high water level.

examples of settled sewer pipes:

INSTALLATION OF A TANK AND/OR REPAIR OF SEWER PIPESTHE “POLY” PIPEIMAGES BELOW PROVIDE AN EXAMPLE OF WHAT PIPENOTTO USES WHEN INSTALLING A TANK AND/OR REPAIR OF SEWER PIPES However, despite the fact that this grade of sewer pipe is less expensive at the time of purchase, it might end up costing you a lot of money in the long run!

settled inlet sewer pipe on unused system:

INSTALLATION OF A TANK AND/OR REPAIR OF SEWER PIPESTHE “POLY” PIPEIMAGES BELOW PROVIDE AN EXAMPLE OF WHAT PIPENOTTO USES WHEN INSTALLING AND/OR REPAIR OF SEWER PIPES. However, despite the fact that this grade of sewer pipe is less expensive at the time of purchase, it might end up costing you a lot more money in the long run.

Roots growing in and around the septic tank:

In addition to disrupting the system by clogging or destroying drainage and distribution lines, tree roots can also enter the tank, causing it to leak. Foul odors, poor drainage, and patches of vegetation in the leach field are just a few of the signs that you may have a root problem.

ERODED BAFFLES

Solids are kept in the septic tank and away from the disposal area with the use of concrete baffles. Using baffles to reduce agitation of wastewater entering the septic tank and prevent particles from escaping the tank and entering the drainfield, baffles can assist avoid drainfield damage and extend the life of the drainfield. If the baffles are broken, missing, or have never been placed, the drainfield’s life expectancy will be reduced significantly. Baffle repair normally entails the placement of a plastic tee at the end of the sewer pipes to prevent them from clogging.

orangeburg sewer pipes

Orangeburg pipe was made in Orangeburg, New York, from 1860 to 1970, and was utilized to plumb numerous septic and wastewater systems throughout Yavapai County during that time period. Orangeburg pipe is produced from rolled tar paper (wood pulp that has been sealed with hot pitch) and was considered a low-cost alternative to metal, particularly after World War II, because of its flexibility and durability. In fact, the pipe itself is so soft that professionals might cut it with a knife during the installation process!

Orangeburg, on the other hand, is known for degrading over time (it has a 50-year lifespan at the most) and deforming when subjected to pressure.

If the septic system is approved, Orangeburg will normally be stated on the permits as the material for the inlet and/or outflow pipe material, respectively.

Clogged Drain or Clogged Septic Tank?

Robs Septicon is the author of this piece. Postings under Uncategorised A blocked septic tank can cause difficulties that are quite similar to those caused by a clogged drain. Knowing the difference between the two might assist you in taking care of your house. Here’s all you need to know about the situation. When a septic tank overflows, why do drains become clogged? The septic tank is a holding tank that is located underground. All of the wastewater from the house flows into the septic tank, which steadily fills up with garbage over time.

• Towards the top of the tank, there is a pipe that flows into the yard, into an area known as the drain field, where the tank is located.
• The dirt filters the water and kills the bacteria that are there.
• It is possible for the septic tank to fill up without any water draining out if the line feeding into the drain field becomes plugged.
• As the water rises via the main line, the capacity of fixtures in the house to drain correctly diminishes.
• The drains will become sluggish if the septic tank is just half blocked, as the water strains to make its way down into the septic tank.
• What Are the Signs of a Septic Tank Clog?
• It might be difficult to detect the difference at times.

Due to the fact that they are the most closely associated with the septic tank, the lower drains in the home will be affected first when the septic tank overflows.

In addition to being more sluggish, they may begin to produce unusual noises, such as gurgling sounds, as they age.

Local clogs often only impact a single fixture or a small number of fixtures that are linked to it.

If all of the other fixtures in the house are operating properly, this is an indicator that there is a blockage in the house rather than in the septic tank itself.

A blockage in a septic tank should not be repaired by someone who has just rudimentary expertise or who lacks the necessary instruments.

