Let’s face it: plumbing problems are a hassle. You’re trying to get dinner ready, the kids are getting ready for bed, and suddenly, the sink’s backed up. Or worse, you’ve got that dreaded sewage smell creeping up from the drains. It’s stressful, to say the least. You’re a homeowner in Scottsdale, and you’ve got enough on your plate without worrying about where the gunk in your pipes is going.
At Instant Plumbing and Rooter, we’ve been helping folks in Glendale, Phoenix, Scottsdale, Peoria, Mesa, Tempe, Chandler, and all around the Valley since 2001. We’re not some big, impersonal corporation. We’re your neighbors, here to give it to you straight and get your plumbing flowing smoothly again. And we know drains and sewers. They’re not exactly the most glamorous part of your house, but understanding them can save you a lot of headaches.
So, let’s break down what cleanouts are, why they’re important, and how they relate to your Scottsdale home.
What Are Plumbing Cleanouts and Why Do You Need Them?
Think of your plumbing system as a road network. You’ve got the main highway (the main sewer line) and all the smaller streets branching off (the drain lines from your sinks, toilets, showers etc.). Now, imagine what happens when there’s a traffic jam. You need access points to clear the blockage, right? If you have a swimming pool, you will need to drain and refill every so often, so the cleanouts is where you would do this. That’s what cleanouts are for.
Cleanout Definition and Purpose
A cleanout is a small, capped pipe that provides access to your drain lines. It’s a place where a plumber can insert a tool (like a snake or a camera) to clear a clog or inspect the pipes without having to tear apart your walls.
The Role of Vents in Your Sewer System
Before we dive deeper, it’s important to mention vents. You see those pipes sticking out of your roof? Those are vents. They’re not cleanouts. Their job is to let air into your drain system. This might seem weird, but it’s crucial.
Imagine drinking from a juice box. If you try to suck all the juice out at once, it collapses. That’s because you need to let air in to replace the liquid. The same goes for your drains. Vents allow air to flow in, preventing suction that could slow down or even stop your drains from working.
Cleanouts are for access, vents are for airflow. Got it? Good.
Types of Plumbing Cleanouts: Branch Lines vs. Main Lines
Now, let’s talk about where you’ll find these access points.
Branch Line Cleanouts
These cleanouts are for the smaller “streets” in your plumbing network – the drain lines that serve individual fixtures.
- Location: They’re usually inside your walls or under your floors, close to things like your kitchen sink, bathroom sink, shower or washing machine.
- Challenge: In older Scottsdale homes, especially those built before the 1980s, these branch line cleanouts might not even exist. This can make clearing clogs a real pain, as plumbers might have to remove parts of your plumbing (and some drywall) to get access.
Main Sewer Line Cleanouts
These cleanouts are for the “main highway” – the big pipe that carries all the wastewater from your house to the city sewer.
- Location: They’re typically outside your house, near the foundation. The exact spot depends on where your sewer line runs. In Scottsdale, where homes are often built on slabs, these cleanouts are usually easier to spot (if someone did not do new landscaping in the yard and bury them).
- Variations: You might find them in the front yard, the backyard or even in the side yard.
Locating Your Cleanouts in Scottsdale: A Practical Guide
Okay, so how do you actually find these things?
Where to Look: Inside and Outside Your Home
- Outside:
- Walk around the foundation of your house. Look for a short, black or white pipe sticking up a few inches out of the ground (usually 2 pipes/caps). It will have a cap on it.
- Check near your property line, as that’s sometimes where the connection to the city sewer is.
- If you have a septic system, the cleanout will be a bit different and might be near the septic tank.
- Check your neighbors home, see where their cleanouts are.
- Inside:
- Look under sinks, especially in the cabinet closest to the wall.
- Check behind access panels in your bathroom walls.
- In older homes, they might be in the basement or crawl space (if you have them).
- Check the exterior wall behind the bathroom sink or kitchen sink.
Dealing with Hidden or Buried Cleanouts
Scottsdale has a mix of old and newer homes and sometimes these cleanouts get lost over time. Here’s why and what to do:
- Landscaping: New landscaping, like adding pavers or raised garden beds, can accidentally cover up a cleanout.
- Construction: Remodeling or additions can also bury cleanouts.
