If you are looking for drain-clearing services, see our Hydro-Jetting to Clear Clogs service.
Cleanouts are a valuable part of your sewer line. Roots, grease and things that should not be flushed down a toilet are the main sources of a clog and every sewer line will eventually develop one. How easy it is to clear a clog will depend on its proximity to a cleanout. As such, they can be a valuable addition if you do not have one that is conveniently located.
If you know you want an estimate to have a cleanout installed, please call us at 408-693-6018 or contact us to schedule.
What is a Property Line Cleanout?
Most homes will have a cleanout or access point near the house so that a plumber can easily access the pipe to inspect and clean it. Older homes in the San Jose area may not have one and even moderately older homes may lack a cleanout at the property line.
If you do not have a property line cleanout, your sewer service provider will likely require you to install one if/when you need to pull a permit to remodel or add to your home. A cleanout that does not comply with your sewer utilities requirements for a property line cleanout will not be accepted as such.
A property line cleanout, as the name implies, is near the edge of the property where the home’s private sewer lateral line connects to the utility’s. For most communities in the Greater San Jose Area, your sewer service provider will clear clogs from the point of the property line cleanout towards the main sewer line, presuming that cleanout is compliant with the sewer service provider’s requirements. As such, there is value in having a proper line cleanout even if you are not required to install one. Note that the sewer service providers will generally not offer a cleaning service if there is no compliant property line cleanout. Please check with your local sewer service provider for their specific cleaning services and requirements.
If you are in San Carlos, the City will maintain the lower lateral for you, if you have a property line cleanout.
When to Install a Property Line Cleanout?
When Required. When doing a significant remodel to your home, even if you are not adding a new bathroom, you may be required by your City or County to upgrade your sewer system with a property line cleanout.
When you are replacing your sewer line. If you need to replace any part of your sewer line, you should also install a property line cleanout if you need one. Your plumbing contractor will, in most cases, already need to excavate near the property line so take advantage and install a cleanout. If you want your project done with permits, you will be required to install a property line cleanout.
If you suspect a problem. If your sewer is backing up and the clog is not on your property but is between your property line and your sewer utility provide’s main sewer line, you are still responsible for cleaning it unless you have a property line cleanout (see above).
As one of the area’s leaders in underground plumbing services, we will provide you with an expert evaluation and fair price to install a cleanout in the San Jose area. With decades of experience in the industry, our team can handle all of your underground plumbing needs, including video inspections/assessments, trenchless drain repairs, hydro-jetting, and more. To learn more, please call us at 408-693-6018 or contact us to schedule your plumbing service.