Cleanout Installation
Bay Area's #1 Choice

A cleanout is a capped pipe located along your main sewer line that provides direct access for plumbing snakes and hydro-jetting equipment. Without an accessible cleanout, technicians may have to remove a toilet or climb onto your roof to clear a blockage, which is less effective and more time-consuming.

Most cleanouts are located just outside the foundation of the house, often near a bathroom or the kitchen. They can also be found at the property line near the street. If you cannot find one, it may be buried under landscaping, or your home might have been built before they were a standard requirement.

If you experience frequent sewage backups or "gurgling" sounds in your drains, and your plumber tells you they cannot reach the blockage with standard tools, you likely need a cleanout. It is also a vital upgrade if you have older clay pipes that require annual root maintenance.

A standard installation typically takes 4 to 6 hours. This involves excavating a small area down to the main sewer line, cutting out a section of the pipe, and installing a "two-way" sanitary tee fitting that allows us to clear blockages moving both toward the house and toward the street.

A one-way cleanout only allows a plumbing snake to move in one direction (usually toward the city main). A two-way cleanout has two access points, allowing us to clear clogs that are stuck right under the house as well as those further down the line toward the municipal sewer.

A sewer camera requires a clear, straight entry point to navigate the line without getting stuck in tight bends. A cleanout provides the "landing pad" for the camera, ensuring we can see the full internal condition of your pipes, including cracks, offsets, or root intrusions.

Yes. We use localized excavation to reach the pipe. In most cases, the "footprint" of the job is limited to a hole about 3 feet wide. Once the pipe is installed and the cap is fitted at ground level, we backfill and level the soil to minimize the impact on your landscaping.

Yes. Since this involves a modification to the main sewer line, most local building departments require a permit. This ensures the fitting is the correct size and the depth is appropriate for your area’s soil and frost conditions. We handle the permit and inspection process as part of the service.

While a cleanout doesn't stop a clog from forming, it makes clearing the clog much faster and more thorough. It also allows for "hydro-jetting," which uses high-pressure water to scrub the inside of your pipes.

Yes. A main line backup is a health hazard and a plumbing emergency. We provide 24/7 response to locate your cleanout, clear the blockage, and provide a plan for an immediate installation to prevent future overflows into your home.