I can not open my main sewer cap. I put all kinds of things to loosen it up but nothing works. I think it has not open for about 30 yrs. The plumber said it will cost me $800.00 to just break it and more money to replace the cap.
Is there anyone who can help me save money and maybe I can do it myself.
Thanks.


Comments

  1. $800.00????? I’d have to say you’d be getting ripped off…BIG TIME. Why do you want to remove the cleanout plug anyway? There should be no reason to open it if you don’t have a problem.
    “If it ain’t broke, don’t fix it”

  2. Yes, if this is a 4″ cap on a cleanout, chances are it’s bronze and probably hasn’t been opened in 30 years. Like the others said, it gets drilled, sawed or chiseled out. Takes about 20 minutes or so, you clean off the female threads and install a new one.

  3. Are you referring to one of the two caps on the last waste trap before your wasteline exits and goes out to street?

    Replacement caps are usually lead, but yours could be steel or cast iron.

    Normally we drill down the center with increasing diameter bits. We then cut outwards towards edge with sawzall, either fine toothed blade or grit type blade.

    Make two cuts about 30 degrees apart, and after removing that slice, attempt a collapse of the remainder towards the center using heavy chisel aimed in towards center.