Have you ever wondered how you can locate the sewer clean out pipe? This is something that most any homeowner will want to know how to do at some point because of how crucial they are to the homes plumbing system. The only problem is that sometimes these pipes are not as easy to spot as you would hope them to be. In their simplest forms, they look like a circle with a square knob on top. Many homes have hidden clean outs which make finding them a job for a qualified plumber. Note that if your home was built prior to 1978, your home most likely does not have a clean out. If your home is newer, go outside and look both in front of and in back of your home. Look for an object as described above.
If you do not see a clean out pipe immediately, it could be hidden underneath bushes or other plants. You could take a rake and gently push it around and underneath bushes to try and feel for its top. In a lot of cases, this is the trick to locating a hidden clean out. If, after carefully looking for your sewer clean out, you still cannot find it, contact a local plumber for help. If you live in a townhouse, you will want to use a different technique for finding this pipe. First, ask a neighbor if they know where their sewer clean out is. If they do, see for yourself where it is. Then, go back to your townhome and look for it in a similar area.
Again, these are not always clearly visible, so you might need to feel around for it using a rake or other object. Be careful not to poke anything underground as you could interfere with a cable or utility line. In some homes, it is possible to locate the pipe by following the sewer line from your kitchen or bathroom. You might be able to see where it enters the slab or comes out of the wall. Sewer clean outs are often capped in white PVC but they can also be rusted from years of exposure to the elements if they are made of cast iron. If all else fails, always contact a local plumber for help. They have the right equipment for finding a clean out pipe for you and make sure the job is done properly.