In certain cases, you may be able to address the problem yourself if you suspect that the blockage is in the pipe rather than in the septic tank.

Allow for an hour or two for the mixture to settle in the pipe before using it.

Depending on how large the blockage is, this may be sufficient to empty the pipe.

An auger is made out of a long, rigid cable with a pointed, twisting end at the other end.

A plumber may be required if neither of these approaches proves effective in clearing the clog from the drain.

Chemical drain cleaners have the potential to harm beneficial microorganisms in your septic tank, which might lead to another clog in the future.

Clogs in septic tanks can arise for a number of different causes.

Many septic tanks require pumping every three to five years, depending on the size of the tank.

Exactly What Should You Do If You Suspect You Have a Septic Tank Issue?

An inspection by a septic tank firm will allow them to determine whether or not the tank needs to be drained.

Rob’s Septic Tanks, Inc. can provide you with further information on clogs and septic tanks. We’ll be pleased to answer any questions you have and provide you with further information.

Three Warning Signs That Your Sewer Line is Clogged

1) There are clogs in a number of drains. Check the following plumbing fittings for a solution: Is there a gurgling sound coming from all of their drains when the water backs up in them? It’s likely that you have a blockage in your main sewer line. 2) When utilizing plumbing fittings, water might back up in unexpected areas. Carry out the following three steps:

• Ensure that your toilet is flushed. Water is gurgling up your tub or shower drain, is this the case? The water is attempting to exit, but is being prevented from doing so by a blockage in the sewage system. As a result, it returns to the lowest place, which is normally a shower drain
• You may use your washing machine to do this. Is the water in your shower drain or toilet starting to overflow? Once again, this indicates that water is attempting to escape but is being prevented from doing so by a clog, forcing it to flow somewhere else. Run the water in your bathroom sink. Is the water in your toilet bowl bubbling or rising? Most likely, you have a blockage in your sewage system.

3) Drainage is available via the sewer cleanout valve. It’s possible that you’re wondering, “What the heck is a sewer cleanout?” What it is is a white pipe with a rubber cover (or, in older homes, a metal “mushroom” cap) that allows for easy access to the sewage line, allowing obstructions to be removed more quickly. To locate the sewer cleanout, examine around the sides, front, and back of your home, as well as maybe near the shrubs. If your home was constructed prior to 1978, it is possible that you will not have a sewer line cleanout.

If sewer water is rushing up and out of the pipe, or if it is standing in the pipe, you have a clogged sewer line, which proves the problem.

To do so, check for the water shutoff valve, which is often placed in the following location:

• In the basement
• Behind the water heater
• In the garage
• In a water meter box outside your home, near the street

Second, contact a professional plumber who is trained in sewage line cleaning. If a sewage line is clogged, the majority of professional sewer line cleaners will often use a two-step procedure to unclog it:

1. To unclog the sewer cleanout, feed a drain auger (sometimes known as a “plumber’s snake”) through it until it stops clogging. If this does not work, the plumber may try the following: Inspect and determine what needs to be done next by using a fiber optic sewage line camera.

It is possible that the blockage is caused by the incorrect objects being flushed, or that the pipes are too old to manage the volume of traffic (especially if you have company over). Another possibility is that, if you have an older home with mature trees on your property, the roots of the trees have grown into the subterranean pipes, resulting in a backed-up sewer line. Under normal circumstances, it is difficult to determine the responses when a fiber optic sewage line camera is employed.

SEPTIC PROBLEMS THAT CAN MIMIC DRAIN CLOGS

If the improper objects are flushed, or if ancient pipes are unable to manage the volume of traffic, the blockage might be produced (especially if you have company over). Another possibility is that, if you have an older home with large trees on your property, the roots of the trees have grown into the subterranean pipes, resulting in a clog. When a fiber optic sewage line camera is employed, it is frequently difficult to determine the answers.

