Sewer cleanout installation cost
Adding a sewer cleanout costs $500 to $2,000. A cleanout is a capped access pipe on your main sewer line, usually outside near the foundation. It lets plumbers clear clogs and run cameras without pulling toilets, which makes every future service call faster and cheaper.
Quick answer
$500 – $2,000installed
Most cleanout installations cost $500 to $2,000. Shallow lines in open soil sit at the low end; deep lines, concrete removal or indoor installs through a slab cost more.
Cleanout installation cost
| Item | Typical cost |
|---|---|
| Sewer cleanout installation | $500 – $2,000 |
| Sewer camera inspection | $125 – $500 |
| Plumbing permit | $30 – $500 |
| Concrete removal | $3 – $8 per sq ft |
| Main line snaking (with cleanout) | $150 – $500 |
What affects the price
- Depth of the sewer line. Deeper lines need more digging.
- Surface. Grass is cheap to dig; concrete, pavers or a slab floor add cost.
- Pipe material. Cutting into cast iron or clay takes more work than PVC.
- Two-way cleanouts, which allow access toward both the house and the street, cost more than single-direction cleanouts.
- Permits required by your city.
What plumbers charge for this job
Most of the price of a plumbing job is labor. Licensed plumbers in the U.S. typically charge $45 to $150 per hour, and many add a $50 to $200 service call fee that often covers the first hour. Expect evening, weekend and holiday visits to cost noticeably more; emergency hourly rates commonly run $150 to $350. Master plumbers and plumbers in high-cost metro areas sit at the top of these ranges.
Before work starts, ask whether the quote is a flat price for the whole job or an hourly estimate, and whether parts, permits and haul-away are included. See Plumber rates per hour and Emergency plumber cost for the full breakdown.
Why a cleanout pays for itself
Without a cleanout, a plumber may need to remove a toilet or go through a roof vent to reach the main line, which adds time and risk. Homes that need regular main line cleaning or hydro jetting usually recover the cost within a few service calls. Many cities now require a cleanout when a sewer line is repaired or replaced.
DIY or professional?
Installing a cleanout means cutting into the main sewer line and sealing it to code, and most cities require a permit. Hire a licensed plumber.
How to save
- Add a cleanout at the same time as any sewer repair, when the line is already exposed.
- Choose an outdoor location where digging is easy.
- Get quotes from at least three plumbers.
Frequently asked questions
Where is my sewer cleanout?
Look for a capped pipe, usually 3 to 4 inches wide, near the foundation, in the front yard, or in a basement or garage floor.
Do I need a sewer cleanout?
It is not always required for existing homes, but it makes clogs and inspections much cheaper to handle, and many codes require one for new or repaired lines.
Sources
Prices are national estimates for 2026 based on published cost surveys and labor data. Your local price can be higher or lower. FairFix Costs is not a plumbing contractor; read our disclaimer.