Sofia Martinez
Cleanout plugs are used to unclog or clean out drainage systems. They are usually found at the main sewer pipe leading away from a home, in plumbing fixtures, and in garage and basement floor drains. Cleanout plugs can become stuck due to various reasons, such as rust, over-tightening, or the use of incorrect compounds. To loosen a stuck plastic cleanout plug, several methods can be employed. One common approach is to use a pipe wrench or two pipe wrenches, one on the fitting and the other on the plug, and apply force to turn it counterclockwise. If this doesn't work, alternative methods include applying heat with a soldering torch or heat gun to soften the pipe dope, drilling holes in the plug to break it, or cutting out the entire section of the pipe and replacing it with new plastic piping.
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What You'll Learn
Using a pipe wrench
If your plastic cleanout plug is stuck, you can try using a pipe wrench to loosen it. Here's a step-by-step guide on how to do it:
First, make sure you have the right size pipe wrench for your plug. You may need to try different sizes to find the best fit. It's recommended to use a short pipe wrench, around 12 inches, for better leverage.
Next, position the pipe wrench onto the cleanout plug. If your cleanout plug is located in a tight space, you may need to get creative with your positioning. Try to place the wrench on the bottom of the cleanout plug, so you can turn it counterclockwise. You can also try using two pipe wrenches—one on the fitting and one on the plug itself.
Now, it's time to apply some force. Hold the pipe wrench with the handle vertical and consider adding a piece of pipe to the end to give you more leverage. Push and turn the pipe wrench in the counterclockwise direction with force.
If the plug still won't budge, you can try some additional techniques before trying the pipe wrench again. Apply heat to the cleanout plug to soften any pipe dope, and use a hammer to tap the plug counterclockwise. You can also spray a lubricant or penetrating oil onto the plug to help loosen it.
Once the cleanout plug is loose, you can snake the line. Remember to use a plastic plug when replacing, and coat the threads with Teflon paste before installing.
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Drilling a hole in the plug
If your cleanout plug is stuck, you can try drilling small holes in it until you can fit a blade inside. From there, carve out small pizza-shaped sections of the cap, being careful not to harm the threads on the inside. If the cap is made of weaker metal than the inside threads, you can carefully preserve the threads while removing the cap. Pull out a few sections, and it should come right out.
If your cleanout plug is made of brass, you can try drilling a line of holes across it and then jigsawing them together to pull out the plug. Make sure not to drill too close to the sides to avoid messing up the threads. It is recommended to use a shopvac while drilling and sawing to collect any brass shavings and filings, preventing them from going down the drain.
Before attempting to drill holes in the cleanout plug, you can try other methods to remove it. For example, you can try using a wrench of the right size and tapping it with a hammer, alternating between tightening and loosening while tapping. Another method is to cool down the plug as much as possible and use a pipe wrench with long leverage, tapping the leverage with a mallet while alternating between tightening and loosening.
It is important to note that the cleanout plug, or cap, serves an essential function in your plumbing system. It helps stop wastewater from flowing into the cleanout, forcing it into the sewage pipe. It also prevents noxious fumes, dangerous sewer gases, pests, and debris from coming back up through the pipes. Therefore, after successfully removing the stuck cleanout plug, be sure to replace it with a functional one.
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Applying heat
If your plastic cleanout plug is stuck, one method to try and loosen it is to apply heat. Before you begin, clean away any cobwebs and shield the surrounding area with a metal baking pan to protect it from the heat.
One of the most popular methods for applying heat to a plastic cleanout plug is to use a soldering torch. Ensure that you keep a fire extinguisher close by in case of an accident. Apply heat to the cleanout plug and its fitting, but stop before it turns cherry red. The goal here is to simply soften the old pipe dope, not melt the plastic. If heating doesn't loosen the plug, wait for the pipe to cool and then try again.
If you don't have a soldering torch, you could try using a heat gun set to around 300 degrees Fahrenheit. If this doesn't work, try heating the T connector and then immediately cooling the plug with an ice water-soaked rag.
As a last resort, you can try drilling a hole through the side of the square (not the end) and using a hammer to tap a 1/4 inch metal rod through the hole in a counter-clockwise direction to leverage the plug loose.
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Using a screwdriver
If your plastic cleanout plug is stuck, there are several methods you can try to loosen it. One way is to use a screwdriver.
First, clean away any cobwebs and shield the surrounding area with a metal baking pan. Then, take your screwdriver and insert it through the cap as far as it will go. With one hand on each side of the screwdriver, try to turn the cap. Applying force in this balanced way may help you to loosen the plug.
If this doesn't work, you could try prying with the screwdriver at the threads to break the rim inward. Alternatively, you could drill a hole through the side of the square, insert a screwdriver, and tap it with a hammer.
If you are still unable to loosen the plug, you could try other methods. For example, you could apply heat to the plug and fitting, being careful not to get it cherry red, and then attempt to turn the plug once it has cooled. You could also apply a rust penetrant to the area and use two hammers to apply simultaneous blows to the fitting. If you feel the plug starting to give, attach a pipe wrench to the plug and the fitting and twist as hard as you can.
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Replacing the pipe
If your plastic cleanout plug is stuck and you are unable to loosen it, you may need to cut out and replace a section of the pipe. This is recommended by master plumber Les Zell, who suggests that after 30 minutes of trying to free a stuck plug, it is best to replace the pipe.
To replace the pipe, you will need to saw off the old section. This can be done using a reciprocating saw with a metal-cutting blade. Cut through the fittings and the pipe leading to and from the cleanout tee or wye. Ensure that you protect any surrounding wood with a metal baking pan to catch any sparks from the saw.
Once the old section is removed, you can install a new section of pipe. It is recommended to use black ABS or white PVC plastic fittings and pipes, joining them with rubber mission couplings. Slide the mission couplings onto the old pipe and slip in the new plastic fitting.
When installing the new pipe, use a replacement cleanout adapter and new stub pipes. You can use the old fitting as a guide to glue up the new parts. Make sure to coat the threads of the new plastic plug with Teflon paste before installing it. Do not use steel replacement parts or reuse the old metal plug.
With the new pipe in place, you can snug up the connections with slip joint pliers. Be careful not to overtighten the plug, as this may cause issues when trying to remove it in the future.
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Frequently asked questions
Try using a pipe wrench to turn the plug counterclockwise. If that doesn't work, you may need to cut out and replace the pipe.
Try using a screwdriver. Insert it as far as it will go through the cap, then use both hands (one on each side) to try to turn it.
You could try drilling holes in the plug, breaking the square middle out, and picking the rest out of the threads. However, this method is time-consuming and may damage the pipe.
Try applying heat to the plug and fitting using a soldering torch or a heat gun. Don't get the plug cherry red; the goal is simply to soften the pipe dope. If heating doesn't work, wait for the pipe to cool and try again.
As a last resort, you can cut out the entire section of the pipe and replace it with new plastic piping.