How to Locate Your Sewer Cleanout in Case of Emergency

The drain cleanout is a direct connection to the main sewage line, which can be found either within or outside the property. If the trap is positioned within the house, it is referred to as the main house trap; if it is located outside of the house, it is referred to as the sewer cleanout. However, despite the little shift in terminology, the purpose of this cleanup remains the same: This addition to the home plumbing system is intended to provide plumbing professionals with an easy-to-access point through which they can reach clogs and sewage backup in the main sewage line that extends from the foundation of the home, under the ground, and out to the municipal sewage system, a private septic tank, or the portion of the main house drain piping downstream of the house trap, among other locations.

Only plumbing specialists should utilize the drain cleanout, but being aware of its presence during an emergency clog or backlog may save valuable time and money in the cleaning and restoration process, potentially saving thousands of dollars.

A drain cleanout pipe is commonly three, four, or six inches in diameter and white or black in color, depending on the manufacturer.

Some residences may also have drainage pipes made of brass or copper, though these are far less common. Keep in mind the type of material used in your sewage system as you follow these easy procedures to locate the main drain or plumbing cleanout valve.

Before You Begin

Before you begin, it’s crucial to understand that the overall placement of the drain cleanout varies based on the environment of the area where you live.

• Houses built to a standard in colder areas will often have drain cleanouts installed within the structure. People who live in colder areas and whose homes were constructed on a slab foundation may find an outside drain cleanout, or they may find it in a bathroom, garage, or utility room
• Therefore, people who live in this sort of property may need to explore both indoors and outdoors. Those in warm regions will often have an external drain cleanout in the yard
• However, homes in colder climates would not.

Materials

• There are drainage pipes running throughout the house, connecting every sink, toilet, and water-using equipment, such as the dishwasher and washing machine. Therefore, discovering a drainage pipe should not be a difficult task. Look for black or white ABS, cast iron, copper, or bronze drainage pipes that lead away from the sink, toilet, or appliance you’re looking to fix or replace. In most cases, following these drainage pipes will lead you to the main sewage line.

Look for a T- or Y-Shaped Pipe Fitting With a Cap or Plug

• Whereas when a drain cleanout is built within the home, it is usually found on the main sewage line, which is positioned immediately before the main line joins the foundation of the structure. Typically, the drain cleanout will be on a T- or Y-shaped pipe fitting, and it will be equipped with a threaded stopper and a square nut. It is also possible that a plastic cap will be placed over this nut. The drain cleanout, on the other hand, is not usually put on the main line. Depending on your location, you may need to check around for a black or white pipe with a threaded plug and an oval nut
• In certain cases, you may need to dig around to discover an additional entry point to the sewage system.

Check Bathrooms, Utility Rooms, and the Garage

• If the sewage cleanout is not located on the main sewer line, you will need to look for it in other areas of the house before determining its position. Take a flashlight with you to help you see better in low-light situations. It is common for the drain cleanout to be located near a collection of drainage pipes, such as in a complete bathroom with drains for the sink, toilet, and shower. Make a visual inspection of each bathroom in the house, searching for a capped ABS plastic drain line in black or white. As a last resort, examine the utility room or garage if you can’t find the drain cleanout where you think you might have put it. Occasionally, present or past owners may have made improvements that concealed the location of the main drain cleanout. As soon as you believe that this is the case, you should contact a plumber who will be able to identify and clear up the drain cleanout without causing more damage to your property.

Test the Drain Cleanout Plug

After locating the drain cleanout, it’s a good idea to test the plug to make sure it hasn’t been seized as a result of lack of usage. Make use of a pipe wrench or a big set of channel locks to tighten the square nut on the drain cleanout plug while wearing disposable gloves. Begin to crank the nut with the wrench in small increments until it is completely loose. After removing any accumulated filth from the threads, replace the plug with a new one. In certain instances, an expanding plug may be used to cover the cleanout, which may be freed by rotating a screw located in the middle of the plug.

Warning

1. As soon as you begin to open the plug and notice water or feel pressure beneath the plug, it’s time to contact a professional. This indicates that the clog in the line has caused the pipe leading outside the home to get clogged. Depending on where you are in the world when you pull the plug, your drainage pit, yard, or house may get flooded by backed-up raw sewage.

