Understanding Your Sewer Cleanout: Where It Is and How It’s Used

The sink won’t drain. The toilet’s backing up. Water’s starting to rise where it shouldn’t.

You call a plumber, and after hearing what’s going on, the first question they ask is:

“Do you know where your cleanout is?”

If you’re like most homeowners in Murrieta, Temecula, Lake Elsinore, Menifee, or Wildomar, you might pause. You’ve heard the term before, maybe even seen a capped pipe in your yard or garage, but right now you’re in a plumbing crisis and unsure how to answer.

That moment matters. A cleanout can be the difference between a quick fix and a long, expensive mess. Whether you own your home or manage a rental property, knowing where your cleanout is and what it does can save time, money, and serious damage when sewer problems strike.

What Is a Sewer Cleanout?

A sewer cleanout is a capped access point that connects directly to your main sewer line. It gives your plumber a way to inspect, clean, or repair the sewer line without needing to go through a toilet or indoor drain.

Cleanouts are typically made of black ABS or white PVC plastic and measure 3 to 4 inches in diameter. Most have a threaded cap on top that can be removed with a wrench.

Why Southern California Homes Need Cleanouts

In many areas of Riverside County, homes built before 1980 may have clay or cast iron sewer lines. These materials are prone to root intrusion, corrosion, and cracking.

Without a cleanout, accessing and fixing these issues becomes much harder. Your plumber may need to remove toilets, go through roof vents, or cut into flooring to reach the sewer line.

Today, local plumbing codes often require a visible, accessible cleanout on homes where sewer line work is performed. If you’re preparing to sell a home in Murrieta or Menifee, the absence of a cleanout can delay inspections and repairs.

Where Is the Sewer Cleanout Located?

Location varies based on the home’s age and construction. Some common places include:

• Front yard, close to the foundation
• Side yard near bathrooms or kitchens
• Property line near sidewalk or street
• Garage or laundry area in newer homes
• Flush with landscaping or under decorative cover

In Southern California, climate also plays a role. Warmer climates like ours often allow for cleanouts to be installed outdoors and exposed, flush with the ground or raised a few inches. In colder regions, cleanouts are more likely to be located indoors or protected in crawlspaces to avoid freezing.

If you cannot locate your cleanout, a sewer camera inspection can help.

What Does It Do?

The cleanout allows direct access to your main sewer line, making it faster and safer to:

• Use a drain snake or auger to remove clogs
• Perform hydro jetting to clear grease and roots
• Run a camera to inspect damage or blockages
• Identify whether the clog is in the house or street side of the line

Without this access point, resolving these issues may take significantly longer and cost much more.

What If You Don’t Have One?

Homes without a cleanout often require plumbers to use more invasive methods, such as:

• Pulling a toilet
• Accessing through a rooftop vent
• Cutting into drywall
• Digging up the yard without knowing the exact line location

These alternatives take more time, may cost more in labor, and carry higher risk of damage to your home.

Should You Open It Yourself?

It’s not recommended. If there is pressure buildup behind a blockage, opening the cleanout can release sewage and create a hazardous situation. It is safer to let a licensed plumber open it and evaluate the blockage using the correct tools and PPE.

Do Rental Properties Need Cleanouts?

Yes, and property managers should prioritize making them accessible. Especially in older neighborhoods like Lake Elsinore and Wildomar, many homes were built before modern plumbing codes required them.

Cleanouts on rentals help:

• Minimize repair time for clogs
• Reduce costs for after-hours calls
• Avoid tenant complaints related to backup or delays
• Pass inspections during property sale or refinancing

When to Upgrade or Install a Cleanout

You should consider installing or updating your cleanout if:

• The cap is missing, cracked, or damaged
• The cleanout is buried and hard to access
• The original line is made of clay or cast iron
• You’ve had more than one backup in the last 12 months
• You plan to renovate or upgrade your plumbing

We often recommend installing a two-way cleanout so that plumbers can service both directions of the line without digging again later.

Can’t Find Yours?

If you’ve searched your yard, garage, and landscape and still can’t find it, call us. We use pipe locating and camera inspection tools to pinpoint the cleanout or verify whether one exists at all.

Our team can also recommend and install a new cleanout if your property needs it.

Related Services to Keep in Mind

If your sewer line is acting up, there’s a good chance you’ll need one or more of the following services:

• Drain Cleaning: Clears basic clogs and restores flow
• Camera Inspection: Detects breaks, roots, or buildup in the line
• Hydro Jetting: Uses high-pressure water to scrub the inside of your pipes clean
• Pipe Repair: Fixes broken or shifted lines

All of these become easier, faster, and more affordable when a working cleanout is already in place.

FAQs

Where is my sewer cleanout usually located?

In Southern California, most cleanouts are found in the front yard, along the side of the house, or in the garage for newer builds.

Can my home have more than one cleanout?

Yes. Some homes have multiple cleanouts, especially if they have a guest house or separate sewer branches.

Do city sewer systems maintain cleanouts?

No. The cleanout on your property is your responsibility, not the city’s.

Is it required for selling a home?

In some cities, yes. Many local jurisdictions require a visible, working cleanout to pass final sewer inspection before a home can change ownership.

Need Help Locating or Installing a Sewer Cleanout?

Canyon Hills Plumbing serves homeowners and property managers across Murrieta, Temecula, Menifee, Lake Elsinore, and Wildomar. If you’re unsure where your cleanout is or need one installed, our team can help.

We offer expert diagnosis, code-compliant installation, and full-service sewer line support to keep your property protected.

Schedule your inspection today or call now to speak with a plumber.