CPC · California Plumbing Code

Cleanout location, materials, access, and installation requirements

Cleanouts must be placed at the upper end of horizontal drains, every 100 ft (or fraction), and where horizontal direction totals more than 135°; they must be made of approved materials (Table 707.2), be watertight/gastight, and have specified clearances and accessible extensions per §707.0 series. file

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Last reviewed: July 6, 2026

What the code requires — 2–4 sentences

Cleanouts must be provided so drains can be rodded and otherwise maintained: at the upper terminal of each horizontal drainage pipe, at intervals of each 100 feet (or fraction thereof) of developed length, and wherever the aggregate horizontal change in direction exceeds 135 degrees. Cleanouts and their plugs/covers must be watertight and gastight and constructed of approved materials listed in Table 707.2. These rules are primarily in § 707.4, § 707.3, and § 707.2 of the California Plumbing Code.

Place a cleanout at the upper end of every horizontal run, provide one for each 100 ft (or fraction) and for every >135° aggregate horizontal change; use approved, watertight/gastight fittings. § 707.4, § 707.3.

Requirements in detail

1) Location — where cleanouts are required and permitted omissions

  • A cleanout is required at the upper terminal of every horizontal drainage pipe and for each 100 feet (30 480 mm) of total developed length, or fraction thereof. § 707.4.
  • An additional cleanout is required where the aggregate horizontal change in direction of the line exceeds 135 degrees. § 707.4.
  • A cleanout must be installed above the fixture connection for each urinal (regardless of location in the building). § 707.4.
  • Exceptions (selected):
    • A horizontal drain less than 5 feet (1524 mm) may omit a cleanout unless it serves sinks or urinals. § 707.4 Exceptions (1).
    • Cleanouts may be omitted on a horizontal drainage pipe installed with a slope of 72 degrees or less from vertical (one-fifth bend). § 707.4 Exceptions (2).

2) Materials — approved types

  • Every cleanout fitting and plug/cap must be of an approved type; acceptable materials are listed in Table 707.2 (Cleanout Materials for Drain, Waste, and Vent). § 707.2.
  • Table highlights (see Table 707.2 for full list): ABS, PVC, cast iron, copper/copper alloy, ductile iron, stainless steel, polyethylene (PE), polypropylene (PP), PVDF, and listed elastomers. Table 707.2 / § 707.2.
  • Important limitation: ABS and PVC installations are limited to not more than two stories of areas of residential accommodation (footnote to Table 707.2). Table 707.2 / § 707.2.

3) Watertight & gastight requirement

  • Cleanouts must be designed to be watertight and gastight (i.e., tight seals on plugs/covers). § 707.3.

4) Access, clearance, and extensions

  • General access: cleanouts shall be above grade, readily accessible, or installed under an approved cover plate with required clearances. § 707.8.
  • Minimum clearances:
    • For piping 2 inches (50 mm) or less — 18 in × 18 in clear working space in front. § 707.9.
    • For piping greater than 2 inches — 24 in × 24 in clear working space in front. § 707.9.
  • Under‑floor cleanouts: must be extended to or above the finished floor or extended outside where vertical clearance is less than 18 in overall; allow 30 in horizontal clearance from means of access; no under‑floor cleanout shall be located more than 5 ft (1524 mm) from an access door/trapdoor/crawl hole. § 707.9.
  • Cleanouts installed under paving must be made accessible (yard boxes or flush extensions) and protected. § 719.5 (building‑sewer cleanouts) and § 707.8. file

5) Plug, fitting sizes, and loading

  • Plug/fitting sizing is specified in Table 707.1 (cleanout size by pipe size); plugs shall have raised square heads or approved countersunk rectangular slots. § 707.1 and Table 707.1.
  • Cleanout floor covers/top rims intended to take loads must be load rated per ASME A112.36.2M. § 707.4.1 / § 707.2 references.

6) Cleaning orientation, extension fittings and special notes

  • Each cleanout must be installed so it opens to allow cleaning in the direction of flow or at right angles to it; except wye branch and end‑of‑line cleanouts, they shall be installed vertically above the flow line. § 707.5.
  • Each cleanout extension is treated as drainage piping; a 90° cleanout extension must be extended from a wye‑type fitting or equivalent sweep. § 707.6.
  • Interceptor cleanouts must be outside the interceptor. § 707.7.

Decision table — key dimensions, triggers, and code references

Decision / dimension Value or action required Code Reference
Spacing along a run Cleanout at each 100 ft (30 480 mm) or fraction thereof § 707.4
Aggregate horizontal change requiring a cleanout Any aggregate horizontal change > 135° § 707.4
Short horizontal run omission threshold Can omit if < 5 ft (1524 mm) unless serving sinks/urinals § 707.4 Exceptions (1)
Slope omission allowance Omit if slope is ≤ 72° from vertical (one‑fifth bend) § 707.4 Exceptions (2)
Clearance — piping ≤ 2 in 18 in × 18 in in front § 707.9
Clearance — piping > 2 in 24 in × 24 in in front § 707.9
Under‑floor extension/clearance Extend to/above finish floor or outside; 30 in horizontal access; ≤ 5 ft from access door limit § 707.9
Materials allowed ABS, PVC, cast iron, copper alloy, ductile iron, stainless, PE, PP, PVDF, elastomers (see table) § 707.2 / Table 707.2
ABS/PVC residential story limit ABS and PVC limited to not more than two stories of residential accommodation Table 707.2 footnote / § 707.2
Watertight/gastight requirement Cleanouts and plugs must be watertight and gastight § 707.3

