What Is a Sewer Cleanout and Why You Need One

A cleanout is a capped access to the sewer lateral. Without one, clearing a main-line clog means pulling a toilet or cutting into pipe.

Common causes

• Older home with no exterior cleanout
• Buried or paved-over cleanout
• Interior cleanout only — hard to access
• No accessible point for camera work

Step-by-step

1. 01Locate the main lateral run — usually via the basement floor cleanout
2. 02Add an exterior cleanout in the yard near the foundation
3. 03Install a code-compliant cap and marker
4. 04Photograph and mark on a house diagram

When to call Northbridge

• No accessible cleanout at all
• Existing cleanout is buried or damaged
• Camera work is planned and needs a clear access
• Selling the house — inspectors flag this