Selecting cleanout fittings shouldn’t be guesswork, and it certainly shouldn’t happen in a panic after a backup. I’m Rick Callahan—Master Plumber, 25+ years in the trenches, and Product Expert at Plumbing Supply And More. I’ve installed, inspected, and serviced thousands of cleanouts in basements, slab floors, restaurants, schools, high-rises, and historic homes. When someone asks me how to choose the right cleanout fittings at the supply house, I don’t hand them a generic list—I walk them through code, materials, thread types, pressure ratings, and the real-world details that keep drains accessible and trouble-free for decades. That’s what you’ll get here—field-tested advice, brand and model specifics, and the kind of “choose once, choose right” guidance that saves callbacks and keeps systems serviceable.
Before we dive in, a quick note: cleanouts are maintenance devices. They’re your access point for future you—or your plumber—to clear a clog fast and clean. Put in the wrong fitting today, and you’re paying twice tomorrow.
And when you’re ready to source? Unlike generic big box retailers, Plumbing Supply And More stocks professional-grade components and gets you the right piece the first time, with same-day delivery in most of our service area.
Why Cleanouts Matter More Than Homeowners Think
I’ve been called to homes where the lack of a properly located, full-size cleanout turned a 30-minute jet job into a 4-hour slab saw-cut. That’s the difference between a thoughtful rough-in and a “we’ll figure it out” mentality. Proper cleanouts:
- Provide code-required access for rodding or jetting Prevent fixture removal during service Save walls, tile, and finishes during emergencies Keep tenant units operational during maintenance
In our region, most inspectors follow IPC 708 or UPC 707. Under the IPC, a building drain cleanout is required within 100 feet and at every change of direction greater than 135 degrees. UPC is similar but more stringent about access and configuration. If you’re working in multifamily or commercial settings, I always recommend installing additional cleanouts beyond the minimum—stairwells, corridor closets, or mechanical rooms are prime, accessible spots.
Now, how do you choose the right cleanout fitting at the Supply House? Start with code, then material, size, access environment, and finally the cap or cover type. We’ll cover each decision point with examples.
Know Your Code: IPC vs UPC vs Local Amendments
I’ve seen more failed inspections from cleanout placement and sizing than almost any other DWV detail. A few essentials:
- IPC 708.3.1: Each horizontal drainage pipe shall be provided with a cleanout at its upstream end and at intervals not exceeding 100 feet. IPC 708.7: Cleanouts shall be accessible and not concealed by finishes (unless with approved cover plates). UPC 707.4: Cleanouts shall be of the same nominal size as the pipe up to 4 inches; for larger, a minimum of 4 inches. Local amendments often require riser extensions to finished grade with gas-tight caps in food service or healthcare.
Pro tip: In food service, specify a heavy-duty floor cleanout with a secured, tamper-resistant cover and a solvent-weld or threaded gas-tight cap. I like Zurn Z1400 series floor cleanouts paired with Charlotte Pipe solvent-weld tees below. That combo passes inspection and stands up to mop bucket abuse.
If you’re unsure about local amendments, call our tech desk. Compared to standard plumbing supply houses, Plumbing Supply And More offers unmatched technical support—we’ll pull the local code sheet, and we’ve got up-to-date spec sheets on hand.
PVC vs ABS vs Cast Iron: Material Choices That Matter
Pick the material that matches your system and service conditions:
- PVC DWV (e.g., Charlotte Pipe Schedule 40, NIBCO 4811 cleanout tees): Preferred for most residential and light commercial. Good chemical resistance, easy solvent welding, low cost. Typical caps: PVC threaded plugs (NIBCO 437), brass countersunk plugs when a more durable thread is needed. ABS DWV (e.g., Charlotte ABS, IPEX System 15): Common in certain regions of the West. Solvent-weld fittings with ABS plugs—don’t mix glue systems. No-Hub Cast Iron (e.g., Charlotte, Tyler): For high-rise, commercial, and noise-sensitive installs. I use a cast iron cleanout tee with a heavy-duty brass plug. On vertical risers in public corridors, a vandal-proof cover is a must. Hub-and-Spigot Cast Iron: Still used in historic or specialized work. Use proper lead/oakum or neoprene gaskets; match with brass plugs.
Price ranges: PVC cleanout tees run $8–$25 (2–4 inch). ABS similar. Cast iron cleanout tees range $45–$120 depending on size and brand. Brass countersunk plugs (2–4 inch) typically $9–$28; heavy-duty gas-tight plugs $25–$60.