Locating Outdoor Drain Cleanouts

• To locate an outside drain cleanout, you will first need to walk to either the septic tank, if your property is on a septic system, or the municipal sewer line, if your property is not on a septic system. It is possible to identify the sewage line by looking for the nearest manhole or by looking for a curb with a huge S stamped into the concrete.

Estimate the Direction of the Drainage Line

• Septic systems will often have the drain cleanout situated near to the residence, in line with the septic tank, in order to save space. Simply go back from the tank and towards the house, keeping an eye out for a plastic pipe protruding from the lawn or garden as you go. Similar to this, the drain cleanout on a municipal wastewater system will normally be located near to the house or other building. This drainage system should be connected to the municipal sewer system
• However, because the actual drainage line is not visible, you will need to follow a broad path around the yard in order to locate the drain cleanout pipe. Typically, the pipe is black or white in color, and it is sealed with a threaded plug that has a square nut on it and is branded S, C.O., or cleanout on the outside. Although, in some cases, this plug is protected by a plastic cap or a metal lid, this is not always the case. With this in mind, look for any things that may be used to cover or house a 3-, 4-, or 6-inch diameter pipe.

Move Lawn Decorations, Foliage, and Other Obstacles

• If you are still unable to identify the drain cleanout, it is possible that it has been accidently covered or intentionally hidden from view. The drain cleanout should be located adjacent to the residence in an area along the main sewer or septic line, which may be identified by the presence of drain pipe clusters in full or partially completed bathrooms. Begin by removing any lawn decorations that are blocking the view of the yard outside of the restrooms, gradually increasing the search area. Always keep in mind that a cleanup might be buried in a garden or hidden by overgrown vegetation. Overgrown grass may also be an issue, so you may wish to cut the lawn to make the hunt for a lost pet a little bit easier on yourself. Occasionally, the sewer cleanout is totally buried in the yard, in which case you will need to make an educated guess as to where the drainage line is coming from and use a long screwdriver to dig approximately 1 inch into the ground, probing for the pipe’s top. Nonetheless, because this approach is mainly trial and error, even with a strong informed estimate, you may want to consider hiring a professional to identify the drain cleanout
• However, this method is not without risks.

Mark and Test the Drain Cleanout

1. After identifying the drain cleanout, mark the site with a metal stake and a brightly colored flag so that you have a fast reference point in the event of an emergency. In addition, the drain cleanout plug should be checked to ensure that it may be removed if necessary. Slowly loosen the nut from the pipe with a pipe wrench or a set of big channel locks to avoid damaging the pipe. In most cases, the nut should be easy to thread out
2. However, if you notice any water or feel pressure in the line, tighten the nut again and contact a plumber to clear the obstruction in the line.

Warning

The house sewage system can be severely damaged by even the most expert do-it-yourselfers. This can result in sewage backing up into the septic system, onto the yard, or even into the house itself. It is possible to save time and effort while also saving possibly thousands of dollars in clean-up and home restoration costs if you only use qualified professional plumbers to remove blockages and perform repairs to the main drainage line and drain cleanout.

How Your Septic System Works

Underground wastewater treatment facilities, known as septic systems, are often employed in rural regions where there are no centralized sewage lines. They clean wastewater from residential plumbing, such as that produced by bathrooms, kitchen drains, and laundry, by combining natural processes with well-established technology. A conventional septic system is comprised of two components: a septic tank and a drainfield, often known as a soil absorption field. It is the septic tank’s job to decompose organic matter and to remove floatable stuff (such as oils and grease) and solids from wastewater.

Alternate treatment systems rely on pumps or gravity to assist septic tank effluent in trickling through a variety of media such as sand, organic matter (e.g., peat and sawdust), constructed wetlands, or other media to remove or neutralize pollutants such as pathogens that cause disease, nitrogen, phosphorus, and other contaminants.

