Drain and Sewer Pipe Cleanouts | Home Owners Network

Cleanout Locations and Spacing1. Install a clean-out in every horizontal drain pipe so that the distance between clean-outs is not more than () 100 feet, measured along the length of the pipe. Install at least () one clean-out for every horizontal drain pipe regardless of length of the drain pipe. This provision applies to the building drain, building sewer, and horizontal branch drains.2. Install a clean-out near the junction of the building drain and the building sewer. You may install this clean-out inside or outside the building. Make this clean out accessible at the lowest floor level inside or at grade level outside. You may install this clean-out in at least () a 3 inch diameter soil stack if the clean-out fitting is not more than () 10 feet from the building drain connection to the building sewer. Measure the 10 feet along the developed length of the pipe from the clean-outfitting to the building drain and sewer junction.3. Install a clean-out near the base of every vertical waste or soil stack. You may install this clean-out in the vertical stack or in the horizontal drain pipe.4. Install a clean-out at every change of pipe direction of more than (>) 45 degrees when the direction change uses one fitting. You do not need to install a clean-out if the change in pipe direction uses two or more fittings. When multiple direction changes occur in one pipe run, only one clean-out is required spaced not more than () 40 feet apart. This provision applies to the building drain, building sewer, and horizontal branch drains. Example: A direction change using one 1/4 bend fitting requires a clean-out, but a change in direction using two 1/8 bend fittings does not require a clean-out.

Cleanout Substitutes1. You may use a fixture trap (such as a sink) or a fixture with an integral trap (such as a toilet) as a clean-out if the:(a) trap or fixture is readily removable without disturbing concealed piping; and(b) clean-out is accessible; and(c) fixture trap or fixture provides the required clean-out size for all pipes that will be cleaned from the clean-out substitute.2. Note that drain pipes 3 inches and larger require a clean-out size that is larger than most fixture drains. You cannot use a 1 or 2 inches fixture drain as a clean-out for pipes 3 inches and larger.

Cleanout Size1. Install a clean-out that is the same size as the pipe served by the clean-out.2. You may use a 1 inch P trap with slip joints as the clean-out for pipes up to 2 inches and you may use a 2 inch P trap with slip joints as the clean-out for pipes up to 2 inches.3. You may use a 2 inch stack clean-out to serve a pipe up to 2 inches and you may use a 2 inch stack clean-out to serve a pipe up to 3 inches.4 You may install different size clean-outs in cast-iron drainage pipes because these pipes have different cap sizes.

Cleanout Accessibility1. Provide at least () 18 inches in front of clean-outs () 3 inches and larger and at least () 12 inches in front of clean-outs smaller than (<) 3 inches.2. Provide enough access around concealed clean-outs to remove the clean-out plug and use the drain cleaning appliances.3. Do not conceal clean-outs with permanent finishing materials.4. Extend underground clean-outs to or above finished grade. Do not extend clean-outs above surfaces where they may become trip hazards or where they may be damaged by traffic.

Cleanout Plugs1. Install brass or plastic plugs in clean-out fittings.2. Make clean-outs gas and liquid tight.

Cleanout Direction1. Install clean-outs so that they open toward the direction of the drainage fl ow.

Cleanout Fixture Connections1. Do not connect other pipes or fixtures to an existing clean-out unless the connection is approved by the local building official and you install an alternate clean-out. Example: do not remove a clean-out plug and use the clean-out opening as the drain for a laundry sink.

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Drain and Sewer Pipe Cleanouts | Home Owners Network