Exceptions & special cases

  • Building sewer cleanouts: building sewer cleanouts must be extended to grade and follow 707.0 sizing/material rules; additional building sewer cleanouts required at intervals not to exceed 100 feet and for each aggregate horizontal change > 135°. § 719.1 – 719.3.
  • Two‑way cleanout fittings installed at the building drain/sewer junction (inside wall or outside) may substitute for an upper‑terminal cleanout where approved. § 707.4 Exception (4).
  • Manholes may substitute for cleanouts where first approved by the Authority Having Jurisdiction; maximum distance between manholes 300 ft. § 719.6.
  • Pressure drainage systems: cleanouts are required for pressure systems as classified under § 710.7 — consult that section for pump/ejector systems. § 707.11 referencing pressure systems.

If a particular detail (for example, exact thread profile of cleanout plugs or manufacturer listing) is needed and is not fully reproduced in these excerpts, consult the full CPC text and referenced standards (Table 707.2 standards) or the Authority Having Jurisdiction — the uploaded code excerpts show the required material categories and general requirements but do not include every manufacturer's spec.

Common mistakes

  • Installing ABS/PVC cleanouts above the two‑story residential limit — violates the Table 707.2 footnote. Table 707.2 / § 707.2.
  • Failing to provide a cleanout at the upper terminal or at the required 100‑ft intervals (or after >135° of aggregate horizontal turn). § 707.4.
  • Burying cleanouts without accessible boxes or extending to grade (building sewer) — cleanouts under paving must still be accessible. § 719.5, § 707.8. file
  • Not providing the minimum clearance in front of the cleanout (18×18 or 24×24). § 707.9.
  • Using non‑watertight/gastight plugs or non‑approved materials. § 707.3, § 707.2.

Worked example — apply the rule with numbers

Scenario: A straight horizontal building drain run is 260 feet developed length, includes an aggregate horizontal change of 150°, and the pipe is 3 inches diameter.

Apply the code:

  1. Cleanout spacing: provide a cleanout at the upper terminal and additional cleanouts for each 100 ft or fraction of run. 260 ft → ceiling(260 / 100) = 3 cleanouts required along the run (one at the upper terminal and two additional placements to give no segment >100 ft). § 707.4.
  2. Aggregate direction: because the run has 150° of aggregate horizontal change (>135°), provide one additional cleanout at/near that change. § 707.4.
  3. Total cleanouts required = 4 cleanouts (three by spacing + one for the >135° change). § 707.4.
  4. Clearance: pipe is 3 in (>2 in) so each cleanout needs 24 in × 24 in clear working space in front. § 707.9.
  5. Material & plug: select an approved cleanout fitting and plug sized per Table 707.1 for a 3‑inch pipe (cleanout size per Table 707.1 → 2½ in cleanout), and use an approved material from Table 707.2. § 707.1, Table 707.2 / § 707.2. file

Related provisions

  • Building sewer cleanouts and extension to grade — § 719.0 – § 719.5.
  • Cleanout size and plug specification — § 707.1 and Table 707.1.
  • Watertight/gastight requirement — § 707.3.
  • Material approvals, Table — Table 707.2 / § 707.2.
  • Clearing, access, under‑floor rules — § 707.8, § 707.9.
  • Cleanouts for pressure drainage systems — § 707.11 (see also § 710.7).

Code references

Grounded in the retrieved California Plumbing Code — click a citation to read the verbatim passage:

  • CPC § 707.2 High relevance — show source text

    For SI units: 1 inch = 25 mm

    707.2 Approved. Each cleanout fitting and each cleanout plug or cap shall be of an approved type. A list of approved standards for cleanouts are referenced in Table 707.2.

    TABLE 707.2 CLEANOUT MATERIALS FOR DRAIN, WASTE, AND VENT

    MATERIAL STANDARD


    ABS_1_    		 ASTM D2661, CSA B79,
    IAPMO IGC 78, IAPMO IGC 224



    Cast Iron    		 ASME A112.36.2M, ASTM A888,
    CISPI 301, CSA B79,
    IAPMO IGC 224


    Copper or Copper Alloy    		 ASME A112.36.2M, CSA B79

    Ductile Iron    		 CSA B79

    Elastomers    		 CSA B79, IAPMO PS 90

    Polyethylene (PE)    		 CSA B79

    Polypropylene (PP)    		 CSA B79


    PVC_1_    		 ASTM D2665, CSA B79,
    IAPMO IGC 78, IAPMO IGC 224


    Polyvinylidene Fluoride
    (PVDF)    		 CSA B79

    Stainless Steel    		 CSA B79

    1 [HCD 1 & HCD 2] ABS and PVC installations are limited to not more

    than two stories of areas of residential accommodation.