Specifically, this is how a typical conventional septic system works:

1. All of the water that leaves your home drains down a single main drainage pipe and into a septic tank. An underground, water-tight container, often composed of concrete, fiberglass, or polyethylene, serves as a septic system’s holding tank. Its function is to retain wastewater for a long enough period of time to allow particles to sink to the bottom and form sludge, while oil and grease float to the surface and produce scum. Sludge and scum are prevented from exiting the tank and moving into the drainfield region by compartments and a T-shaped outlet. After that, the liquid wastewater (effluent) exits the tank and flows into the drainfield. The drainfield is a shallow, covered hole dug in unsaturated soil that serves as a drainage system. Porous surfaces are used to release pretreated wastewater because they allow the wastewater to pass through the soil and into the groundwater. In the process of percolating through the soil, wastewater is accepted, treated, and dispersed by the soil, finally discharging into groundwater. Finally, if the drainfield becomes overburdened with too much liquid, it can flood, causing sewage to flow to the ground surface or resulting in toilet backups and sink backups. Finally, wastewater percolates into the soil, where it is naturally removed of harmful coliform bacteria, viruses, and nutrients. Coliform bacteria are a kind of bacteria that may be found in the intestines of humans and other warm-blooded animals, with humans being the most common host. As a result of human fecal contamination, it is a sign of this.

The Guadalupe-Blanco River Authority has built an animated, interactive model of how a residential septic system works, which you can view here.

Do you have a septic system?

It’s possible that you’re already aware that you have a septic system. If you are not sure, here are some tell-tale symptoms that you most likely are:

• You make use of well water. In your home, the water pipe that brings water into the house does not have a meter. In the case of a water bill or a property tax bill, you will see “$0.00 Sewer Amount Charged.” It is possible that your neighbors have a septic system

How to find your septic system

The water comes from a well. You do not have a meter on the water pipe that enters your home. Whether it’s on your water bill or your property tax statement, it says “$0.00 Sewer Amount Charged.” You have septic systems in your neighbors’ yards.

• You rely on well water. There is no meter on the water main that leads into your home. You receive a water bill or a property tax statement that states “$0.00 Sewer Amount Charged.” You have septic systems in your neighbors’ yards

Failure symptoms: Mind the signs!

A bad odor is not necessarily the first indicator of a septic system that is failing to work properly. Any of the following signs should prompt you to seek expert assistance:

• Water backing up into the drains of homes and businesses
• It is especially noticeable in dry weather that the drainfield grass is bright green and spongy. The presence of standing water or muddy soil near your septic system or in your basement
• A strong stench emanating from the area surrounding the septic tank and drainfield

8 Signs of Septic System Failure

Septic tanks are an important resource for both homeowners and the surrounding community. Its goal is to store domestic wastewater in an underground chamber where it may be treated at a basic level. They are generally composed of plastic, fiberglass, and concrete and serve as a sewage disposal system for the home or business owner. Sewage can leak underground and move upward in the earth if a septic unit fails, which can cause flooding. Not only may this result in serious plumbing issues, but it can also pose a health threat over time.

If that’s the case, these are the eight indicators of a failing septic system.

1. Septic System Backup

Everything that has to do with plumbing in your home is tied to your septic system. Sewage and wastewater will no longer be able to enter the tank if your septic system malfunctions or becomes overburdened. Instead, it will remain in the pipes until it begins to rise to the surface again. Sewage and wastewater back up into sinks, drains, and even into your toilet as a result of this condition. A clogged septic tank is the most obvious indicator of a failing system. You should contact a qualified plumber as soon as you discover this symptom to get it repaired.

2. Slow Drains

Slow drainage might also be caused by a clogged septic tank. For example, if a septic tank is completely filled, it will no longer actively collect wastewater from the ground. This implies that your pipes will become blocked with sewage and will be unable to drain your plumbing appliances properly. Your drains will become naturally sluggish in draining water or other liquids, as a result of this phenomenon. Even if you utilize the best gear available to unclog your drain, you will not be successful since the fundamental problem is located in the septic tank.

