Do you need a new sewer cleanout cover? Even basic parts of every sewer system play a role in proper function, including the cleanout cover.
A drain cleanout provides access to your sewer line when you experience a clogged drain or plumbing problem in your main line or septic tank. Without a proper covering, water will leak in and also out of the cleanout.
In this PlumbingNav guide, we will cover:
What is a sewer cleanout cover?
What are the different types of sewer cleanout covers?
Made from ABS plastic, this cleanout plug comes with a rubber O ring to secure the threads. The hardware is made from metal and has stainless steel hardware. Fits standard 4” drains. The black color matches well.
A sewer cleanout cover is a cover or cap to the opening of your sewer line cleanout, which gives you access to the main sewer line for inspection, repair, or both. Many cleanouts are located outside near the water meter or against the house, but you will also find some in the floor.
Most sewer cleanout plugs must fit a standard 4” cleanout size.
To remove a sewer cleanout cover, you typically need a special tool. Covers aren’t made to be easy to remove since you don’t want to experience a leak if it gets loose. Some flat caps only require a screwdriver.
Reasons to remove the cover generally include gaining cleanout access to run an auger or camera into your main sewer line to address a plumbing problem. If you’re lucky, you might be able to resolve a clog using only a plunger like this guy in the below video.
Watch: Clearing a Blockage from Sewer Cleanout With a Plunger
Let’s be realistic. Main line clogs often require more than just a plunger, and a drain snake will be your tool of choice.
What Are The Different Types of Sewer Cleanout Covers?
Floor Cleanout Cover
A floor cleanout cover covers the cleanout in your basement floor or garage floor. You can also find a floor cleanout outside.
When buying a floor cleanout cover, consider whether a vehicle may drive or park over it. Floor cleanout covers may benefits from strong material that can withstand a lot of weight. Furthermore, they may benefit from a flat shape.
Outside Cleanout Cover
An outside cleanout cover covers a cleanout outside. You can often find them near the outside bib or the water meter.
Outside cleanout covers must be able to adhere to the elements in your climate.
What Do You Look For In Choosing A Sewer Cleanout Cover?
Material
One of the most important things you need to consider is the material of the cleanout cover. In most cases, you will find your sewer cleanout made from plastic or brass. Some will also have rubber components.
Plastic sewer cleanout covers don’t succumb to corrosion. However, they aren’t as strong as brass sewer cleanouts. Plastic cleanout covers tend to cost less than brass.
Appearance
The primary function of a sewer cleanout cover is to cover the cleanout so that water doesn’t escape, or enter in when it rains. However, you can also use the cover to enhance the appearance of your home. (If you’re fancy like that.)
Look for decorative cleanouts if you don’t mind paying a bit more for a square sewer cleanout cover or another decorative sewer cleanout cover.
Best Sewer Cleanout Covers Reviewed
Now let’s explore our favorite units so you can decide on the perfect choice for your situation.
Made from ABS plastic, this cleanout plug comes with a rubber O ring to secure the threads. The hardware is made from metal and has stainless steel hardware. Fits standard 4” drains. The black color matches well.
Don’t break the bank with this polyvinyl chloride plug made by the trusted NDS brand. 4 in. MPT connection screws onto 4 in. FPT drainage fittings without screws, making installation easy..
This floor cleanout can withstand up to 2000 pounds in the case a vehicle drives over it thanks to the strong brass construction. It also comes with a PVC hub connection. Made for flexible installation. Not made for decorative purposes.
Put this polyvinyl chloride plug into place easily with this self-sealing cleanout plug that doesn’t require a gasket. Can handle temperatures up to 140° F. The cap slightly protrudes above the ground.
This budget-friendly plastic cover plate is perfect for large interior cleanouts of 5 ¼”. It comes with a flat design that you won’t trip over or run over with the lawn mower. Screws into place for easy installation. No threads. White plastic mixes in with interior designs well.
Pros
Flat design
Inexpensive
Large 5 ¼”
Cons
Not for exterior use
Susceptible to cracks
Oversized cover plate may not fit all cleanouts
Final Thoughts On Buying or Replacing a Sewer Cleanout Cover
When you have a main sewer line clog, you’ll need access to the drain line to clean out the debris as close to the source as possible. Cleanouts make this task easier than trying to use a drain snake to reach via your sink or shower drain. The right plug will keep the cleanout properly covered until you need to access it. It can also contribute to the appearance of your home if you pick the right plug.
FAQs for Sewer Cleanout Covers
What size is a sewer clean out cap?
The standard sewer cleanout cap is 4” in diameter.
What is a cleanout cap?
A cleanout cap is a covering to a sewer cleanout. It’s used to cover the cleanout until you want to open it for drain cleaning or sewer line inspection.
How to take off cover off sewer cleanout pipe (with Tools.)
In most cases, you will use a specialized tool to remove the sewer cleanout cover. In other cases, you will use a screwdriver.
Watch this video for how to remove a sewer plug:
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About Plumbing Navigator
We write about "all things plumbing," helping you navigate common questions, repairs, and the best plumbing products on the market.
About Plumbing Navigator
We write about “all things plumbing,” helping you navigate common questions, repairs, and the best plumbing products on the market.
