In a plumbing system, what should the flow direction be for cleanouts relative to the pipe?

The flow direction for cleanouts in a plumbing system should ideally be parallel to the flow of the sewage or waste materials in the pipe. This design ensures that if a blockage occurs downstream, the cleanout provides access to remove or address the obstruction without needing to disrupt the overall flow direction significantly.

When cleanouts are positioned parallel to the flow, it facilitates easier maintenance and reduces the risk of waste backflow during cleaning processes. In contrast, positioning cleanouts against the flow could complicate clearing clogs and potentially create pressure build-up issues.

Thus, having cleanouts aligned with the flow direction helps ensure the efficiency of the plumbing system and the effectiveness of the maintenance practices while avoiding adverse effects associated with other orientations.