3. Gurgling Sounds

When using plumbing appliances, you should also be on the lookout for any unusual sounds that may occur. For example, if you flush your toilet and hear strange gurgling sounds, you should call a plumber right once to assess the situation. Toilets generally emit water-related sounds that subside once the flushing cycle is completed. If, on the other hand, you hear sounds that sound like an upset stomach, you may have a serious problem. If you are hearing gurgling noises coming from your drains, the same logic applies.

4. Pool of Water or Dampness Near Drainfield

It is no longer possible to absorb wastewater in a septic tank when it is damaged or fails. This indicates that wastewater will naturally seep out of the earth as a result of the groundwater table. It has the potential to create a significant pool of wastewater near the drain field, as well as cause dampness in the same area. These are the most obvious indications of a failing septic system, and they should not be ignored. A pool of water near the drainfield will often appear as if it has been raining on your lawn for an extended period of time.

Dampness near your drainfield, especially if it hasn’t rained in several days, should be taken seriously. If you have reason to believe that your septic tank is full or broken, make a point of actively looking for these signs.

5. Nasty Odors

One such tell-tale indicator of a failing septic system is the development of foul odors near the drainfield and plumbing equipment. If you notice strong and nasty scents when you walk outdoors and tread onto your grass, it is possible that your septic tank has failed. If the bad aromas emanating from your house are the same as those emanating from the office, you can reach a similar conclusion. It is likely that sewage has entered your home through the drainfield and into your main drain line, resulting in these foul odors.

6. Unusual, Bright Green Grass Above Drainfield

Have you ever seen people applying mulch, fertilizers, and manure to their lawns in order to encourage it to grow more quickly? It is possible that sewage has the same features as manure, namely that it contains nutrients such as nitrogen, potassium, phosphorus, and micronutrients that plants can use to thrive. When you see exceptionally green grass near your drainfield, it is likely that wastewater is leaking into your lawn from the drainfield itself. Due to the fact that grass is naturally green, identifying this symptom might be difficult.

Pay close attention to your drainfield in order to identify this problem before it becomes too serious.

7. Blooms of Algae in Nearby Water

If you live near a body of water, such as a lake or pond, keep an eye out for unexpected algal blooms that appear out of nowhere. Due to the fact that most individuals regard the appearance of algae to be a regular occurrence, diagnosing this symptom can also be difficult. Algal blooms, on the other hand, occur when a huge concentration of algae forms in a body of water. They appear to be artificial and to be the result of excessive algal contamination in the water. When wastewater is present, it might lead to the growth of algae that is aberrant.

8. High Levels of Coliform in Water Well

A neighboring water well may also be able to identify abnormal amounts of coliform bacteria as well as high quantities of nitrogen dioxide (nitrogen dioxide). However, if your septic system fails, the water in your well will get contaminated with bacteria and harsh chemicals by effluent from the surrounding area. Give Us a Call Right Now! Any problems with your septic tank now occupy your thoughts? If this is the case, please contact us at (941) 721-4645 to talk with a member of our staff. You may also learn more about our septic services by visiting this page.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Do you have any other queries concerning septic systems? Please let us know. If this is the case, you may find a comprehensive list of FAQs farther down on this page.

How much do septic system repair services cost?

• A septic system repair service might cost anywhere from $500 to $2,000 in labor and materials. The ultimate cost is determined by the extent of the task, the number of hours worked, and other factors.

Can a septic drainfield be repaired?

• Even though there is no quick remedy for drainfield repair, it is achievable if you employ an expert plumber or septic system specialist.

How often do septic systems need to be replaced?

• Septic systems may endure for more than 40 years if they are properly maintained. Every three years, the average septic tank should be examined and pumped out in order to avoid long-term problems and septic system failure.

What are drain cleanouts and why do you need them?