    707.3 Watertight and Gastight. Cleanouts shall be designed to be watertight and gastight. 707.4 Location. Each horizontal drainage pipe shall be provided with a cleanout at its upper terminal, and each run of piping, that is more than 100 feet (30 480 mm) in total developed length, shall be provided with a cleanout for each 100 feet (30 480 mm), or fraction thereof, in length of such piping. An additional cleanout shall be provided in a drainage line for each aggregate horizontal change in direction exceeding 135 degrees (2.36 rad). A cleanout shall be installed above the fixture connection fitting, serving each urinal, regardless of the location of the urinal in the building.

    TABLE 707.1

    CLEANOUTS

    For SI units: 1 inch = 25 mm

    TABLE 707.2 CLEANOUT MATERIALS FOR DRAIN, WASTE, AND VENT

    1 [HCD 1 & HCD 2] ABS and PVC installations are limited to not more

    than two stories of areas of residential accommodation.

    172 2025 CALIFORNIA PLUMBING CODE

    ), Copyright © 2025 IAPMO, and may not be used for any other purpose or distributed to any other persons or parties.

    SANITARY DRAINAGE

    Exceptions:

    (1) Cleanouts shall be permitted to be omitted on a horizontal drain line less than 5 feet (1524 mm) in length unless such line is serving sinks or urinals.

    (2) Cleanouts shall be permitted to be omitted on a horizontal drainage pipe installed on a slope of 72 degrees (1.26 rad) or less from the vertical angle (one-fifth bend).

  • CPC § 717.1 High relevance — show source text

    TABLE 717.1

    MAXIMUM/MINIMUM FIXTURE UNIT LOADING

    For SI units: 1 inch = 25 mm, 1 inch per foot = 83.3 mm/m

    • See also Appendix H, Private Sewage Disposal Systems. For alternate methods of sizing drainage piping, see Appendix C.

    176 2025 CALIFORNIA PLUMBING CODE

    ), Copyright © 2025 IAPMO, and may not be used for any other purpose or distributed to any other persons or parties.

    SANITARY DRAINAGE

    719.0 Cleanouts.

    719.1 Locations. Cleanouts shall be placed inside the building near the connection between the building drain and the building sewer or installed outside the building at the lower end of the building drain and extended to grade.

    Additional building sewer cleanouts shall be installed at intervals not to exceed 100 feet (30 480 mm) in straight runs and for each aggregate horizontal change in direction exceeding 135 degrees (2.36 rad). 719.2 No Additional Cleanouts. Where a building sewer or a branch thereof does not exceed 10 feet (3048 mm) in length and is a straight-line projection from a building drain that is provided with a cleanout, no cleanout will be required at its point of connection to the building drain. 719.3 Building Sewer Cleanouts. Required building sewer cleanouts shall be extended to grade and shall be in accordance with the appropriate sections of cleanouts, Section 707.0, for sizing, construction, and materials. Where building sewers are located under buildings, the cleanout requirements of Section 707.0 shall apply. 719.4 Cleaning. Each cleanout shall be installed so that it opens to allow cleaning in the direction of flow of the soil or waste or at right angles thereto and, except in the case of wye branch and end-of-line cleanouts, shall be installed vertically above the flow line of the pipe. 719.5 Access. Cleanouts installed under concrete or asphalt paving shall be made accessible by yard boxes or by extending flush with paving with approved materials and shall be adequately protected. 719.6 Manholes. Approved manholes shall be permitted to be installed in lieu of cleanouts, where first approved by the Authority Having Jurisdiction. The maximum distance between manholes shall not exceed 300 feet (91 440 mm).

    The inlet and outlet connections shall be made by the use of a flexible compression joint not less than 12 inches (305 mm) and not exceeding 3 feet (914 mm) from the manhole. No flexible compression joints shall be embedded in the manhole base.

    720.0 Sewer and Water Pipes. 720.1 General. Building sewers or drainage piping of clay or materials that are not approved for use within a building shall not be run or laid in the same trench as the water pipes unless the following requirements are met:

    (1) The bottom of the water pipe, at points, shall be not less than 12 inches (305 mm) above the top of the sewer or drain line.

    (2) The water pipe shall be placed on a solid shelf excavated at one side of the common trench with a clear horizontal distance of not less than 12 inches (305 mm) from the sewer or drain line.

    (3) Water pipes crossing sewer or drainage piping constructed of clay or materials that are not approved for use within a building shall be laid not less than 12 inches (305 mm) above the sewer or drainpipe.

  • CPC § 705.5 High relevance — show source text

    705.5 Polyethylene (PE) Sewer Pipe . . .170

    xxxiv 2025 CALIFORNIA PLUMBING CODE

    ), Copyright © 2025 IAPMO, and may not be used for any other purpose or distributed to any other persons or parties.

