Finding Your Cleanout
It’s not surprising that many people respond with a blank expression and shrug of shoulders when asked where the cleanout is, in fact, a common reply to that question is “The What?”
Luckily, here at Next Level Plumbing we happen to know just what the cleanout is, what it’s for, and beyond that how to help repair your plumbing problem by using it!
Please keep reading to check out our very helpful “Hide & Seek” informative blog to Finding Your Cleanout!
*The cleanout for your house is an important part of the plumbing system. Unfortunately in our area (Sarasota, Venice, & Manatee Counties) it is often hidden. This means that in addition to doing the work, the plumber will need to locate it as well.*
What is a cleanout?
It is a fitting in the drainage pipe that allows the plumber to run a snake down the drain.
Why is this important?
Most of the time in a whole house stoppage the most thorough drain cleaning job is done through the cleanout. Other methods can work like pulling the toilet, or getting on the roof, but these can incur extra costs that are avoided by using the cleanout.
Why are they so often hidden in the Sarasota/Bradenton area?
That is a really good question, and one we really don’t know the answer to. Nowadays code requires plumbers to install them above ground so they are visible, but that wasn’t always the case. Because of this, many are buried outside.
So how can you find them if they are buried?
Plumbers can look at the layout of the house and sometimes that will give them a clue as to where to look, but sometimes they have to run a camera or a snake to find it.
How can you find it yourself?
Some cleanouts are very difficult to find, but some you may be able to locate with a little effort.
Here’s what to look for…
Often times the cleanout was installed above ground outside, but the landscapers then mulched around the house and covered it. If you are pruning your bushes around your house and see a white pipe with a cap on it that is about 4” in diameter, you’ve found your cleanout.
In traditional Floridian houses they will be outside within 3’ of the edge of the house. This is why they are so often hidden by the bushes.
If you are installing landscaping around your house and while digging find a metal pipe about 4”, that is the drain pipe and the cleanout is right there or within a foot or two. It is best to note that spot, or leave it open and have a plumber come out and install a cleanout above the ground.
If you have a septic tank, often the cleanout will be directly in line between the center of the tank and the house.
Finding your cleanout is sometimes easy, and sometimes a lot of work. If you walk around your house and look for a 4” white pipe coming up out of the ground with a cap, you have found it. Look under bushes and spread the mulch around to find it.
If you’re unable to locate your home’s cleanout, the plumber can always end up finding it.
Hopefully this edition of Hide & Seek has been helpful to you!
As always, don’t hesitate to give us a call or text at 941-504-3578! Whether it’s a last minute emergency, or something you want to schedule to be done later in the year, we’ll be more than happy to help you with any plumbing problems you may have!
The post Hide & Seek: Plumbing Edition- The Cleanout appeared first on Next Level Plumbing.
source https://nextlevelplumbingllc.com/hide-seek-plumbing-edition-the-cleanout/
No comments:
Post a Comment