Water comes out of the sewer cleanout

Symptoms

• Water or sewage bubbles or flows out of the cleanout cap area
• Happens when using fixtures inside the house
• Water may be dark or have an odor
• Problem coincides with slow drains or backups inside

Likely causes

• CommonMain sewer line blockage between the house and the streetThe cleanout is the lowest accessible point, so a blockage further along pushes water back out here first, protecting the house's interior drains from a worse backup.
• CommonTree roots in the main lineA frequent cause of blockages that show up this way.
• PossibleMunicipal sewer line issueIn some cases, the blockage may be on the city's portion of the line rather than the home's.
• PossibleCollapsed or damaged pipe sectionPhysical pipe failure can cause this same symptom.

What to do

1. Stop using water-consuming fixtures inside the house to avoid adding more volume to the blocked line.
2. Avoid touching or getting near any sewage that has come up, since it's a contamination hazard.
3. Note that the cleanout doing this is actually preventing a worse backup inside the home, so don't cap it tightly shut in an attempt to stop it.
4. Contact a plumber promptly, since this is a clear, unambiguous sign of a main line blockage needing professional clearing.
5. Ask the plumber whether the blockage is on the home's side or possibly a municipal issue, since city-side problems are handled differently.
6. Once cleared, consider asking about a camera inspection to check for a recurring cause like roots or pipe damage.

When to call a pro

Call a plumber promptly, since water coming out of a cleanout is a clear sign of a main line blockage needing professional equipment to clear.

Safety