    TABLE OF CONTENTS

    705.6 PVC and PVC Co-Extruded

    Plastic Pipe and Joining Methods . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .171

    705.7 Stainless Steel Pipe and Joints . . .171

    705.8 Vitrified Clay Pipe and Joints . . . .171

    705.9 Special Joints . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .171

    705.10 Joints Between

    Various Materials . . . . . . . . . . . . .171

    706.0 Changes in Direction of Drainage Flow . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .172

    706.1 Approved Fittings . . . . . . . . . . . . .172

    706.2 Horizontal to Vertical . . . . . . . . . .172

    706.3 Horizontal to Horizontal . . . . . . . .172

    706.4 Vertical to Horizontal . . . . . . . . . .172

    707.0 Cleanouts . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .172

    707.1 Plug . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .172

    Table 707.1 Cleanouts . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .172

    707.2 Approved . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .172

    Table 707.2 Cleanout Materials for Drain, Waste, and Vent . . . . . . . . . . . . . .172

    707.3 Watertight and Gastight . . . . . . . .172

    707.4 Location . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .172

    707.5 Cleaning . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .173

    707.6 Extension . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .173

    707.7 Interceptor . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .173

    707.8 Access . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .173

    707.9 Clearance . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .173

    707.10 Fittings . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .173

    707.11 Pressure Drainage Systems . . . . .173

    707.12 Countersunk Cleanout Plugs . . . .173

    707.13 Hubless Blind Plugs . . . . . . . . . . .173

    707.14 Trap Arms . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .173

    708.0 Grade of Horizontal Drainage Piping . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .173

    708.1 General . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .173

    709.0 Gravity Drainage Required . . . . . .173

  • CPC § 707.1 High relevance — show source text

    TABLE 707.1

    CLEANOUTS

    For SI units: 1 inch = 25 mm

    TABLE 707.2 CLEANOUT MATERIALS FOR DRAIN, WASTE, AND VENT

    1 [HCD 1 & HCD 2] ABS and PVC installations are limited to not more

    than two stories of areas of residential accommodation.

    172 2025 CALIFORNIA PLUMBING CODE

    ), Copyright © 2025 IAPMO, and may not be used for any other purpose or distributed to any other persons or parties.

    SANITARY DRAINAGE

    Exceptions:

    (1) Cleanouts shall be permitted to be omitted on a horizontal drain line less than 5 feet (1524 mm) in length unless such line is serving sinks or urinals.

    (2) Cleanouts shall be permitted to be omitted on a horizontal drainage pipe installed on a slope of 72 degrees (1.26 rad) or less from the vertical angle (one-fifth bend).

    (3) Excepting the building drain, its horizontal branches, kitchen sinks, and urinals, a cleanout shall not be required on a pipe or piping that is above the floor level of the lowest floor of the building.

    (4) An approved type of two-way cleanout fitting, installed inside the building wall near the connection between the building drain and the building sewer or installed outside of a building at the lower end of a building drain and extended to grade, shall be permitted to be substituted for an upper terminal cleanout.

    707.4.1 Load Rated Cover. Cleanout floor covers and top rims meant to take loads shall be rated for the loading in accordance with ASME A112.36.2M. 707.5 Cleaning. Each cleanout shall be installed so that it opens to allow cleaning in the direction of flow of the soil or waste or at right angles thereto and, except in the case of wye branch and end-of-line cleanouts, shall be installed vertically above the flow line of the pipe.

    707.6 Extension. Each cleanout extension shall be considered as drainage piping and each 90 degree (1.57 rad) cleanout extension shall be extended from a wye-type fitting or other approved fitting of equivalent sweep.

    707.7 Interceptor. Each cleanout for an interceptor shall be outside of such interceptor.

    707.8 Access. Each cleanout, unless installed under an approved cover plate, shall be above grade, readily accessible, and so located as to serve the purpose for which it is intended. Cleanouts located under cover plates shall be so installed as to provide the clearances and accessibility required by this section.

    707.9 Clearance. Each cleanout in piping 2 inches (50 mm) or less in size shall be so installed that there is a clearance of not less than 18 inches (457 mm) by 18 inches (457 mm) in front of the cleanout. Cleanouts in piping exceeding 2 inches (50 mm) shall have a clearance of not less than 24 inches (610 mm) by 24 inches (610 mm) in front of the cleanout. Cleanouts in under-floor piping shall be extended to or above the finished floor or shall be extended outside the building where there is less than 18 inches (457 mm) vertical overall, allowing for obstructions such as ducts, beams, and piping, and 30 inches of (762 mm) horizontal clearance from the means of access to such cleanout.

  • CPC § 718.0 High relevance — show source text

    718.0 Grade, Support, and Protection of Building Sewers.

    718.1 Slope. Building sewers shall be run in practical alignment and at a uniform slope of not less than [1] ⁄ 4 inch per foot (20.8 mm/m) toward the point of disposal.

    Exception: Where approved by the Authority Having Jurisdiction and where it is impractical, due to the depth of the street sewer, the structural features or the arrangement of a building or structure, to obtain a slope of [1] ⁄ 4 inch per foot (20.8 mm/m), piping 4 inches (100 mm) through 6 inches (150 mm) shall be permitted to have a slope of not less than [1] ⁄ 8 inch per foot (10.4 mm/m) and piping 8 inches (200 mm) and larger shall be permitted to have a slope of not less than [1] ⁄ 16 inch per foot (5.2 mm/m). The maximum and minimum fixture unit loading shall be in accordance with Table 717.1. 718.2 Support. Building sewer piping shall be laid on a firm bed throughout its entire length, and such piping laid in made or filled-in ground shall be laid on a bed of approved materials and shall be properly supported as required by the Authority Having Jurisdiction. 718.3 Protection from Damage. No building sewer or other drainage piping or part thereof, which is constructed of materials other than those approved for use under or within a building, shall be installed under or within 2 feet (610 mm) of a building or structure, or part thereof, nor less than 1 foot (305 mm) below the surface of the ground. The provisions of this subsection include structures such as porches and steps, whether covered or uncovered; breezeways; roofed porte cochere; roofed patios; carports; covered walks; covered driveways; and similar structures or appurtenances.

