FLUSH CLEANOUT TEE

DBRfittings' ABS Cleanout Tee is a specialized plumbing fitting shaped like the letter "T." It is molded from ABS (Acrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene), a durable, black plastic known for its strength, impact resistance, and corrosion resistance.

The defining feature of this tee is that one of its three openings has a removable plug, creating an access point for cleaning and inspecting the drain line.

ABS: The material. It's commonly used for drain, waste, and vent (DWV) systems in residential plumbing.

Cleanout: Its primary function.

Tee: Its shape, which allows one pipe to branch off from another.

Primary Purpose and Function

The main purpose of a cleanout tee is to provide easy access to a drain pipe for clearing blockages (clogs). Without a cleanout, a severe clog deep within a pipe could require a plumber to cut into the wall or floor to reach the problem, which is a time-consuming and expensive repair.

The cleanout tee acts as a strategic access port. When a clog occurs, a plumber (or homeowner) can simply:

Unscrew the plug from the cleanout tee.

Insert a drain snake or auger directly into the pipe.

Break up or retrieve the blockage.

Remove the tool and screw the plug back in, restoring the system to its sealed state.

Key Features and Design

Removable Plug: The plug is typically threaded and can be removed with a large wrench. Some modern plugs have a square head for easier gripping.

Threaded Opening: The branch of the tee that holds the plug is internally threaded to receive the plug.

Hub x Hub x Hub: This is the most common configuration, where all three ends are "hubs" (female sockets) designed to accept the plain end of an ABS pipe. The connection is made using ABS solvent cement.

Sizes: They are available in standard DWV sizes to match your plumbing system, such as 1 1/2", 2", 3", and 4".

Advantages of ABS Cleanout Tees

Corrosion Resistance: Unlike metal, ABS will not rust or corrode from exposure to household chemicals and sewage.

Lightweight & Easy to Install: Much lighter than cast iron, making them easier to handle and install.

Smooth Interior Walls: Minimizes friction and reduces the chance of debris catching and causing clogs.

Cost-Effective: ABS is an inexpensive material, making these fittings very affordable.

Durable: Resistant to impact and abrasion under normal conditions.

Installation Considerations

Accessibility: This is the most important rule. A cleanout is useless if you can't get to it. It must be installed with its plug facing an accessible location, often with an access panel in a wall or ceiling.

Solvent Welding: The tee is permanently joined to the pipes using a specific ABS solvent cement that chemically fuses the plastic together, creating a permanent, watertight seal.

Directional Flow: The tee must be installed correctly to maintain proper flow. The cleanout branch is always perpendicular to the flow, not in line with it.

Code Compliance: All plumbing work must adhere to local building codes, which dictate the required size, placement, and spacing of cleanouts.