What is a clean-out, and when do I need one installed?

A clean-out is just that, a point of entry that allows for easy periodic “cleaning out” and maintenance of your sewer line system.  Typically they are a riser pipe that travels to ground level from your main sewer line, and are located at or near the exit point of a property drainage line.  Without a clean-out, other means of cleaning access must be utilized.  These other means can be the removal of a fixture (toilet) within the property, and can prove to be a messy intrusion on the property.  Or, drilled penetrations are often performed on the actual sewer line allowing “one-time” cable cleaning access.  Drilled penetrations leave open the possibility of silt and earth intrusions.  So, all properties should have an accessible clean-out.