    TABLE 717.1

    MAXIMUM/MINIMUM FIXTURE UNIT LOADING

    For SI units: 1 inch = 25 mm, 1 inch per foot = 83.3 mm/m

    • See also Appendix H, Private Sewage Disposal Systems. For alternate methods of sizing drainage piping, see Appendix C.

    176 2025 CALIFORNIA PLUMBING CODE

    ), Copyright © 2025 IAPMO, and may not be used for any other purpose or distributed to any other persons or parties.

    SANITARY DRAINAGE

    719.0 Cleanouts.

    719.1 Locations. Cleanouts shall be placed inside the building near the connection between the building drain and the building sewer or installed outside the building at the lower end of the building drain and extended to grade.

    Additional building sewer cleanouts shall be installed at intervals not to exceed 100 feet (30 480 mm) in straight runs and for each aggregate horizontal change in direction exceeding 135 degrees (2.36 rad). 719.2 No Additional Cleanouts. Where a building sewer or a branch thereof does not exceed 10 feet (3048 mm) in length and is a straight-line projection from a building drain that is provided with a cleanout, no cleanout will be required at its point of connection to the building drain. 719.3 Building Sewer Cleanouts. Required building sewer cleanouts shall be extended to grade and shall be in accordance with the appropriate sections of cleanouts, Section 707.0, for sizing, construction, and materials.

  • CPC § 707.6 High relevance — show source text

    707.6 Extension. Each cleanout extension shall be considered as drainage piping and each 90 degree (1.57 rad) cleanout extension shall be extended from a wye-type fitting or other approved fitting of equivalent sweep.

    707.7 Interceptor. Each cleanout for an interceptor shall be outside of such interceptor.

    707.8 Access. Each cleanout, unless installed under an approved cover plate, shall be above grade, readily accessible, and so located as to serve the purpose for which it is intended. Cleanouts located under cover plates shall be so installed as to provide the clearances and accessibility required by this section.

    707.9 Clearance. Each cleanout in piping 2 inches (50 mm) or less in size shall be so installed that there is a clearance of not less than 18 inches (457 mm) by 18 inches (457 mm) in front of the cleanout. Cleanouts in piping exceeding 2 inches (50 mm) shall have a clearance of not less than 24 inches (610 mm) by 24 inches (610 mm) in front of the cleanout. Cleanouts in under-floor piping shall be extended to or above the finished floor or shall be extended outside the building where there is less than 18 inches (457 mm) vertical overall, allowing for obstructions such as ducts, beams, and piping, and 30 inches of (762 mm) horizontal clearance from the means of access to such cleanout. No under-floor cleanout shall be located exceeding 5 feet (1524 mm) from an access door, trap door, or crawl hole.

    707.10 Fittings. Cleanout fittings shall be not less in size than those given in Table 707.1. 707.11 Pressure Drainage Systems. Cleanouts shall be provided for pressure drainage systems as classified under Section 710.7.

    707.12 Countersunk Cleanout Plugs. Countersunk cleanout plugs shall be installed where raised heads cause a hazard.

    707.13 Hubless Blind Plugs. Where a hubless blind plug is used for a required cleanout, the complete coupling and plug shall be accessible for removal or replacement. 707.14 Trap Arms. Cleanouts for trap arms shall be installed in accordance with Section 1002.3.

    708.0 Grade of Horizontal Drainage Piping. 708.1 General. Building drain and other horizontal drainage piping shall be run in practical alignment and a uniform slope of not less than [1] ⁄ 4 inch per foot (20.8 mm/m) or 2 percent toward the point of disposal.

    Where it is impractical due to the depth of the street sewer, structural features, or to the arrangement of a building or structure to obtain a slope of [1] ⁄ 4 inch per foot (20.8 mm/m) or 2 percent, building drain piping 4 inches (100 mm) or larger in diameter shall be permitted to have a slope of not less than [1] ⁄ 8 inch per foot (10.4 mm/m) or 1 percent, when first approved by the Authority Having Jurisdiction.

    709.0 Gravity Drainage Required. 709.1 General. Where practicable, plumbing fixtures shall be drained to the public sewer or private sewage disposal system by gravity.

    710.0 Drainage of Fixtures Located Below the Next Upstream Manhole or Below the Main Sewer Level.

  • CPC § 4.4.3 High relevance — show source text

    Electro-fusion joints shall be heated internally by a conductor at the interface of the joint. Fittings shall comply with ASTM F1055 for the performance requirements of polyethylene electro-fusion fittings. The specified electro-fusion cycle used to form the joint requires consideration of the properties of the materials being joined, the design of the fitting being used, and the environmental conditions. Align and restrain fitting to pipe to prevent movement and apply electric current to the fitting. Turn off the current when the required time has elapsed to heat the joint. Do not disturb the joint until cooled to ambient temperature. 4.4.3 Socket-Fusion Joints [2024 UPC 705.5.1.3]

    Socket fusion joints shall be installed in accordance with ASTM F2620 and shall be made by simultaneously heating the outside surface of a pipe end and the inside of a fitting socket. Where the required melt is obtained, the pipe and fitting shall be joined by inserting one into the other with applied force. Do not disturb the joint until cooled to ambient temperature.

