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So I'm adding flooring to my basement and I've got this sewer access cap thing in the way. I know I need to wrap the flooring around it and then I assume I'll need to cover it with something.

What is this thing and what are my options to cover it to look like it kinda matches my flooring?

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  • I would create a fake duct vent. Cut floor the size of the vent, trim the vent base so it sits flush. If it looks like something you expect to see on the floor you will likely not notice it
    – Chris
    Feb 28, 2021 at 16:20
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    It should be obvious that there is a cleanout here - it should not be "hidden" to the point that it's difficult to find when it needs to be found and used. So a cleanout cover plate (which any plumber would recognize instantly) is highly preferable to a "fake vent" which conceals what it is.
    – Ecnerwal
    Feb 28, 2021 at 17:11
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    Seriously - keep this accessible. If your sewer line blocks up and you need to clean it out and you've buried the cleanout your plumbers will have to start ripping toilets out for a place to feed the snake - and believe me they will charge you for it.
    – J...
    Mar 1, 2021 at 14:40

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I would switch it out for a flush cleanout plug and paint it to match as close as possible. You should not cover or hide it because it is probably for sewer clean-out purposes.

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    They also make covers (slightly larger) that will dress up the finished look (there is a ring that goes around the pipe and fastens to the sub-floor, and a cover that goes in the ring which hides the actual plug under it and gives a tidy look at the finished floor level.)
    – Ecnerwal
    Feb 28, 2021 at 16:58
  • Paint would be worn away in short order on a floor, leaving this looking pretty rough. How do you propose trimming out the cut in the flooring? I don't see how this is a solution.
    – isherwood
    Mar 8, 2021 at 17:25
  • The floor paint in my garage would challenge the assertion that it would be "worn away in short order". Two years ago I painted the ABS clean-out plugs in my driveway to match the pavers, they still look good. I guess it would depend on the paint type and amount of traffic. A decorative cover would probably be even nicer.
    – Jimmy Fix-it
    Mar 8, 2021 at 18:11
  • Your garage floor isn't plastic, and you haven't addressed the hole in the flooring. That's the primary issue.
    – isherwood
    Mar 30, 2021 at 12:50
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Replace your cleanout plug with the flush type that Jimmy Fix-it suggests. Use PTFE thread tape or thread compound for a good seal or just make sure it's tight.

Fit your flooring around it, then lay a stainless cover over the top. Drill through the cap to fit its mounting screw. You could support the center of the cover with a suitable stack of washers so it doesn't bounce if walked on.

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  • FWIW you could make a cover like this out of a scrap of flooring material and hide it even better.
    – gnicko
    Mar 8, 2021 at 17:02
  • Greg, that seems like an answer or a comment on the question rather than a comment on this solution.
    – isherwood
    Mar 8, 2021 at 17:26
  • Your solution all the way, just a "tweak" to the concept.
    – gnicko
    Mar 30, 2021 at 12:39

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