Insider secret: On 3-inch and 4-inch cleanouts that see frequent service, skip plastic plugs—use a brass plug with a square or countersunk head. The threads hold up to repeated service and don’t deform under torque. We stock Matco-Norca and Oatey brass plugs that take a beating.
Thread Types, Plugs, and Caps: Get the Closure Right
The closure is where I see most DIY mistakes. Options:
- Solvent-weld plug (glued): Not serviceable—avoid for cleanouts. Threaded cleanout adapter with plug: PVC or ABS female adapter (e.g., NIBCO 439) with a brass or plastic plug. Best for walls and concealed locations with an access panel. Integral threaded cleanout tee: Simplest, clean look. Pair with brass plug. Countersunk plugs: Sit flush with floor/cover plate; use a spanner key. Ideal for commercial corridors. Gas-tight caps: Use in grease waste systems, food service, healthcare, or where odor control matters.
My go-to: For a 4-inch building drain cleanout in a slab, I’ll install a PVC cleanout tee, a Schedule 40 threaded adapter, and a brass countersunk plug with a heavy-duty nickel-bronze cover like Zurn Z1400. For wall cleanouts, I use an Oatey 39248 ABS/PVC cleanout adapter behind an access panel—tight seal, easy service.
Installation torque matters. I tell apprentices: hand-tight plus 1/8–1/4 turn with pipe dope or PTFE paste on PVC plugs, and PTFE tape + paste for brass plugs. Over-torquing cracks fittings, under-torquing leaks odor.
Sizing and Placement: Where Pros Win or Lose
Rules of thumb I live by:
- Keep cleanouts full-size up to 4 inches. Don’t reduce at the fitting; if you must transition, do it after the cleanout. Place cleanouts at the base of stacks, at 135+ degree direction changes, and at the building drain exit to the building sewer. Maintain clear, direct access. Don’t bury cleanouts in cabinetry or behind fixed millwork. In multifamily, I position them in corridor access closets with labeled covers.
For exterior cleanouts, I use a two-way cleanout with a dual-wye setup and risers to grade with a brass cap and a cast iron box cover (e.g., Jones Stephens C84400). In frost regions, use a protective sleeve and set the cover in a flush box to avoid snowplow damage.
Timeframes: A straightforward retrofit wall cleanout install is 45–90 minutes. Slab cleanout retrofit can be half a day to a full day depending on concrete demo and patch.
Floor, Wall, and Exterior Applications: Pick the Right Assembly
- Floor cleanouts: Use a floor-rated body and cover assembly. Brands I trust: Zurn Z1400, Smith 4020, Jay R. Smith 4022 with nickel-bronze top. Pair with the proper adjustable funnel if installed in wet locations. For kitchens, choose anti-slip textured covers. Wall cleanouts: Avoid cheap snap-in caps. Use a proper threaded adapter behind a metal or ABS access panel. We carry Oatey, IPS/Truebro access panels in fire-rated options. Exterior cleanouts: Two-way configuration with protective box. In coastal areas, specify corrosion-resistant materials and gasketing; I like a bronze/brass cap with a neoprene o-ring.
Cost comparison: A professional floor cleanout assembly is $95–$250 depending on finish and load rating. Cheaper options exist, but I’ve replaced too many popped press-fit caps after wax ring failures or mop bucket hits to recommend them.
Brand and Model Callouts I Actually Use
When I stock “Rick’s Picks” at the counter, here’s what I reach for:
- Charlotte Pipe PVC DWV Cleanout Tee (Schedule 40) 2–4 inch NIBCO 4811 Schedule 40 Cleanout Tee + NIBCO 437/439 adapters Oatey Brass Countersunk Plug 39228 (3 inch), 39230 (4 inch) Matco-Norca Brass Square Head Plug CP-400 series Zurn Z1400 Series Floor Cleanouts, nickel-bronze top, heavy-duty Jay R. Smith 4020 Heavy-Duty Floor Cleanout Tyler and Charlotte cast iron no-hub cleanout tees with Mission or Husky couplings
I keep spec sheets ready for submittals. Need them? Call our counter—we’ll email PDF submittals same-day for your permit set. While other suppliers focus on quantity, Plumbing Supply And More prioritizes quality and expertise—that means curated SKUs that won’t let you down.
