Cleanout

A cleanout is a plumbing access point on a drainage or sewer line that allows removal of blockages and periodic maintenance. It is typically a capped or threaded fitting that can be opened to insert a drain snake or mechanical auger.

In many buildings the cleanout is located on the main sewer line near the foundation, in basements, or at changes in pipe direction. Codes often require cleanouts at set intervals or at transitions, with specific size, location, and accessibility requirements. The purpose is to provide a direct path to the line for clearing jams without invasive digging.

Common types include exterior ground-level cleanouts with a removable cap, interior floor cleanouts that sit at the base of a vertical drain, and wall or stack cleanouts where the line passes through a wall or floor. The fitting can be made of plastic (PVC or ABS) or metal and may have a threaded or square-drive cap.

Maintenance and installation: cleanouts should be installed by qualified plumbers. The cap must be kept accessible and protected from damage. Regular inspection for corrosion, leaks, or debris is recommended. Avoid using chemical drain cleaners through the cleanout because they may damage pipes or create fumes; if the blockage persists, professional service is advised.

Note: the term cleanout can also appear in non-plumbing contexts to describe the act of removing items from a space or collection, but in plumbing it refers to the access point used to clear drains.