It can be difficult to finish a basement. Most of the house’s mechanical and utility equipment, such as the furnace and electrical service panel, and ductwork and piping for the main floor fixtures are normally located in the basement. That’s why there are obvious support beams and pillars that keep the house standing.
Nobody wants to see a drain cleanout smack dab amid a finished room. It’s simplest to leave a section of the basement unfinished if the majority of the unsightly items are concentrated in one location.
When it isn’t possible, creativity comes into play when embedding obstacles into the design while making the important elements accessible. How can you conceal a sewer cleanout in your basement? If you also want to know the answer to this question, continue reading:
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Why Do You Need To Hide The Sewer Cleanout?
The ideal practice is to place the cleanout in an easily accessible location to avoid basement flooding in the event of a spill or overflow. It will be difficult for anyone above ground to observe whether anything is coming from your sewer line if you live close to a suburban roadway. You’ll probably need plastic zip ties.
This guarantees that the viewer knows whether sewage flows from your pipes, allowing them to recognize when something is wrong and contact their local sanitation company before it becomes a larger issue. Because land rather than homes surround most farms, the best practice is typically insufficient. So, this guideline does not apply as tightly.
Steps To Hide The Sewer Cleanout
The drain clean-out at the waste line’s exit point is at the bottom of the stairwell. It was vital to make it appealing because it isn’t exactly a discreet place. You can use the same technique to build a box around it for duct work. The same procedure was used to build the frame around the clean-out as the bulkhead around the ductwork.
- Turn off the house’s water supply and drain all water from any fixtures, including the dishwasher and washing machine.
- If you have a large bench or other heavy furniture that can be moved, move it immediately. For safety concerns, a person would also need to stand on one side.
- Your sewage cleanout is normally around four to five feet above ground level, where pipes slope downwards towards your septic tank access point.
- An inspection for cracks at the bottom of the drainpipe may or may not be easy to notice, so a flashlight put into this area is recommended.
Deal With Electrical Panels
In addition, the electrical panel was situated in a visible area. It, too, needed to be hidden while still being easily available. Plywood can be used to build a simple cabinet. Connect the button’s joints by screwing them together. Countersink the screws with a Forstner bit and cover them with plugs manufactured with a plug cutting bit.
L brackets are used to attach the unit to the ceiling joists, while “L” brackets and anchors are used to secure it to the wall. The anchors are just there to hold the unit to the wall. The ceiling joists support the unit’s weight. The cabinet should be labeled as the entrance to the electrical panel to be recognized. To comply with the electrical code, the area in front of the panel must also be maintained clear for 36 inches.
Alternative Methods To Hide The Sewer Clean-out In The Basement
There are a few options available. A plunger can clear a clog in a standard-sized drain in five minutes and get you back to work.
Using an auger or snake on my drains is one of the most unpleasant experiences I’ve had since it always seems to get trapped somewhere, and I have to cut it out with pliers. When that happens, the sound is horrible!
Remove The Main Drain Cap To Get Rid Of Stuck Sewer
Open the main water supply shutoff valve in your home all the way. Inside your home, find the pipe that comes from the main water supply line and a nearby access point, such as a floor trap or an appliance drain.
Wrap two pieces of electrical tape around one hand to protect it from scalding when it comes into contact with hot metal. With one hand, press against the open cover plate of a neighboring appliance while unscrewing and removing the connector with the other.
If necessary, use pliers, but be cautious so you don’t accidently strip threads or break off portions that might prevent proper reconnection.
Place The Sewer Cleanout On The Top Of The Stairs
Place your sewer cleanout at the top of a staircase for a quick and easy way to conceal it in the basement. This way, you’ll have extra storage or decoration space underneath! By taking one step down from above, you’ll be able to readily reach your pipes whenever there’s an issue with them.
Simply put, it’s that simple! Hopefully, discussed instructions and steps will help you hide the sewer cleanout effortlessly and efficiently. You can also hire professional basement constructors or builders for further details and guidelines.