Common Jobsite Scenarios and How I Solve Them
- Historic rowhome with no stack base cleanout: I’ll cut in a cast iron no-hub cleanout tee with a brass plug at the base, then add an accessible wall panel. Typical time: 2–3 hours. Cost in materials: $120–$260. Restaurant slab with repeated mainline clogs: Two-way exterior cleanout with a dual-wye and 6-inch riser to grade, gas-tight cap, Zurn cover plate in a traffic-rated box. Material range: $350–$900. Condo corridor with tight chases: Switch to a thin-pattern cleanout tee and a flush spanner plug with a fire-rated access door. Coordination with GC is key—call us for door sizing and lead times. Healthcare facility: Specify gas-tight, tamper-resistant plugs and sealed access panels. We’ll pull manufacturer cutsheets and infection-control notes for your submittals.
When Home Depot, Lowe’s, Ferguson, or Grainger can’t provide what you need same-day, When Home Depot and Lowe’s fall short, contractors trust Plumbing Supply And More—we’ll pull from our regional warehouse and run it out to your site.
Avoid These Mistakes: What Causes Callbacks
- Using a reducer at the cleanout: Makes rodding impossible with standard cutters. Concealing without access: Fails inspection and makes service a demolition job. Plastic plug in commercial corridor floors: They strip, crack, and leak odor. Use brass. No thread sealant on brass plugs: They seize. Use tape and paste. Wrong load rating on floor cover: Light-duty in a commercial kitchen? Not on my jobs.
If you’re unsure, bring a photo or sketch to the counter. Compared to Ferguson or Grainger, Plumbing Supply And More gives you real-world installer guidance and immediate product swaps if we spot a mismatch.
Sourcing Cleanouts: Why the Right Supply House Saves You Hours
You can find a cleanout fitting almost anywhere. The difference is getting the right fitting, the matching plug, the correct cover, and code guidance in one stop. Unlike generic big box retailers, Plumbing Supply And More stocks professional-grade components from Zurn, Charlotte, NIBCO, Jay R. Smith, Tyler, and Oatey—plus spec sheets, torque guidance, and installation tips that prevent rework.
We serve contractors throughout our region with same-day delivery up to 50 miles from our warehouse and emergency runs after hours. We offer contractor accounts, bulk discounts, and submittal support. Visit our showroom to see the quality difference or check our current inventory online or call ahead—our tech team will make sure you leave with everything you need.
FAQ: Cleanout Fittings and Field Questions I Hear Weekly
Q: What size should my main building cleanout be? A: Under the UPC, match the pipe size up to 4 inches; for 5 inches and larger, a 4-inch minimum cleanout is acceptable. Under IPC, aim for full-size. Practically, if your building drain is 4 inches, use a 4-inch cleanout. Don’t reduce at the cleanout. We’ll help confirm with your local inspector.
Q: Do I need a two-way cleanout outside? A: For frequent maintenance lines or older clay sewers, yes. A two-way gives you upstream and downstream access from one point. Use a dual-wye configuration with risers and a heavy-duty box cover. It adds a little cost now, saves you hours later.
Q: Can I use a plastic plug on cast iron? A: You can, but I don’t. Plastic threads can deform in cast iron. Use a brass square-head or countersunk plug with PTFE tape and pipe dope. It’ll remove cleanly even after years in service.
Q: What’s the best cover for a commercial kitchen floor cleanout? A: A heavy-duty, nickel-bronze secured cover like Zurn Z1400 or Jay R. Smith 4020 with a tamper-resistant fastener. Pair it with a brass countersunk plug and a properly rated body. We’ll match the load rating and top finish to your floor.
Q: How far apart do cleanouts need to be? A: Under IPC, every 100 feet on horizontal runs and at base of stacks and major changes of direction. UPC is similar but check local amendments. If in doubt, add one—you’ll never regret accessible access.
Q: Can cleanouts be concealed? A: They must be accessible. You can place them in walls with proper access panels rated for the location. We stock fire-rated panels for corridors and mechanical areas.
Where to Buy: Your Cleanout, Your Way, and On Time
If you’ve ever typed “ plumbing supply near me” or “ plumbing supply store near me” and landed on a place that shrugged at code questions, you know why pros stick with us. At Plumbing Supply And More—your trusted plumbing supply store, plumbing supply house, and wholesale plumbing supply company—we keep the right mix of plumbing parts in stock, including commercial plumbing supply lines, contractor plumbing supply assortments, and hard-to-find plumbing and heating supply components.