    4.5 Trenchless Installation of Sewers

    The trenchless installation of sewers will be as fol lows:

    (a) Preliminary Steps (i) Inspect the inside of the sewer line using a camera and recording device to ascertain the line condition.

    (ii) Mark the details revealed by the video inspection including:

    1. The ground surface to show the location of the lateral tie of the city wye.

    2. The line location with an arrow in the street pointing back at the lateral.

    3. The property denoting the lateral location.

    4. The locations of the proposed excavations.

    (iii) Obtain utility line identification service contact information and all applicable permits. (b) Excavation In addition to the above markings, the local utility companies will mark utilities. Considerations are soil density; clearance from obstacles, utilities, and structures; location of bends, and water service locations. Excavations and shoring shall be in accordance with jurisdictional safety requirements. (c) Set Up Fuse the proper length of polyethylene pipe in accordance with ASTM F2620, or ASTM D3261 and fuse the end to a small length that is attached to the pulling head. A rod pusher cable is pushed through the damaged host pipe and attached to the pulling cable, which is then drawn through the pipe. The clevis end of the cable is attached to the pulling head. The pulling equipment is then set up according to the manufacturer’s instructions.

    (d) Pulling Pull the pulling head through. Once the pull is done, complete the connection to the existing piping.

    4.6 Cleanouts

    4.6.1 Plug Each cleanout fitting for cast-iron pipe shall consist of a cast-iron or brass body and an approved plug. Each cleanout for galvanized wrought-iron, galvanized steel, copper, or brass pipe shall consist of a brass plug as specified in Table 1, or a standard weight brass cap, or an approved ABS or PVC plastic plug, or an approved stainless-steel cleanout or plug. Plugs shall have raised square heads or approved countersunk rectangular slots. 4.6.2 Approved Each cleanout fitting and each cleanout plug, or cap shall be of an approved type.

    452 2025 CALIFORNIA PLUMBING CODE

    ), Copyright © 2025 IAPMO, and may not be used for any other purpose or distributed to any other persons or parties.

    IS 26

  • CPC § 1.1 High relevance — show source text

    End laps shall be 4 inches and
    shall be offset by 6 feet.
    2. A minimum 4-inch-wide strip of self-adhering polymer modi-
    fied bitumen underlayment complying with ASTM D1970,
    installed in accordance with the manufacturer’s installation
    instructions for the deck material, shall be applied over all
    joints in the roof decking. An approved underlayment comply-
    ing with Table R905.1.1(1) for the applicable roof covering shall
    be applied over the entire roof over the 4-inch-wide
    membrane strips.
    3. A single layer of self-adhering polymer modified bitumen
    underlayment complying with ASTM D1970, installed in accor-
    dance
    with
    the
    underlayment
    and
    roof
    covering
    manufacturer’s installation instructions for the deck material,
    roof ventilation configuration and climate exposure of the roof
    covering.| |For SI: 1 inch = 25.4 mm, 1 foot = 304.8 mm, 1 mile per hour = 0.447 m/s.|For SI: 1 inch = 25.4 mm, 1 foot = 304.8 mm, 1 mile per hour = 0.447 m/s.|For SI: 1 inch = 25.4 mm, 1 foot = 304.8 mm, 1 mile per hour = 0.447 m/s.|For SI: 1 inch = 25.4 mm, 1 foot = 304.8 mm, 1 mile per hour = 0.447 m/s.|

    TABLE R905.1.1(3)—UNDERLAYMENT ATTACHMENT Col2 Col3 Col4
    ROOF
    COVERING    		 SECTION AREAS WHERE WIND DESIGN IS NOT REQUIRED IN
    ACCORDANCE WITH FIGURE R301.2.1.1    		 AREAS WHERE WIND DESIGN IS REQUIRED IN
    ACCORDANCE WITH FIGURE R301.2.1.1
    Asphalt
    shingles    		 R905.2 Fastened sufficiently to hold in place Mechanically fastened underlayment shall be fastened with
    corrosion-resistant fasteners in a grid pattern of 12 inches
    between side laps with a 6-inch spacing at side and end laps.
    Underlayment shall be attached using annular ring or
    deformed shank nails with 1-inch-diameter metal or plastic
    caps. Metal caps shall have a thickness of not less than 32-
    gage sheet metal. Power-driven metal caps shall have a mini-
    mum thickness of 0.010 inch. Minimum thickness of the
    outside edge of plastic caps shall be 0.035 inch. The cap nail
    shank shall be not less than 0.083 inch. The cap nail shank
    shall have a length sufficient to penetrate through the roof
    sheathing or not less than3/4 inch into the roof sheathing.
    Self-adhering polymer modified bitumen underlayment
    shall be installed in accordance with the underlayment and
    roof covering manufacturers’ installation instructions for the
    deck material, roof ventilation configuration, and climate
    exposure of the roof covering.
    Clay and
    concrete tile    		 R905.3 R905.3 R905.3
    BIPV roof
    covering    		 R905.15 R905.15 R905.
  • CPC § 707.2 High relevance — show source text

    Table 707.2 Cleanout Materials for Drain, Waste, and Vent . . . . . . . . . . . . . .172

