How to cover a pipe cleanout

3 years ago

Finishing my basement. One wall of the main living area has a cleanout for the pipe from the kitchen above. Unfortunately the nut (or whatever it is called) stands proud of the drywall face about 1/2 inch. The drywallers originally left a 4 inch or so round hole around the nut, and I thought my contractor was going to use a "bell cover" or something similar to cover it.

Instead they have cut this huge 8 inch square opening and used this spring-clip cover that doesn't sit flush with the drywall.

What would be a better looking way to finish this? What they have done looks like cr*p IMO. The only issue I see with the bell shaped covers is that they seem to have a screw hole in the center, and the nut doesn't have a place for a screw to go in. Is there a bell shaped pug that would jsut friction fit into a smaller circular opening? Some other smaller design?

Featured Answer

3onthetree

3 years ago

last modified: 3 years ago

Yes, there are different versions of the cleanout cap that might get the "nut" recessed behind the drywall. However, you are just replacing a square panel for a circular one (with drywall fixing to do). In any case, it should be painted wall color so you don't notice it. And, I see coax/Cat5 hookup so that tells me there will be a tv stand/console/table here to block the panel (and all the cord/cables) anyway.

And FWIW if you want to be picky about the slight gap in the current panel, then keep consistent and use a proper baseboard profile, not a casing profile.

Sort by:Oldest

Comments (9)

Frank Marsh
Original Author
3 years ago
last modified: 3 years ago
If it lay flat against the wall it might be acceptable, but there's always a gap on some side because a) it doesn't allow for the height of nut above the drywall, and b) it's made of cheap flimsy plastic that bows and doesn't stay flat even on a flat wall.
kudzu9
3 years ago
If you want something that doesn't stick out so much, you could remove the screw-in plug and substitute one of these which has a lower profile:

https://www.amazon.com/Cherne-270138-Clean-Out-Gripper-Threaded/dp/B00H57CLNA/ref=sr_1_20?crid=1OKTNNK4UTDSC&keywords=sewer+test+plug&qid=1675937519&sprefix=sewer+test+plug%2Caps%2C204&sr=8-20

It would also allow you to patch the overly large hole and leave a smaller opening which you could cover with something more to your liking, maybe like this:

https://www.amazon.com/Prime-Line-Products-9265-Textured-Protector/dp/B00FPKXKCK/ref=sr_1_36?crid=6L2NC1RBKKQ1&keywords=cleanout+cover&qid=1675937738&sprefix=cleanout+cover%2Caps%2C179&sr=8-36
Related Professionals
Tuscaloosa General Contractors · Minneapolis Home Remodeling · Clarksville Bathroom Remodelers · Potsdam Bathroom Remodelers · Bloomington General Contractors · Salina General Contractors · Galveston General Contractors · Gallup General Contractors · Huntsville Interior Designers & Decorators · Woodward Interior Designers & Decorators · Albuquerque Interior Designers & Decorators · Mount Vernon General Contractors · Joplin Interior Designers & Decorators · Williamsport Interior Designers & Decorators · Natchitoches Cabinets & Cabinetry
HU-178658043
3 years ago
I found a brass threaded fitting to replace the PVC one like you have now. It doesn't have the square protrusion for a wrench but a tool slot to enable installation and removal. Look for a "Threaded Female Adapter Plug Fitting" at Lowes. The spring panel will then sit flush.
Frank Marsh thanked HU-178658043
PRO
GN Builders L.L.C
3 years ago
What they used is a common cover that you get at any box store, you can find a much better one some come with low-profile frame door access, and they cost a few dollars more in comparison to what you have. Just do a search for Plastic Access covers and a bunch will come up, you can get a better one on amazon.com

That said most people paint them matching wall color, or put something in front of it or hang a picture over it, depending on the location... If you see an opening on the side they probably cut the hole too big, or if the cover slides you can secure them better to prevent that. Tell them to fix it since the basement was just finished I doubt they will brush you off.

Good luck
Frank Marsh
Original Author
3 years ago
last modified: 3 years ago
@ 3onthetree, I had them place Cat5/coax in multiple strategic locations throughout the space (and house). If I actually have something permanently connected there is undecided.

FWIW, I agree about the baseboard. I'm surprised at the hacks done in modern construction, even in what aren't supposed to be cheap homes. They even used it to hide the track above a sliding closet door! WTF.
Frank Marsh
Original Author
3 years ago
@ HU-178658043 , what tool do I need to install and remove that?
HU-178658043
3 years ago
I'd insert a couple of screwdrivers into the slot and then use a third inbetween them to apply turning force. I might instead find a flat, sturdy piece of metal to insert in the slot and turn it with large pliers or a crescent wrench.

Don't forget the teflon tape on the threads to make it install easier.
3onthetree
3 years ago
It looks like you have ABS. You can buy "countersunk cleanout plugs" with either slots or inverted "nuts" in ABS.