Cleanouts may be omitted on a horizontal drain line less than how many feet long?

The correct answer is based on plumbing code and best practices for maintaining drain lines. Cleanouts are an essential feature in plumbing because they allow for easy access to drains for the purposes of maintenance, clearing blockages, and inspections.

According to standard plumbing codes, cleanouts can be omitted on horizontal drain lines that are less than 5 feet in length. This provision is established because shorter drain lines typically have less potential for clogging or the accumulation of debris since they have a limited length for waste to travel. Therefore, the need for a cleanout in a short horizontal section is often considered unnecessary, as any potential blockage can be addressed with other methods.

As the drain line increases in length beyond this point, the likelihood of blockages increases, making access for maintenance increasingly important; hence, cleanouts become mandatory. In this context, knowing the length limitations for omitting cleanouts is crucial for compliance with the plumbing code and ensuring effective drainage and maintenance in plumbing systems.