When your drains clog, the fastest way to fix the problem is by using a drain cleanout. This access point connects directly to your plumbing and helps us reach the blockage with professional tools.
The drain cleanout is usually located outside, in the basement, or near a main drain line. Its exact spot depends on your home’s layout and plumbing system. Below, we explain the most common places to check and what to do if it’s hard to find.
Where to Find a Drain Cleanout Inside the House
Kitchen Drain Cleanout Location
Your kitchen should have a cleanout somewhere along the drain line. Here are the most common places we see them:
- Under the kitchen sink: Sometimes it’s in the wall behind the cabinet.
- In the basement: Look near where the kitchen drain runs down to the main stack.
- What to look for: A small, threaded cap on a pipe fitting, often on a T-fitting or Y-fitting.
This cleanout is usually smaller than the main one and may be behind finished walls if the home has been remodeled.
Pro Tip: If you can’t find a kitchen cleanout, we may be able to access the line by removing the P-trap under the sink.
Basement or Utility Room Cleanout
Another common place to look is your basement or utility room. These cleanouts connect to the main sewer line and are typically larger:
- Look along the foundation wall or near the floor where the main drain exits the home.
- Check for a 3- or 4-inch threaded cap on a vertical or horizontal pipe.
- In slab homes, this may be located in a utility closet near an outside wall.
Sometimes this cleanout is built into the concrete floor. In two-story homes, you may also see a vertical pipe (called a drain stack) with a cap near the bottom.
Need expert help locating your cleanout? Contact Dick Ray today. We’ll help you find it, fix the issue, and leave your home clean and working right.
How to Find an Outdoor Drain Cleanout
Some homes have an outdoor cleanout, which makes our job easier and keeps drain machines out of your home.
Check these spots first:
- In the front or backyard near where the main sewer line leaves the house
- Along the foundation wall
- What it looks like: A short piece of pipe with a plastic cap, sometimes buried under dirt or grass
If you’ve seen a round plastic plug while mowing, that may be it.
Key Takeaway: Outdoor cleanouts save time and hassle. We always recommend locating or installing one if your home doesn’t already have it.
What If You Can’t Find the Cleanout?
Covered or Hidden Cleanouts
In finished basements, it’s common for the cleanout to be hidden behind drywall or inside a cabinet. If that’s the case:
- We may need to cut a small access hole to reach it.
- In some cases, we can run a camera through the pipes to help locate it.
- If you suspect an outdoor cleanout is buried, we may use a probe to locate it underground.
Unfortunately, there’s no guaranteed rule for where every cleanout is located. Every home is different.
Can a House Have More Than One Drain Cleanout?
Yes. Larger homes or homes with multiple drain stacks may have two or more cleanouts—often one on each end of the house.
In these cases:
- One end of the house might drain fine
- The other may have a clog
- We may need to access both cleanouts to fully clear the system
Final Thoughts: Don’t Wait on a Drain Cleanout Problem
Finding your drain cleanout can make a big difference when your drains back up. If it’s easy to find and in good shape, we can clear the line fast without mess or extra labor.
If you can’t find one or it’s been covered up, don’t worry. We’ve helped hundreds of Kansas City homeowners find hidden cleanouts and solve tough plumbing clogs.
Call Dick Ray today for fast help with your drain cleanout and sewer needs. We’re ready when you are.
