Plumbing – Purpose of Access Pipe in the Bathroom

bathroomplumbingwater

In my new apartment in Spain there is an opening in the middle of the tiled floor that reveals a ~15cm diameter pipe. This descends around 60cm and has water at the bottom and some smaller pipe connections that I can't see very well. There was some grease and grime on the sides of the pipe that I have cleaned as best I can. Water leaving the sink, toilet and bathtub all seem to disturb the water at the bottom of this pipe so it appears to be connected somehow.

  1. What is the purpose of this pipe?
  2. What maintenance, if any, does it require?
  3. Are there any signs of problems that I should look out for?

Pipe closed
Pipe open

Best Answer

It's a cleanout port. Very helpful if you ever have a clog downstream in the pipe. The plumber can stick a snake (not an actual animal, a tool called a snake) down it to loosen the clog.

No maintenance required.

Water coming out of that port means you have a clog and the pipe is backing up. If the seal fails it can allow sewer gasses into your bathroom.