What should be the maximum distance between cleanouts in a drainage system?

The maximum distance between cleanouts in a drainage system is determined by the need to ensure effective maintenance and accessibility for cleaning and inspection purposes. Cleanouts are essential access points in plumbing systems that allow for the removal of blockages and the maintenance of the drainage lines.

The standard requirement allows for cleanouts to be placed no more than 40 feet apart in a drainage system. This distance enables plumbers to effectively service and maintain the system while minimizing the number of access points needed. It is crucial that the intervals are not too far apart to avoid difficulties in accessing potential blockage sites and reducing the risk of pipe damage or build-up.

Choosing a greater distance between cleanouts, such as 50 feet, could complicate the maintenance process and potentially lead to increased labor costs or extended downtime if a blockage occurs. Meanwhile, shorter distances, such as 20 or 30 feet, while permissible, are less efficient in terms of installation and may lead to unnecessary additional access points that do not significantly improve maintenance capability.

Hence, establishing cleanouts no more than 40 feet apart balances accessibility with practicality, making it the correct standard requirement.