FL Sewer Cleanout Placement Guide
FPC 708.3 / 708.4 / 708.5 - cleanout spacing, size, access clearance, and direction-change requirements. FPC 2023 compliant.
Cleanout Size Reference (FPC 708.8)
| Drain Pipe Size | Min Cleanout Size | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| 2" pipe | 1.5" cleanout | Min 1.5" CO |
| 3" pipe | 3" cleanout | Full-size CO |
| 4" pipe | 4" cleanout | Full-size CO |
| 5" pipe | 4" cleanout | Min 4" CO |
| 6" pipe | 6" cleanout | Full-size CO |
| 8"+ pipe | 6" cleanout | Min 6" CO |
FPC 708.8 - Cleanout size rule: Cleanouts shall be the same nominal size as the pipe served, up to 4". Pipes larger than 4" require minimum 4" cleanout. Exception: pipes 8" and larger may use 6" cleanout if provided with test tee.
FL slab construction note: Cleanout at or within 5 ft of building foundation required at grade (FPC 708.5). Many FL counties require a 4" CO at building exit point regardless of pipe size - verify with local AHJ.
Cleanout Placement Diagram
FPC 708 cleanout placement: building exit CO + every 100 ft + every direction change >=45 degrees. All COs accessible per FPC 708.7.
Access Clearance Requirements (FPC 708.7)
FPC 708.7 - Cleanout access: All cleanouts shall be accessible. Cleanouts in concealed locations shall be provided with access panels.
Clearance Requirements by CO Size:
| CO Size | Min Clearance in Front | Min Side Clearance | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1.5" - 2" | 18 inches | None req. | Small fixture drain CO |
| 2.5" - 3" | 18 inches | None req. | Standard residential |
| 4" | 18 inches | None req. | Most common FL main |
| 6" | 18 inches | None req. | Commercial / large main |
| 8"+ | 18 inches | None req. | Manhole preferred |
FPC 708.7 - Grade requirement: Cleanout plugs and access covers shall be flush with or above finish grade.
FL slab construction: Under-slab cleanouts must be brought to grade level. A CO box (concrete or plastic) is required by most FL building departments. Do NOT bury under pavers without a box.
FPC 708.7.1 - Cleanout in walls: Where a cleanout is installed in a wall, an access panel of min 12"x12" is required, allowing full plug removal and rodding both directions.
Floor cleanouts: Must have a recessed, vandal-resistant cover when in public areas (FPC 708.7.2). Heavy-duty cast iron covers required in driveways and traffic areas.
Cleanout Plug Types - FL Approved
| Type | Material | Use | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Countersunk plug | ABS / PVC | Interior, grade | Most common FL residential |
| Raised square plug | PVC / Brass | Interior, exposed | Easy removal |
| Test tee cap | PVC / DWV | Under slab | Use with CO adapter |
| Cast iron CO w/ plug | CI + brass | Commercial, exterior | Required in driveways |
| Two-way CO fitting | PVC | Near foundation | Allows rodding both ways |
CO Location Scenarios (FL Common)
- Residential Single-Family (Slab): (1) Outside CO within 5 ft of building wall at slab exit (FPC 708.5); (2) CO every 100 ft of horizontal run to public sewer; (3) CO at each 90-degree+ direction change. Most FL counties also require an inside 4" CO near the toilet, accessible through floor or wall panel.
- Commercial New Construction: All FPC 708 residential requirements apply. Additional: CO at each floor for multi-story; wye-type CO at junction of building drain and building sewer (FPC 708.5); manhole when sewer exceeds 8" diameter or run exceeds 300 ft.
- Replacement/Repair in Existing Home: Per FPC 101.3, when replacing more than 50% of drain in any room/zone, bring to current code. Add CO at point of repair minimum.
- HVHZ/Miami-Dade/Broward: Standard FPC 708 applies. Miami-Dade Product Approval required for CO covers in exterior applications (FL Building Code 1714.5). Use listed corrosion-resistant covers in coastal salt air. Brass plugs preferred over ABS in HVHZ.
FPC Chapter 7 - Cleanout Code Reference
- FPC 708.1 - Cleanout Required (Where): Cleanouts shall be installed at the upper terminal of each horizontal drain and at intervals not to exceed 100 feet in horizontal drains 4 inches and smaller, and 150 feet in drains larger than 4 inches.
- FPC 708.3 - Building drain and building sewer: At least one two-way cleanout shall be installed near the junction of the building drain and building sewer.
- FPC 708.4 - Direction changes: Cleanouts shall be installed at each change of direction greater than 45 degrees. Changes of direction with a wye (less than 45 degrees) do not require cleanouts.
- FPC 708.5 - Building exit: A cleanout shall be installed where the building drain exits the foundation. In buildings with a basement, a cleanout is also required at the foot of each vertical stack.
- FPC 708.6 - Cleanout Fittings: Approved: wye-pattern CO plugs, tee-pattern CO plugs, test tees with plugs, floor cleanout assemblies. Prohibited: caps without removal capability, permanent glued plugs, or cleanouts positioned to drain against flow. Two-way cleanout required at/near building exit (rod both toward interior and street).
- FPC 708.9 - Prohibited use: No cleanout in an inaccessible location (inside a finished wall without access panel, beneath a slab with no CO box). Under-grade COs must be within an approved CO box or utility vault.
Cleanout Compliance Checklist
- Cleanout at building drain exit / foundation (two-way CO preferred) - FPC 708.5/708.3
- Cleanout spacing <=100 ft on horizontal runs 4" and smaller (150 ft for >4") - FPC 708.1
- Cleanout at every direction change >45 degrees - FPC 708.4 (wye fittings at <=45 exempt)
- Cleanout size matches pipe diameter (min full-size up to 4") - FPC 708.8
- All cleanouts accessible at or above finish grade - FPC 708.7
- Min 18" clearance in front of each cleanout - FPC 708.7
- CO box or vault installed over under-slab cleanouts - FL best practice / most AHJs
- Upper terminal CO installed at top end of each horizontal drain run - FPC 708.1
- Cleanout opens in direction of flow (or upward) - FPC 708.6
- Cleanout plug material appropriate (brass/stainless exterior/coastal; ABS interior; HVHZ check product approval)