Drains in your house can become clogged for a variety of reasons. Roots, feminine hygiene items, and even toys have been known to make their way down the drain and cause a clogging. If your property is equipped with drain cleanouts, a plumber will have a simpler time unclogging the drain.

What is a drain cleanout?

A drain cleanout, which is positioned outside of your property in either the front or back yard, allows you to get access to your main sewer line. The majority of the time, cleanouts go overlooked until there is an issue. They have the appearance of capped pipes that protrude a few inches above the ground. When you have a clogged drain in your house, a plumber can use a special camera to pinpoint the source of the problem by running it through the cleanouts and into the main sewer drain. Occasionally, this is essential if they are having difficulty eliminating the obstruction or if you are experiencing recurrent issues.

After the plumber has determined the nature and location of the clog, he or she may select the appropriate size cutting blade to remove the obstruction. After the procedure is completed, he will run the camera through the drain line one more to ensure that the blockage has been entirely removed.

But what if I don’t have a drain cleanout?

Backups may still be cleared even if you do not have drain cleanouts, however it may be more difficult in some cases. In this circumstance, the plumber has two options: he may either reach the sewage line from the ceiling or from within the toilet. Unfortunately, neither of these approaches is as successful as entering through a cleanout procedure.

Option1: Remove the clog from the roof

The sewer line may be accessible from the roof, but due to the numerous curves in the pipes, it is impossible to pass a camera through it. It is common that the camera or drain equipment cannot reach the main sewer line, and hence the backlog cannot be cleared. Another issue is that it is potentially more harmful. It can also be dangerous for plumbers, especially during the winter or in inclement weather conditions. There are occasions when our plumbers are unable to work on the roof due to safety concerns.

Option2: Remove toilet

If you don’t have cleanouts, it’s possible that removing the toilet is your only choice. In addition to raising the expense of labor, this raises the danger of harm to the toilet itself. After the toilet has been removed, the plumber will be able to utilize a drain machine to clear the obstruction. However, because the pipes beneath the toilet are smaller, it is possible that the clog will not be cleared completely. Both of these methods are less efficient in unclogging clogged drains. Because you do not know what created the blockage, you may continue to experience issues and need to do regular backups.

Most of the time, plumbers cannot provide warranty coverage for their services if they are unable to resolve drain problems with cleanouts.

So what is the solution?

Every home is different, and there are a variety of considerations to consider when determining whether or not to install cleanouts. TLC’s qualified plumbers can examine your plumbing requirements and assist you in determining whether this is the best solution for you. Overall, cleanouts are a fantastic alternative because of the following factors:

Prevents frequent drain problems

You want to avoid blockages rather than having to clean them up afterwards. Drain cleaning allows the plumber to determine exactly what is causing the problem and provide recommendations to prevent it from occurring again in the future. Other problems that you are not aware of can be identified early and dealt with before they become crises.

Warranty

This sort of maintenance is covered by a guarantee from TLC if a cleanout has been performed. You may be confident that the task will be completed accurately.

Drain specific cleanouts

Alternatively, if a single drain continues to provide difficulties, you may choose to install a cleanout that is specialized to that drain. Many new homes come pre-equipped with these features; however, the majority of older homes do not. When you use drain specific cleanouts, you can make repairs much more quickly.

May increase home resell value if buyers request a drain inspection

Because it is so simple to put a camera through a cleanout pipe, cleanouts make house inspections more convenient.

It provides a potential buyer with piece of mind regarding the condition of the plumbing systems in the home. Drain cleaning can also help to reduce the expense of future drain repairs.

What’s the bottom line?

Drain cleanouts make it easier to unclog clogged drains and sewer lines. It also makes it simpler to detect issues with your drain line, which goes from your home to the sewer or septic tank. You will have a clear understanding of the problem and how to avoid it in the future if it occurs again. If you’d like to learn more, get in touch with TLC Plumbing Company right away. Ralph Gutierrez is an American businessman and philanthropist. Ralph is in charge of our drainage department. He has been employed with TLC for nine years and is a licensed plumber in the state of California.