How to Hide Sewer Cleanout in Basement and Yard? [9 Methods]

Sewer cleanout pipes are essential to the proper functioning of our drainage systems in our homes. They’re a blot on the landscape. Our interiors are ruined by exposed pipes, which make our homes appear shabby. So, everyone wants to hide them from people’s attention.

So, how to hide sewer cleanouts?

Coating the main pipe with gravel is away. Also, you can plant your area daily until the grass develops. Real or fake pebbles can hide a sewer pipe entry point. You can also cover it with little plants. Try to cover the pipe with matching actual rocks. The rocks should be easily removed.

After all that, you are still unsure of how to proceed. The only thing we’ve added here is a little teaser. This article can help you learn more about it.

Let’s get right to the point!

What Does “Sewer Cleanout” Means?

Before going any further, let’s take a quick look at a sewer cleanout. Also, you need to know how to conceal one.

Cleanouts are components of your sewer and waste disposal system. That allows you to access your sewer pipelines. A plumbing specialist can clear sewer pipe clogs. Mostly they use a snake, a sewer auger, or an auger hook inserted through a sewer cleanout.

An obstruction in your sewer lines may necessitate excavation. That may damage your landscaping or even your floors and walls. That can happen if you don’t have a sewer cleanout in place.

As a result, the ideal way to conceal the basement’s sewer cleanout is to use a cover. That doesn’t impede access to it.

How to Hide a Sewer Cleanout in the Basement?

Installing a cabinet around a sewage cleanout on the basement floor is not good. The cabinet will be troublesome when you convert your basement into a living space.

It happens just because of accessing the remainder of the floor area. Instead, cut or modify the cleanout to make it shorter and cover it with flooring.

Here we’re describing some methods to hide a sewer cleanout in the basement-

Method-1: Changing the Height

Trimming the sewer cleanout is the first step. Your sewer cleanout will be closer to the basement floor if you do this.

If you have a basement cleanout, you’ll have to figure out how to perform this yourself. If you have an angled sewer cleanout, there are various ways to install it and trim it.

Method-2: Installing the Floor Joists

To install the floor joists, the new sewer cleanout’s new height should be slightly higher. Over the sewer cleanout, the joists will allow you to create a floor.

No need to replace the entire floor of your basement, even if it is a vast area. Install a new floor starting from the corner closest to the sewer cleanout. Then try to work your way outward. The basement floor can be left as it is.

The sewage cleanout should be enclosed in a small frame. So that a small door may be added to the top.

Method-3: Installing the Subfloor

Cover the sewer cleanout by installing flooring material on top of the joists. Create a small door. That can be opened and closed or even secured if you choose to access the sewer cleanout.

If your sewage pipes become clogged, only then will it be necessary to open them. Install your choice flooring at this stage. 

How to Hide Sewer Pipe in Yard?

Which way to disguise a sewer cleanout depends on its location. To decide which option to choose, consider where it will be located.

Your innovation will be challenged with a sewer cleanout not flush with the ground. Starting this project with the following concepts should help.

Method 1: Using Garden Planters

Garden planters are a typical answer for a reason. They work well for many garden decor tasks. This is one of those. You can’t just put a garden planter on the sewer drain.

Dress the sewer cleanout with a hollowed-out plastic garden planter. Also, you can use a ceramic planter with no bottom. Cover the container with realistic flower replicas at the top.

For example, if the other planters had gardenias, put a plastic gardenia reef in this one. It’ll match the others and hide the ugliness.

Method 2: Attaching White or Gray Gravel

Depending on the color of your sewer cleanout, you can use any of these. Removing grass in a geometric design with the sewer cleanout in the center will isolate it.

Place dry grass or mulch on bare ground, then evenly dump gravel on top. Pour enough, so the gravel reaches the sewer cleanout. To stabilize the gravel, let the larger rocks create a circle.

People will instinctively avoid this construct, avoiding tripping. Make a pattern out of these creations by arranging them in a line. You will have beautified your yard and separated the sewer cleanout.

Method 3: Putting Sculptures

The gravel mentioned above could be used as a base for a beautiful garden sculpture. In this situation, animal sculptures would be perfect for outdoor decor.

The sculpture you choose for the sewer cleanout must be hollowed out at the bottom. It’ll avoid damaging the junction cap.

Put a sculpture on each of your gravel formations and watch your neighbors envy your yard. White statues look lovely against lush greenery and vibrant garden flowers. That’ll make your house the neighborhood’s talk of the town.

Method 4: Lighting Fixtures

Enlist the aid of a landscaper. Do it if the sewage cleanout is in the middle of your yard rather than next to the driveway. The lighting arrangement must make sense to utilize light to hide a sewer outflow.

Lighting is a great way to decorate your yard. Please place them to mix in with the rest of your yard while concealing the sewer cleanout.

Method 5: Using Garden Gnomes

These are popular yard features and a valued aspect of home design and cultural culture. Garden gnomes are a subtle, reassuring image that belongs in a yard.

Isolate your sewer drain and surround it with as many garden gnomes as you like.

You may also build a gnome collage using wooden or metal placeholders. Your choices here depend on your tastes.

Method 6: Constructing Bird Feeder

This is the choice for birdwatchers. Construct a bird feeder and set it on the sewer cleanout, movable if needed.

You may attract your pet while hiding the sewer cleanout. A bird feeder is appealing to youngsters because it allows them to interact with nature practically.

If these methods are not helpful, you can use a decorative sewer cleanout box. We’ve recommended here two of the best sewer cleanout boxes, popular in the market. Check them below-

1. Orbit 53210 Sprinkler System 7-Inch Circular Valve Box
2. Tuf-Tite 6 Hole Drain Distribution Box

These boxes are pretty to use and hide. Also, these are so decorative and reasonably priced. You can easily find them from your nearest supermarket.

Instead of a decorative one, you can use a concrete sewer cleanout cover box for this issue. If you don’t waste your money, you can go for the concrete boxes. It’ll also do the same thing.

FAQ’s

Conclusion

In a nutshell, you now understand how to hide sewer cleanouts. Stay calm and focused on the task at hand. Doing it isn’t difficult at all.

Place your sewer cleanout at the top of a stairwell. It’ll keep it out of sight in the basement. As a result, you’ll have more room for storage or decoration in the area below.

Have a great day!