Building Code Glossary
Cleanout: Building Code Definition
How the IBC 2009, IRC 2009, IPC 2009 define cleanout, where the wording differs, and which chapters depend on the term.
On this page
Last updated September 7, 2026 · Definitions quoted from the 2009 International Codes as transcribed in this site's building-codes collection, with the source chapter linked for each quotation. Usage counts are computed over the chapters hosted here, one copy per code. The [ICC code library](https://codes.iccsafe.org/codes) publishes the current model text and the [ICC adoption maps](https://www.iccsafe.org/advocacy/code-adoption-maps/) show which edition a jurisdiction has adopted; those sources control.
Direct answer
Cleanout is a defined term in the International Building Code (IBC) 2009, in Masonry. The code's own words are: “An opening to the bottom of a grout space of sufficient size and spacing to allow the removal of debris.” The IRC 2009, IPC 2009 define the same term with different wording, so the controlling text depends on which code governs the question in front of you — the comparison below sets the versions side by side. The term is used in 19 chapters of this corpus, most often in Sanitary Drainage (IRC 2009), Sanitary Drainage (IPC 2009), Exhaust Systems (IMC 2009). These pages transcribe the 2009 model text; verify the definition against the edition and amendments your authority having jurisdiction has adopted.
Content and cited inputs reviewed by Scott Barrington, Harth founder and architectural technology specialist · Published 2026-09-07 · Updated 2026-09-07.
What does this term mean?
Cleanout — IBC 2009, Masonry:
An opening to the bottom of a grout space of sufficient size and spacing to allow the removal of debris.
What must be verified before using this guidance?
Three of the I-Codes in this corpus define Cleanout, and the wording is not identical — read the version that governs your question.
| Code | Where it is defined | Definition |
|---|---|---|
| IBC 2009 | Masonry | An opening to the bottom of a grout space of sufficient size and spacing to allow the removal of debris. |
| IRC 2009 | Definitions | An accessible opening in the drainage system used for the removal of possible obstruction. |
| IPC 2009 | Definitions | An access opening in the drainage system utilized for the removal of obstructions. Types of cleanouts include a removable plug or cap, and a removable fixture or fixture trap. |
Where cleanout is used in the code
The term appears in 19 chapters of the 2009 I-Codes hosted here. The chapters that lean on it hardest are the ones to read next.
| Chapter | Code | Mentions |
|---|---|---|
| Sanitary Drainage | IRC 2009 | 68 |
| Sanitary Drainage | IPC 2009 | 54 |
| Exhaust Systems | IMC 2009 | 23 |
| Fuel Gas | IRC 2009 | 18 |
| Wall Construction | IRC 2009 | 12 |
| Masonry | IBC 2009 | 11 |
| Chimneys and Fireplaces | IRC 2009 | 10 |
| Chimneys and Vents | IMC 2009 | 9 |
| Storm Drainage | IPC 2009 | 5 |
| Chimneys and Vents | IRC 2009 | 5 |
| Duct Systems | IRC 2009 | 5 |
| Definitions | IPC 2009 | 2 |
7 further chapters mention the term.
The term in use
How the code actually writes about cleanout, quoted from the 2009 text hosted here:
Dead ends shall be prohibited except where necessary to extend a cleanout or as an approvedpart of a rough-in more than 2 feet (610 mm) in length.
Cleanout plugs shall be brass or plastic, or other approved materials.
Each vertical riser shall be provided with a means for cleanout.
The terms cleanout is built out of
The definition above leans on 3 other defined terms. Each carries its own code definition, and a local amendment to any of them changes what cleanout covers:
- Drainage System — IPC 2009: Piping within a public or private premise that conveys sewage, rainwater or other liquid wastes to a point of disposal.
- Accessible — IBC 2009: A site, building, facilityor portion thereof that complies with this chapter.
- System — IFC 2009: An assembly of equipment consisting of a tank, container or containers, appurtenances, pumps, compressors and connecting piping.
Cleanout: what to open, and in what order
Every row is a document this term depends on. The ICC code library and the ICC adoption maps cover the middle rows.
| Check | Where | Confirmed |
|---|---|---|
| Read the definition in the adopted IBC | Masonry | |
| Read the definition in the adopted IRC | Definitions | |
| Read the definition in the adopted IPC | Definitions | |
| Re-check the requirement that uses it | Sanitary Drainage (IRC 2009) | |
| Re-check the requirement that uses it | Sanitary Drainage (IPC 2009) | |
| Re-check the requirement that uses it | Exhaust Systems (IMC 2009) | |
| Re-check the requirement that uses it | Fuel Gas (IRC 2009) | |
| Confirm the dependent definition | Drainage System | |
| Confirm the dependent definition | Accessible | |
| Confirm the dependent definition | System | |
| Local amendment to any of the above | Jurisdiction's amendment list |
A research aid, not a code determination. The authority having jurisdiction decides which edition and which amendments apply.
Where can you explore related guidance?
- Explore all glossary guidance
- Drainage System: Building Code Definition
- Accessible: Building Code Definition
- System: Building Code Definition
Sources and method
Definitions quoted from the 2009 International Codes as transcribed in this site's building-codes collection, with the source chapter linked for each quotation. Usage counts are computed over the chapters hosted here, one copy per code. The ICC code library publishes the current model text and the ICC adoption maps show which edition a jurisdiction has adopted; those sources control.
Source links
Frequently asked questions
What is the code definition of cleanout?
The International Building Code (IBC) 2009 defines it in Masonry as: “An opening to the bottom of a grout space of sufficient size and spacing to allow the removal of debris.” The 2009 model text is reproduced here; the definition that binds your project is the one in the edition your jurisdiction has adopted, as amended locally.
Do the I-Codes define cleanout the same way?
No. IBC 2009, IRC 2009, IPC 2009 all define the term, but the wording is not identical, and a difference in wording can change which requirements are triggered. The comparison table above sets the versions side by side so you can read the one that governs your question.
Which parts of the code depend on cleanout?
In this corpus the term is used across 19 chapters, led by Sanitary Drainage in the IRC 2009. Those are the sections whose scope moves if the definition is amended locally, so read them together with Chapter 2 rather than on their own.
What is a cleanout in construction?
In the 2009 I-Codes hosted here it is a defined term rather than a description. The IBC 2009 states, in Masonry: “An opening to the bottom of a grout space of sufficient size and spacing to allow the removal of debris.” It is defined in IBC 2009, IRC 2009, IPC 2009. Because it is a defined term, whatever the adopted edition says it means is what every section using it means — so check Chapter 2 of that edition and any local amendment before relying on this wording.
What are the cleanout requirements for international plumbing codes?
In the 2009 I-Codes hosted here it is a defined term rather than a description. The IBC 2009 states, in Masonry: “An opening to the bottom of a grout space of sufficient size and spacing to allow the removal of debris.” It is defined in IBC 2009, IRC 2009, IPC 2009. It is not the same as Plumbing, which the IRC 2009 defines separately as “For the purpose of this code, plumbing refers to those installations, repairs, maintenance and alterations regulated by Chapters 25 through 33.” Because it is a defined term, whatever the adopted edition says it means is what every section using it means — so check Chapter 2 of that edition and any local amendment before relying on this wording.
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