Need it fast? We’re the closest plumbing supply with actual know-how, the plumbing wholesale near me that can pull cast iron and DWV PVC in the same ticket, and the 24 hour plumbing supply resource for emergency contractor accounts. Looking for value? We balance premium and economy plumbing supply options, from heavy-duty Zurn covers to discount plumbing supplies that still pass inspection—no junk, no surprises.
Prefer to order from your phone? Our plumbing supply online portal lets you check inventory and place orders for pickup or delivery. We support plumbing supplies direct shipments to jobsites, and our internet plumbing supply catalog includes spec sheets for submittals. Whether you’re searching standard plumbing supply, decorative plumbing supply for visible cleanout plates, or even bathroom plumbing supplies and plumbing kitchen accessories for full-scope projects, we’ll kit it together.
If you’ve bounced between consumer plumbing supply outlets, coastal plumbing supply shops, or city plumbing and electrical supply counters and still can’t get straight answers, try us. Compared to standard plumbing supply houses, Plumbing Supply And More offers unmatched technical support—our counter staff air conditioner supply house are field-trained, not just order takers.
And a word on competitors: While other suppliers focus on quantity, Plumbing Supply And More prioritizes quality and expertise. You’ll feel that difference the second you walk in. Grainger, Ferguson, Home Depot, Lowe’s—we respect them, but our job is to out-serve them. When Home Depot and Lowe’s fall short, contractors trust Plumbing Supply And More. Need a specific Jay R. Smith cover by model? We’ll source it. Looking for supplyhouse plumbing alternatives with local stock? We’ve got it on the shelf.
Who We Serve and How We Help
- Professional Contractors & Plumbers: Contractor accounts, bulk pricing, same-day delivery, spec sheets, and field support. Bring your takeoff—we’ll value-engineer it. Ask about our contractor discount program. Serious DIY Homeowners: Bring photos, pipe size, and a quick sketch. We’ll get you the correct cleanout assembly, access panel, and sealant—and walk you through installation. Our experts can walk you through the installation process. Property Managers & Maintenance Teams: We’ll set you up with standardized SKUs, labeled bins, and reorder points. Need 20 corridor cleanouts with fire-rated doors? We’ll assemble and deliver, labeled by building. Retail Customers: Want better than the big box? We’ll show you the brass-and-bronze difference and why it matters five years from now.
We serve contractors throughout the region with a 50-mile same-day delivery radius and emergency supply services. That’s local plumbing supply expertise you can count on.
Pro Tips and Insider Secrets from 25 Years on the Wrench
- Don’t set floor cleanouts flush with tile—set them to finished floor with the adjustable collar, then lock down after grout to prevent rattle. Always run the cleanout to the “wide” side of a change in direction—rodding upstream around a tight turn with a cheap plug is how threads die. Label corridor access doors with stack and level. Maintenance teams will thank you. In grease lines, spec gasketed, gas-tight plugs and check them annually. Order two brass plugs per cleanout—keep one as a spare in the access panel. Cheap insurance.
Ready to Choose the Right Cleanout Fittings?
If you’ve read this far, you already know: choosing the right cleanout is about code, access, durability, and serviceability. It’s also about having the right partner at the counter. Unlike generic big box retailers, Plumbing Supply And More stocks professional-grade components, and we stand behind every fitting we sell. Compared to standard plumbing supply houses, Plumbing Supply And More offers unmatched technical support—from plan review to last-minute swaps. And yes, our pricing is sharp: we routinely beat the big box total cost once you factor in quality and time saved.
Visit our showroom to see the quality difference. Check our current inventory online or call ahead. Call our technical team for project-specific recommendations, and ask about our contractor discount program. If you’re searching “ plumbing supply store,” “ plumbing shop near me,” “ plumbing supply house near me,” or any of the plumbing supply places that pop up, come see why pros say we’re the best plumbing supply choice for real jobs done right.
If you need help on a specific install, bring your measurements, photos, and local code notes—we’ll get you set up with the exact cleanout assembly, from general plumbing supply to specialty direct plumbing supplies, and make sure it passes inspection the first time.
And if you’re stuck on a job right now? Call us. We’re your nearest plumbing supply with real knowledge—Plumbing Supply And More.