- What to do:
- If you suspect you have one but can’t find it, a plumber with a pipe locator can help.
- If you’re planning landscaping, make sure you know where your cleanouts are to avoid covering them up.
Maintaining Clear Access to Your Cleanouts
So, you’ve found your cleanouts. Great! Now, let’s keep them accessible.
Why Accessibility Matters
Imagine you have a bad clog, and the plumber has to spend an hour digging around in your yard to find the cleanout. That’s time and money wasted. Clear access means faster, cheaper service.
Preventing Damage During Landscaping
- Mark Them: If they’re near flowerbeds or other landscaping, mark their location with a flag or stake.
- Don’t Bury Them: When adding soil or rock, don’t cover the cleanout.
- Protect Them: Be careful when using lawnmowers or other equipment near cleanouts.
When to Use Cleanouts (and When to Call a Plumber)
Finally, let’s talk about when these cleanouts actually come into play.
Recognizing a Sewer Line Blockage
- Slow Drains: This is a big one. If multiple drains are draining slowly, it’s a sign of a main line clog.
- Gurgling Toilets: Toilets making weird noises? That’s not a good sign.
- Sewage Backup: This is the worst-case scenario. If sewage is coming up your drains, you have a serious problem.
Using Cleanouts for DIY Snaking (With Caution)
You can try using a plumbing snake yourself and the cleanout is the easiest place to do it. But be careful to Wear Gloves: Sewage is gross. Go Slow: Don’t force the snake. If You Can’t Get It: Don’t keep trying. You could make things worse or get the snake stuck.
When Professional Help is Necessary
Seriously, call a plumber if:
- You’re not comfortable with DIY.
- The snake doesn’t work.
- You suspect a serious problem (like roots in your pipes).
Cleanout Installation: New Construction and Retrofitting
What if you don’t have a cleanout where you need one?
Cleanout Placement for New Builds
If you’re building a new home, work with your plumber to plan cleanout locations. They should be:
- Easily accessible.
- Placed to allow access to different sections of the sewer line.
Adding Cleanouts to Older Homes
It’s possible to add cleanouts to older homes, but it’s a bigger job. It involves cutting into your plumbing lines and walls.
Scottsdale Plumbing Codes and Cleanout Requirements
Scottsdale has specific plumbing codes that dictate where cleanouts must be located and how they must be installed. This is important for:
Understanding Local Codes
- Ensuring your plumbing is up to standard.
- Avoiding problems with city inspections.
Ensuring Compliance During Renovations
If you’re remodeling, make sure your plumber is familiar with local codes to avoid issues.
Choosing a Scottsdale Plumber for Cleanout Services
If you need help with cleanouts (finding them, clearing them, installing them), choose Instant Plumbing and Rooter!
Importance of Local Expertise
A local plumber will be familiar with:
- Common soil conditions that can affect pipes in Scottsdale.
- Typical plumbing layouts in Scottsdale homes.
- Scottsdale plumbing codes.
Plumbing Cleanouts: Essential for a Healthy Home in Scottsdale
Cleanouts might not be the most exciting part of your house, but they’re critical for keeping your plumbing sewer and drain system running smoothly. Knowing what they are, where they are and how to use them can save you time, money and stress.
And remember, Instant Plumbing and Rooter is always here to help with any plumbing concerns you have, from simple clogs to complex repairs. We’re your local plumbing experts and we’re committed to keeping your home healthy and happy.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Why are cleanouts important for my Scottsdale home?
A: They provide access to your sewer lines for cleaning and inspection, saving you from costly and invasive plumbing work.
Q: Where are my main sewer line cleanouts typically located?
A: Outside, near your foundation, either in the front or back yard, depending on where your sewer line runs.
Q: How do I know if my cleanout is buried?
A: Look for a short pipe with a cap sticking up slightly. If you can’t find it, a plumber with a pipe locator can help. Also, check out your neighbors home and see if you can see theirs to help you locate the ones for your home.
Q: Can I use a garden hose to clean out my sewer line through the cleanout?
A: No, this is not recommended. You need specialized tools like a plumbing snake or hydro-jetter.
Q: When should I call a plumber for a clogged sewer line?
A: If you experience slow drains in multiple fixtures, gurgling toilets or sewage backing up into your shower, call a plumber immediately.
