Low to Moderate (requires a comprehensive understanding of plumbing codes, excavation safety, proper pipe installation techniques, and the ability to pass required inspections. Professional installation by an Illinois-licensed plumber is highly recommended for compliance and longevity.)
Involves significant excavation, adherence to specific plumbing and building codes, proper grading, and coordination with underground utilities. Requires specialized tools and knowledge; improper installation can lead to substantial plumbing and structural issues.
Project Guidelines & Rules
General Requirements & Permitting
3 Rules
Permit Requirement
A plumbing permit is required from your local municipality or the DuPage County Building & Zoning Department for any new plumbing installation or modification to existing DWV systems. All work must strictly adhere to the current Illinois Plumbing Code.
Licensed Plumber Requirement
Unless specific exemptions apply for homeowner-occupied single-family residences as defined by local ordinance, plumbing work involving connections to the building sewer or significant alterations typically requires execution by an Illinois-licensed plumber.
Utility Locates (JULIE)
Before any excavation, contact JULIE (Joint Utility Locating Information for Excavators) at 811 at least 48 hours (excluding weekends and holidays) prior to digging to locate underground utilities. This is a state legal requirement (IL Underground Utility Facilities Damage Prevention Act) and critical for safety.
Clean-out Location & Accessibility
5 Rules
Main Building Drain Clean-out
A clean-out shall be provided on the building drain, within 5 feet (1524 mm) of the building wall, located on the street side of the main building drain connection to the building sewer. (Illinois Plumbing Code (IPC) 708.1)
Main Building Sewer Clean-out
An accessible clean-out shall be provided on the building sewer not more than 5 feet (1524 mm) beyond the building foundation, and shall be extended to grade. This clean-out shall be the same size as the building sewer. (IPC 708.1.3)
Additional Clean-outs
Clean-outs shall be provided at changes in direction of the building sewer greater than 45 degrees, and at intervals not exceeding 100 feet (30.5 m) in straight runs. Each horizontal drainage pipe shall be provided with a cleanout at its upstream terminal. (IPC 708.1.4, 708.1.5)
Accessibility Requirements
Clean-outs shall be readily accessible and shall not be concealed. Where a clean-out is installed in a covered location (e.g., landscaping), a permanent access opening or suitable enclosure extended to grade shall be provided. (IPC 708.1.7)
Clearance for Rodding
A clearance of not less than 18 inches (457 mm) shall be provided for rodding in front of any clean-out with a diameter of 3 inches (76 mm) or less, and 36 inches (914 mm) for larger clean-outs. (IPC 708.6)
Materials & Components
4 Rules
Approved Pipe Materials
Approved materials for building sewers and clean-out risers include cast iron, acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS) plastic pipe, polyvinyl chloride (PVC) plastic pipe (Schedule 40 or greater), and extra-strength vitrified clay pipe. Materials must meet ASTM standards and local municipal approval. (IPC 702.1, 702.2, 702.3)
Clean-out Fittings & Plugs
Clean-out fittings shall be of the same approved material as the pipe and shall have a watertight seal. Plugs or caps shall be of durable material, such as brass or approved plastic, capable of withstanding system pressures. (IPC 708.4)
Size of Clean-outs
The clean-out shall be the same size as the drain pipe it serves, up to 4 inches (102 mm). For pipes larger than 4 inches, the clean-out shall be at least 4 inches (102 mm). (IPC 708.2)
Threaded Joints
Threads on clean-out plugs shall be coarse and uniform, ensuring a gas-tight and watertight fit. (IPC 708.4.1)
Installation Depth, Slope & Protection
4 Rules
Frost Depth Protection (DuPage County)
All building sewers and building drains, including clean-out risers and connections, shall be installed at a minimum depth of 42 inches (1067 mm) below finished grade to protect against freezing in DuPage County. (IRC P2603.6.1, IPC 305.4)
Pipe Bedding & Backfill
Pipes shall be laid on a firm, continuous, and approved bedding material (e.g., sand or gravel) throughout their entire length. Backfill shall be free from rocks, debris, and frozen earth, and compacted in layers to prevent settling and pipe damage. (IPC 306.0, IRC P3005.4)
Slope of Horizontal Drainage Pipe
Horizontal drainage pipes shall be installed with a uniform slope of not less than 1/4 inch per foot (20.8 mm/m) for 2 1/2-inch or smaller pipe, and not less than 1/8 inch per foot (10.4 mm/m) for 3-inch or larger pipe. (IPC 709.2, IRC P3005.2)
Protection from Physical Damage
Piping shall be protected from breakage, corrosion, and other structural damage. Where subject to damage, clean-out risers at grade shall be protected by a suitable enclosure, marker, or other approved means. (IPC 305.1)
Connection & Sealing
1 Rules
Watertight & Gastight Connections
All joints and connections throughout the drainage system, including clean-out connections, shall be made gastight and watertight and shall be installed in accordance with the manufacturer's instructions and specific code requirements for the material used. (IPC 705.0, IRC P3003.0)
Testing & Inspection
3 Rules
Rough-in Plumbing Inspection
Upon completion of the clean-out installation and before any backfilling, an inspection by your local building department is required to verify compliance with the Illinois Plumbing Code. This typically involves a water or air pressure test of the DWV system. (IPC 312.0, IRC P3008.0)
Water Test Requirements
A water test shall be applied to the drainage system or section thereof by closing the downstream opening and filling the system with water to the highest opening, or to a point 10 feet (3048 mm) above the highest fitting, whichever is higher. The water shall be held for a minimum of 15 minutes without leakage. (IPC 312.1, IRC P3008.1)
Final Inspection
After the clean-out is fully installed, backfilled, and the area restored, a final inspection may be required by your local building department to ensure proper site restoration, continued accessibility, and overall compliance.
National Electrical Code (NEC) Considerations
3 Rules
Direct Applicability
The 2023 National Electrical Code (NEC) is not directly applicable to the physical installation of a sewer clean-out, as it exclusively pertains to electrical wiring, overcurrent protection, grounding, and equipment safety.
Related Excavation Safety
If excavation for the clean-out installation is in proximity to underground electrical conduits, services, or other utilities, strict adherence to general excavation safety practices, utility locating (JULIE 811), and safe work distances from electrical infrastructure is mandatory. This falls under local utility regulations, OSHA standards, and general construction safety protocols.
Grounding and Bonding (Indirect Relevance)
While the clean-out itself does not fall under NEC, any new structures or electrical systems that might interact with or be built near the plumbing system (e.g., pumps, sump pits, or heated lines) would be subject to relevant NEC requirements for proper grounding and bonding. (NEC Article 250)
