Plumbing Cleanout Requirements: Important Guide for All

It’s essential to know how to meet Plumbing Cleanout Requirements so that they are safe, effective, and easy to get to. If you want to make changes to your home or like to do things yourself, this article has everything you need to know, from code standards to the best ways to make things accessible.

What are Plumbing Cleanouts?

A plumbing cleanout is a hole in the drain or sewer line with a cap or plug that can be taken off. This lets plumbers get to clogs and clear them out without having to dig or take down walls.

1. Code-Based Requirements for Cleanouts

International Plumbing Code (IPC)

According to IPC Section 708:

• There must be a cleanout at the top of horizontal sewage lines and at least one every 100 feet of pipe.
• There has to be a cleanout at the bottom of every pile of trash or dirt.
• When the direction shifts by over 45° or when the building drain connects with the building sewer, additional cleanouts are required.
• Cleanouts should be easily accessible and not concealed indefinitely. (Home Improvement Stack Exchange)

International Residential Code (IRC)

IRC stipulates:

• There must be cleanouts every 100 feet or so for horizontal drains.

Uniform Plumbing Code (UPC)

UPC mandates:

• Cleanouts should be made from allowed materials and be made so that they don’t let water or gas in or out.
• Placement rules are similar to IPC in that they stress breaks, changes in direction, and ease of access.

Practice & Exceptions

• If a line is less than 5 feet and not feeding a device like a urinal, it may not need to be cleaned out.
• If it’s close to the sewer connection, a two-way cleanout can be used instead of an upper terminal cleanout.
• Cleanouts in hard-to-reach places like slabs and spots under floors need to be extended so they can be reached.

2. Why These Requirements Matter

• Maintenance Readiness: When cleanouts are placed correctly, they make it easy to snake out jams.
• Health & Safety: If you don’t have the correct entry, sewer gases can get into your house. (The Spruce)
• Compliance & Inspection: Code violations can happen during exams if cleanouts are lost or not in the right place.

3. Typical Cleanout Locations in a Home

• At the bottom of piles of dirt close to foundations
• Along horizontal drain and vent runs
• Where the house drain meets the sewer
• Near places where fixtures can fall, especially when updating bathrooms or kitchens
• Cleanouts outside, usually near the base or yard for sewer main lines (Bardi)

4. DIY Inspection Checklist

1. Cleanouts can be found in yards, basements, or utility rooms.
2. Make sure there is enough space between entry places. Horizontal runs shouldn’t go over 100 feet.
3. Cleanouts shouldn’t be hidden or blocked off; they should be straightforward and easy to get to.
4. If the direction moves more than 45°, there needs to be a cleanout close for each one.
5. Make sure there is a cleanout where the drain and pipe meet.
6. Replace caps that are broken or rusted with approved ones that are gas-tight.

5. Real-World Scenario

Along a 115-foot run with 90° turns, one homeowner asked about cleanouts. According to the code (IPC 708.3.3), every change of angle greater than 45° needs cleaning. However, you can sometimes combine straight pieces that add up to no more than 40 feet, which cuts down on the number of cleanouts that are needed.

Conclusion

Following the rules for Plumbing Cleanout Requirements your home safe from clogs, health risks, and code violations. When updating or checking out current plumbing, make sure that the cleanouts are in the right place, easy to reach, and in line with the rules. A little care now will save you a lot of trouble (and fixes) later on.

8. FAQs

Q1: Are cleanouts required for small drain segments?

Only if the service pieces are longer than 5 feet, this isn’t always necessary.

Q2: Can a two-way cleanout replace an upper terminal cleanout?

Yes, if it is put in the right place near where the building drain meets the sewer.

Q3: What clearance do cleanouts require?

For pipes under 6 inches, a minimum clearance of 18 inches is required; for bigger lines, 36 inches may be needed.