    707.3 Watertight and Gastight . . . . . . . .172

    707.4 Location . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .172

    707.5 Cleaning . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .173

    707.6 Extension . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .173

    707.7 Interceptor . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .173

    707.8 Access . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .173

    707.9 Clearance . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .173

    707.10 Fittings . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .173

    707.11 Pressure Drainage Systems . . . . .173

    707.12 Countersunk Cleanout Plugs . . . .173

    707.13 Hubless Blind Plugs . . . . . . . . . . .173

    707.14 Trap Arms . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .173

    708.0 Grade of Horizontal Drainage Piping . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .173

    708.1 General . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .173

    709.0 Gravity Drainage Required . . . . . .173

    709.1 General . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .173

    710.0 Drainage of Fixtures Located Below the Next Upstream Manhole or Below the Main

    Sewer Level . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .173

    710.1 Backflow Protection . . . . . . . . . . .173

    710.2 Sewage Discharge . . . . . . . . . . . .173

    710.3 Sewage Ejector and Pumps . . . . .173

    710.4 Discharge Line . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .174

    710.5 Size of Building Drains and Sewers . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .174

    710.6 Backwater Valves . . . . . . . . . . . . .174

    710.7 Drainage and Venting Systems . . .174

    710.8 Sump and Receiving Tank Construction . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .174

    710.9 Alarm . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .174

    710.10 Sump and Receiving Tank Covers and Vents . . . . . . . . . . . . .174

    710.11 Air Tanks . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .174

    710.12 Grinder Pump Ejector . . . . . . . . . .174

    710.13 Macerating Toilet Systems and Pumped Waste Systems . . . .174

    711.0 Suds Relief . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .175

  • CPC § 7-3 Medium relevance — show source text

    on
    Page 7-3|2-1/2”
    Max.
    D
    E
    A
    O
    I
    N
    L
    L
    D
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    L
    D
    E
    A
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    I
    N
    L
    L|2-1/2”
    Max.
    D
    E
    A
    O
    I
    N
    L
    L
    D
    E
    A
    O
    I
    N
    L
    L
    D
    E
    A
    O
    I
    N
    L
    L|1-1/2”
    Min.
    3” Min.
    | |n.
    8”|n.
    8”|n.
    8”|n.
    8”| |n.
    8”|n.
    8”||2-1/2” M
    Alternate
    Position for

    11” Min.

    Note D. on
    Page 7-3|

    Neutral Double Lugs

    3” Min. PG&E Service Conduit Required (in the Center Position)

    6” Min.

    Col1 Col2 0

    Figure 7-2 Bused, Safety-Socket Meter Box for Self-Contained Metering (101 Amps−200 Amps)

    7.2.6. Services, Over 200 Amps, Single Applicant, Underground

    Applicants must meet the following requirements when installing services and equipment.

    A. Services, 201 Amps Through 400 Amps, Three Phase, and 201 Amps Through 600 Amps, Single Phase

    1. When planning a single, underground, single-phase or three-phase service, applicants must furnish, install, own, and maintain combination meter and current-transformer cabinets, as illustrated in Figure 7-3, “Underground Combination Meter and Current-Transformer Cabinet (201 Amps−400 Amps, 1∅ or 3∅),” on Page 7-7.

    N OTE: See Section 9, “Electric Metering Components and Cable

    Terminating Facilities,” for details about internal components.

    1. The current transformer mounting base must include termination bolts, Belleville washers, and nuts on the line and load sides necessary to connect the current transformers and the PG&E service conductors to the line side.

    7-5 2022 – 2023

    Section 7, Electric Metering: Nonresidential, Industrial, and Agricultural

    7.2.6. (continued)

    1. Applicants must install a maximum of one set (i.e., one conductor per phase) of load conductors before PG&E installs the current-transformers.

    2. The applicant’s conductor must be terminated on the top (load side) of the current-transformer mounting base or termination enclosure busing.

  • CPC § 509.5.6.2 Medium relevance — show source text

    509.5.6.2 Cleanouts. Cleanouts shall be examined and where they do not remain tightly closed when not in use, they shall be repaired or replaced.

    [NFPA 54:12.6.4.3] 509.5.6.3 Existing Chimney. When inspection reveals that an existing chimney is not safe for the intended application, it shall be repaired, rebuilt, lined, relined, or replaced with a vent or chimney to conform to NFPA 211 and shall be suitable for the appliances to be attached. [NFPA 54:12.6.4.4] 509.5.7 Chimney Serving Appliances Burning Other Fuels. An appliance shall not be connected to a chimney flue serving a separate appliance designed to burn solid fuel. [NFPA 54:12.6.5.1] 509.5.7.1 Gas and Liquid Fuel-Burning Appli- ances. Where one chimney serves gas appliances and liquid fuel-burning appliances, the appliances shall be connected through separate openings or connected through a single opening where joined by a suitable fitting located as close as practical to the

    2025 CALIFORNIA PLUMBING CODE 93

    ), Copyright © 2025 IAPMO, and may not be used for any other purpose or distributed to any other persons or parties.

