In the past, plumbers often removed toilets to access the sewer line for inspection or repair. However, modern plumbing standards, particularly those adopted after 1995 in Kentucky, have changed how sewer line maintenance is handled. These days, plumbers can no longer simply pull up your toilet to check sewer lines—they now rely on sewer cleanouts for easier, quicker, and less invasive access.

At Fast Flow Plumbing, we believe in educating homeowners about these changes and why sewer cleanouts are essential for modern plumbing maintenance.

1. Why Toilets Can No Longer Be Used for Sewer Line Access

Traditionally, toilets were an easy access point to the sewer system for plumbers. By removing the toilet, they could use tools or cameras to inspect the sewer line. However, this method has several drawbacks:

Risk of damage to the toilet or flooring during removal
Limited access to the sewer line (particularly for deep clogs or damage)
Increased labor and time for plumbers to remove and reinstall the toilet

These limitations led to a shift in plumbing practices. In Kentucky, plumbing codes now require the installation of sewer cleanouts in homes built after 1995, making toilet removal for sewer access largely obsolete.

2. The Importance of Sewer Cleanouts

Sewer cleanouts are capped pipes that provide direct access to the main sewer line, offering a far more efficient method for inspecting and addressing plumbing issues. Here’s why cleanouts have become the go-to solution:

Direct access: Cleanouts allow plumbers to insert cameras or tools directly into the sewer line without removing any fixtures.
Reduced risk: There’s no risk of damaging toilets, flooring, or walls during repairs.
Faster diagnostics: Using a cleanout, plumbers can inspect the entire sewer line, locate blockages, and identify damage quickly.

If your home doesn’t have a cleanout or you’re unsure if you do, Fast Flow Plumbing can help. We specialize in installing cleanouts, ensuring your plumbing system meets modern standards.

3. Cleaner, Less Disruptive Sewer Maintenance

Imagine having your toilet pulled up every time there’s a potential issue with your sewer line. The process would involve:

Shutting off the water supply
Removing the toilet and breaking the wax seal
Inspecting the line through the small drain opening
Replacing the toilet and resealing everything

This method often left homeowners dealing with additional cleaning, the possibility of leaks, and even damage to the toilet. By using cleanouts, plumbers can avoid disrupting your home’s plumbing system, and maintenance becomes a much cleaner, more efficient process.

At Fast Flow Plumbing, we offer free whole-home plumbing inspections, including camera inspections via cleanouts, to ensure that your sewer system is in top condition.

4. Why Cleanouts Are Now Required by Law

In Kentucky, plumbing regulations require that homes built after 1995 include a sewer cleanout, ensuring that modern plumbing systems can be maintained without invasive procedures. These legal requirements provide:

Safer, more efficient plumbing repairs
Protection against major sewer line damage
Compliance with building codes

If your home was built before 1995, it’s highly recommended to install a cleanout to avoid future plumbing complications. Fast Flow Plumbing can install cleanouts to bring older homes up to code, providing easier and more reliable access to your sewer line.

5. The Role of Camera Inspections Through Cleanouts

Today’s plumbing problems are diagnosed with the help of camera inspections. Through sewer cleanouts, plumbers can insert a small camera into the line to inspect the entire sewer system. This method allows for:

Early detection of blockages, leaks, or root intrusion
Precise location of sewer line damage
No need for trial-and-error excavation

By using cleanouts for camera inspections, Fast Flow Plumbing can provide you with a detailed view of your plumbing system, identifying issues before they become expensive repairs.

Need a cleanout installed? If your home doesn’t have a sewer cleanout or you’re experiencing sewer line issues, contact Fast Flow Plumbing today at (833) 875-8940 or visit our website. We provide expert cleanout installations, inspections, and repairs, ensuring your plumbing system is up to code and operating smoothly. You can also visit us on Google Maps to find our location.