Sewer Cleanout Installation Cost

What a Sewer Cleanout Is

A sewer cleanout is a capped pipe fitting installed on the sewer lateral that provides a direct access point to the inside of the pipe. It consists of a vertical pipe (called a riser) that connects to the sewer lateral underground and extends to ground level, topped with a removable cap. The cap is flush with or slightly above the ground surface, usually covered by a round green or white plastic or brass cover.

When a plumber needs to access the sewer line for cleaning, camera inspection, or repair, they remove the cleanout cap and insert their equipment directly into the pipe. Without a cleanout, the plumber must access the sewer line through roof vent stacks, interior floor drains, or by pulling a toilet, all of which are less convenient and limit the reach and effectiveness of their equipment.

Cost Factors for Installation

Pipe depth. A cleanout on a shallow pipe (2 to 3 feet deep) requires minimal excavation and costs $600 to $1,200. A cleanout on a deep pipe (5 to 8 feet or more) requires significant excavation, shoring, and more riser pipe, pushing costs to $1,500 to $2,500.

Surface material. Installing a cleanout in a lawn area requires only turf removal and replacement ($600 to $1,500). Installing through a concrete driveway, patio, or sidewalk requires saw-cutting and patching the concrete ($1,000 to $2,500). Installing through a landscaped area with irrigation may require rerouting sprinkler lines.

Number of cleanouts. If your home needs multiple cleanouts (one at the foundation and one at the property line, for example), the second cleanout is less expensive because the equipment and crew are already on site. A two-cleanout installation typically costs $1,000 to $3,500 total, less than double the single-cleanout price.

As part of a larger project. When installed during a sewer line replacement, the pipe is already exposed and the plumber is already on site. Adding a cleanout to a replacement project costs only $200 to $500 for the fitting, riser, and cap. This is the most cost-effective time to add cleanouts.

Where Cleanouts Should Be Located

Building codes and practical plumbing considerations dictate the optimal cleanout locations.

Foundation exit point. The most important cleanout location is where the sewer lateral exits the foundation. This provides access to both the exterior lateral (pointing downstream toward the street) and the interior drain system (pointing upstream toward the house). Most building codes require this cleanout, and many older homes lack one because code requirements have changed since the home was built.

Property line or midpoint. A second cleanout at or near the property line provides access to the lower portion of the lateral, closer to the street connection. This is valuable for long laterals (over 75 feet) where a single cleanout at the house may not allow equipment to reach the far end of the pipe.

At direction changes. If the sewer lateral makes a significant direction change (45 degrees or more), a cleanout at the turn provides access in both directions. This is especially useful for camera inspections and root cutting in pipes that have bends.

Code requirements. Most current building codes require a cleanout at the foundation exit, additional cleanouts every 100 feet of pipe run, and a cleanout at every change of direction exceeding 45 degrees. Older homes were often built before these requirements existed and may have no cleanouts at all.

Benefits of Adding a Cleanout

Lower maintenance costs. Drain cleaning through a cleanout is faster and more effective than through a roof vent or interior fixture. Plumbers can use larger, more powerful equipment through a cleanout, and the direct access reduces the time needed for each service call. This translates to lower per-visit costs for routine maintenance.

Camera inspection access. A cleanout provides the ideal insertion point for sewer cameras. Without one, camera inspections require accessing the pipe through a toilet (which must be removed and reset) or the roof vent (which limits camera reach and requires working from the roof).

Trenchless repair access. CIPP lining can be inserted through a cleanout, potentially eliminating all excavation for a future relining project. Without a cleanout, CIPP insertion requires a small excavation to access the pipe.

Emergency access. During a sewer backup, a cleanout provides an immediate release point to relieve pressure and redirect overflow outside rather than letting sewage back up into the home. Opening the cleanout cap during a backup can prevent or minimize interior damage while you wait for the plumber to arrive.