    WATER HEATERS

    FIGURE 509.5.4

    TYPICAL TERMINATION LOCATIONS FOR CHIMNEYS AND

    SINGLE-WALL METAL PIPES SERVING RESIDENTIAL-TYPE

    AND LOW-HEAT APPLIANCE

    [NFPA: 54: FIGURE A.12.6.2.1]

    chimney. Where two or more openings are provided into one chimney flue, they shall be at different levels. Where the gas appliance is automatically controlled, it shall be equipped with a safety shutoff device. [NFPA 54:12.6.5.2] 509.5.7.2 Gas and Solid Fuel-Burning Appli- ances. A listed combination gas- and solid-fuelburning appliance connected to a single chimney flue shall be equipped with a manual reset device to shut off gas to the main burner in the event of sustained backdraft or flue gas spillage. The chimney flue shall be sized to properly vent the appliance.

    [NFPA 54:12.6.5.3] 509.5.7.3 Combination Gas- and Oil-Burning Appliances. A single chimney flue serving a listed combination gas- and oil-burning appliance shall be sized in accordance with the appliance manufacturer’s instructions. [NFPA 54:12.6.5.4] 509.5.8 Support of Chimneys. All portions of chimneys shall be supported for the design and weight of the materials employed. Listed factory-built chimneys shall be supported and spaced in accordance with the manufacturer’s installation instructions. [NFPA 54:12.6.6] 509.5.9 Cleanouts. Where a chimney that formerly carried flue products from liquid or solid fuel-burning appliances is used with an appliance using fuel gas, an accessible cleanout shall be provided. The cleanout shall have a tight-fitting cover and be installed so its upper edge is at least 6 inches (152 mm) below the lower edge of the lowest chimney inlet opening.

  • CPC § 4.6 Medium relevance — show source text

    Considerations are soil density; clearance from obstacles, utilities, and structures; location of bends, and water service locations. Excavations and shoring shall be in accordance with jurisdictional safety requirements. (c) Set Up Fuse the proper length of polyethylene pipe in accordance with ASTM F2620, or ASTM D3261 and fuse the end to a small length that is attached to the pulling head. A rod pusher cable is pushed through the damaged host pipe and attached to the pulling cable, which is then drawn through the pipe. The clevis end of the cable is attached to the pulling head. The pulling equipment is then set up according to the manufacturer’s instructions.

    (d) Pulling Pull the pulling head through. Once the pull is done, complete the connection to the existing piping.

    4.6 Cleanouts

    4.6.1 Plug Each cleanout fitting for cast-iron pipe shall consist of a cast-iron or brass body and an approved plug. Each cleanout for galvanized wrought-iron, galvanized steel, copper, or brass pipe shall consist of a brass plug as specified in Table 1, or a standard weight brass cap, or an approved ABS or PVC plastic plug, or an approved stainless-steel cleanout or plug. Plugs shall have raised square heads or approved countersunk rectangular slots. 4.6.2 Approved Each cleanout fitting and each cleanout plug, or cap shall be of an approved type.

    452 2025 CALIFORNIA PLUMBING CODE

    ), Copyright © 2025 IAPMO, and may not be used for any other purpose or distributed to any other persons or parties.

    IS 26

    4.6.3 Watertight and Gastight

    Cleanouts shall be designed to be watertight and gastight.

    5 Testing and Inspection Requirements

    5.1 Media

    The piping of the building sewer shall be tested with water. The Authority Having Jurisdiction shall be permitted to require the removal of cleanouts, etc., to ascertain whether the pressure has reached all parts of the system.

    5.2 Water Test

    The system shall be tested by plugging the end of the building sewer at its points of connection to the public sewer or private sewage disposal system and completely filling the building sewer with water from the lowest to the highest point thereof.

    5.3 Inspections

    The completed piping shall be internally inspected by camera unless waived by the Administrative Authority.

    TABLE 1

    CLEANOUTS (See Section 4.6.1)

    NPS SIZE OF CLEANOUT
    (inches)    		 THREADS PER INCH
    1.5 1.5 11.5


    2    		 1.5 11.5


    2.5    		 2.5 8

    3    		 2.5 8

    4 & larger    		 3.5 8

    Note: For SI units: 1 inch = 25 mm

    Uniform Plumbing Code References

    The following sections of the 2024 Uniform Plumbing Code apply.

    105.2 Required Inspections

    105.2.2 Other Inspections

    105.3 Testing of Systems

    301.2 Minimum Standards

    309.0 Workmanship

    312.0 Protection of Piping, Materials, and Structures

Frequently asked questions

What is the single most important placement rule for cleanouts?

Place a cleanout at the upper terminal of every horizontal drainage pipe and provide a cleanout for every 100 ft (or fraction) of developed piping and for any aggregate horizontal change over 135°. § 707.4.

Can I use PVC or ABS for any cleanout?

PVC and ABS are permitted materials listed in Table 707.2, but there is a footnote limiting their use to not more than two stories of residential accommodation. § 707.2 / Table 707.2.

What clearance is required in front of a cleanout?

For piping ≤ 2 in, provide 18 in × 18 in in front; for piping > 2 in, provide 24 in × 24 in clear working space. § 707.9.

Are cleanouts required under paving?

Yes — cleanouts under concrete or asphalt paving must still be made accessible by yard boxes or by extension flush with paving with approved materials and be adequately protected. § 719.5, § 707.8. file

Where must interceptor cleanouts be located?

Cleanouts for interceptors must be outside the interceptor. § 707.7.

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