How do I find a sewer drain in my yard?

Author: Belle Roob  |  Last update: Friday, May 9, 2025

You can usually find it in your yard, often positioned vertically and protruding slightly from the ground a few feet away from the foundation. You can also check your basement or crawl space if the cleanout pipe isn't visible in the yard.

How to locate main sewer line in yard?

Your home's sewer cleanout is a crucial part of your plumbing system. You'll usually find it outside, about 1 to 3 feet from where your house meets the ground. Look for a pipe sticking up with a cap on top that might have a square knob or notch for turning.

How do I find a buried drain in my yard?

Today, the best tool for the job is ground penetrating radar (GPR) as it accurately maps metal and PVC pipes. Traditional pipe locators use electricity and magnets to locate underground pipes.

How do I find a drain field in my yard?

Use your septic tank to point the way.

It will point in the general direction of an area large enough to house your drainfield. Once you have a general sense of where your drainfield might be, look for an open area clear of trees and buildings. This is likely the location of your septic drainfield.

How far down are sewer pipes buried?

For instance, residential sewer line depth ranges from 18 to 30 inches. However, city sewer line depths are different. Your city's sewer lines must always be deeper than the deepest residential pipe to allow waste to flow downhill. As such, these lines can go as deep as needed.

How To Find Drain in Your Yard

How to find your outside drain?

Finding an Outdoor Drain Cleanout

If you use a septic system, walk back towards your home and look for a protruding plastic pipe in your lawn or garden. If the cleanout is on the municipal sewer line, you won't see the drainage line. But follow a path through the yard to find the cleanout pipe.

How to find the depth of a sewer line?

One way to find out the depth of your sewer lines is to consult existing property maps or plans. These documents often include information about the location and depth of underground utilities, including sewer lines. If you don't have access to these maps, your local city or county office might have copies.

How do I find a hidden drain?

Now you know that there are two ways of locating the drainage system beneath your house. You can either contact your local council and ask them for the plan associated with your property or you can contact a drainage expert who will conduct a CCTV drainage survey to get an accurate map of your drains.

How much does a yard drain cost?

The Cost of Landscape Drainage

You can generally expect to pay between USD $30 and $1,000 per linear foot of channel drain. However, more complex situations may cost up to $150 per linear foot.

How deep is a sewer drain field?

Typically, the drainfield consists of three to five trenches that are 18 to 24 inches deep, up to 100 ft long, with a perforated pipe in 12 to 18 inches deep gravel covered by 12 inches of soil.

How to unclog an underground outdoor drainage pipe?

How to unblock your outside drain
  1. Use a drain snake. ...
  2. Use a drain bladder/ball bag. ...
  3. Hydro jetting. ...
  4. Water jetting. ...
  5. Use a Picote milling machine. ...
  6. Use baking soda & vinegar.

Why is there a sewer drain in my backyard?

It can seem strange to come across drains in your backyard on a summer afternoon. However, these drains serve a purpose. Every property has underground drainage systems that are hidden underground. They help convey excess water from the yard and the property.

How do I check my yard drainage?

While the amount of time your lawn remains wet after rain or watering sessions will vary, generally, a healthy lawn with good drainage should not stay wet or soggy for more than 24 to 48 hours after a moderate rain or watering session. If your soil is consistently wet, you likely have underlying drainage problems.

How to find drain pipe in yard?

Septic systems: Walk back from the tank towards the home, looking for a plastic pipe vertically sticking up from the lawn or garden. Municipal system: The actual drainage line is usually not visible, so trace a broad path through the yard to find the drain cleanout pipe. The pipe is typically black or white.

How much does it cost to unclog a sewer line?

Plumber Drain Snaking Costs

Simple sink, shower, or toilet clogs – $100 to $250 per drain. Kitchen sink or laundry drain cleanout – $150 to $275 average cost. Main sewer line augering – $200 to $500 per cleaning. Extensive sewervideo inspection & repairs – $400 to $1,000+

How many sewer cleanouts does a house have?

Many homes have two clean-outs (see below). One is near the foundation of the house and the second is at or near the property line. First, check the clean-out next to the house to see if it has water in it. If it doesn't contain any water, then you know the blockage is somewhere in the house plumbing.

What is a yard drain called?

Yard drains are also called catch basins. As that name implies, the purpose of this drain is to 'catch' excess surface water in a basin and redirect it. The catch basin acts like a sewer drain and directs the water through a pipe sloping away from the basin.

How much does it cost to dig a trench for drainage?

The average cost to dig a trench is $950 per 100 linear feet, but prices can range from $400 to $1,200 depending on the purpose of your project, such as a drainage system or laying gas pipes. You should budget anywhere from $5 to $12 per linear foot to dig a trench or $13 to $40 per linear foot for major projects.

Do plumbers do yard drainage?

Plumbers are well-equipped with the necessary tools and possess extensive expertise in dealing with various drainage issues. One of the common areas where clogs occur is in the gutters. Over time, debris such as leaves, twigs, and dirt can accumulate, obstructing the flow of water.

How do I find my sewer drain?

It can typically be found in the basement, crawl space or garage. You will want to search for a pipe that is approximately four inches in diameter with a screw cap on the top that has a notch or square knob at the top. Note that some homes have an indoor sewer cleanout point, while others may be located outdoors.

What is a stealth drain?

The Amerimax Stealth Drain Low Profile Catch Basin allows you to move damaging rainwater away from your home with the look of a buried drainage system, without the cost. The low profile design creates an unobtrusive look and can be covered with mulch, straw or stones for a subtle appearance, with no digging required.

How do you unblock a sewer drain?

Try pouring hot water down the drain, then follow it with one cup of bicarbonate of soda and a cup of vinegar. Leave it for ten minutes, then chase it with more hot water. A combination of the hot water and the natural cleaner mixture can break blockages up.

How to find out if property has a sewer?

contact your town or city they have maps of the sewer lines. They will also tell you where the citys responsibility ends for the sewer line. most times it is at the property line.

What does a sewer line look like?

You may spot a 3 to 4-inch diameter pipe peeking out of the slab floor of the basement. The sewer drain pipe could be made of plastic or cast iron; it might be copper or brass in rare cases. The stub-out will have a screw-in plug coupled with a square-head lug on it, representing your access to the main drain.

How to unclog a sewer line?

Your step-by-step guide: How to clear a main sewer line clog
  1. Step 1: Loosen the cap on the drain pipe. ...
  2. Step 2: Open the cap and let the buildup drain out. ...
  3. Step 3: Feed the auger cable into the drain pipe. ...
  4. Step 4: Run the auger until the clog is clear—and beyond. ...
  5. Step 5: Hose down the pipe and auger cable.

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