What Schedule 1 is and why you need it

A Schedule 1 is a document from your local water or sewer authority that lists all the utility connections and access points on your property. The sewer key itself is a physical tool — usually a wrench or specialized key — that opens the sewer cleanout or access point buried in your yard. To get one, you first need Schedule 1 from your municipality, because it identifies exactly where that access point is and confirms you own or manage the property.

Most homeowners never need a sewer key until a plumber shows up for a backup or cleaning and asks for it. At that point, you may realize you don't have one and don't know where to get it. The answer starts with your local water department or sewer utility — they issue Schedule 1 and can tell you what type of key fits your specific cleanout.

The process varies by city and county. Some utilities mail Schedule 1 automatically when you open an account. Others require you to request it. A few have moved to online portals where you can read it yourself.

Key Takeaways

  • Schedule 1 comes from your city or county water/sewer department, not from a hardware store or online retailer.
  • You will need to provide your property address and proof that you own or manage the property, such as a deed or utility bill.
  • Once you have Schedule 1, it will show the location and type of your sewer cleanout, which determines what key or wrench you need.
  • If your utility has an online customer portal, you may be able to read Schedule 1 yourself without calling.
  • A plumber can often retrieve or order the correct key for you if you do not want to handle it yourself.

Contact your local water or sewer utility

Start by calling or visiting the website of the water department or sewer utility that serves your address. In most cases this is a city or county agency. Search "[your city] water department" or "[your county] sewer utility" to find the right number and website.

When you call, tell them you need a copy of Schedule 1 for your property. Have your street address and property number ready. Some utilities will ask for a phone number or account number as well. If you are not the account holder, be ready to explain your relationship to the property — whether you are a tenant, property manager, or new owner.

Ask them directly: "What type of sewer key do I need, and where can I get one?" Many utilities stock common keys and can tell you the exact model. Others will direct you to a hardware store or plumbing supply house that carries the right size for your area.

What to expect when you receive Schedule 1

Schedule 1 is usually a one or two-page document that shows your property outline and marks the location of the sewer cleanout with a symbol or label. It may also note the depth of the cleanout, the pipe diameter, and the type of access cover — whether it is a metal lid, plastic cap, or concrete box.

The document will specify the key type needed. Common types include a pentagon key (five-sided), a square key, or a specialized wrench for your particular utility. The label on the cleanout itself may also show the key size, but Schedule 1 is the official record.

Keep a copy of Schedule 1 in a safe place — a file with your mortgage documents, property deed, or home maintenance records. You may need it again if you move, sell the house, or hire a plumber years from now.

Ordering or purchasing the sewer key itself

Once you know the key type from Schedule 1, you have several options. Many local hardware stores and plumbing supply shops stock common sewer keys. Bring Schedule 1 with you or call ahead with the key type and size, and they can confirm they have it in stock.

Online retailers such as Amazon and eBay carry sewer keys in all standard sizes, usually for $15 to $40. Search by the key type — "pentagon sewer key" or "square sewer key" — along with the size in inches if Schedule 1 specifies one.

If you are unsure about the size or type, a plumber can order the correct key for you as part of a service call. They will charge a small fee for the key itself, but you avoid the guesswork. This is often the easiest route if you are already paying for a plumbing visit.

If you cannot locate Schedule 1 or your utility does not have it

Some older properties or utilities that have not digitized their records may not have Schedule 1 on file. If the utility tells you they cannot find it, ask whether they have any record of the sewer connection — even a hand-drawn map or field notes from an inspection.

If nothing exists, a plumber can locate the cleanout by probing the yard or using a camera to trace the line from inside the house. Once they find it, they can measure the access cover and tell you what key you need. This costs more than straightforward requesting Schedule 1, but it solves the problem.

You can also contact your city or county assessor's office or public works department. They sometimes keep copies of utility maps or property records that show sewer connections, even if the water utility itself does not.

Storing and using your sewer key safely

Once you have the key, store it somewhere you will remember but not in the middle of your yard. A garage shelf, basement tool rack, or labeled drawer works well. Some homeowners keep a photo of the cleanout location on their phone so a plumber can find it quickly if they are not home.

The cleanout itself should be marked or flagged so you do not accidentally plant a garden over it or park a car on top. If the cover is buried or hard to see, ask a plumber to expose it slightly or mark it with a small stake or painted rock.

Do not force the key if it does not turn smoothly. If the cleanout is stuck or corroded, a plumber has tools to open it without damage. Forcing it yourself can crack the cover or strip the mechanism inside.

When to call a plumber instead of doing it yourself

If you have the key but are uncomfortable opening the cleanout, or if the cover is stuck, call a plumber. Opening a sewer cleanout exposes you to sewer gas and bacteria, and if something goes wrong — a backed-up line, a broken cover, or a cave-in — you need professional help anyway.

Plumbers routinely open cleanouts as part of drain cleaning, camera inspections, and line repairs. They have the tools, experience, and insurance to do it safely. The cost of a service call is usually less than the cost of an injury or property damage from a DIY mistake.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I get a sewer key without Schedule 1?

Yes. If your utility cannot provide Schedule 1, a plumber can locate the cleanout and tell you what key you need. You can also contact your city public works or assessor's office for utility maps. Schedule 1 is the fastest route, but not the only one.

What if my property does not have a sewer cleanout?

Older homes or properties on septic systems may not have a municipal sewer cleanout. If your utility confirms no connection exists, you may have a septic tank instead. Ask the utility or a septic contractor to confirm what system you have.

Do I need a sewer key if I rent?

No. Your landlord or property manager is responsible for maintaining the sewer line and cleanout. If a plumber needs access, the landlord will provide the key or arrange for the plumber to open it. Tenants do not usually need their own key.

How much does a sewer key cost?

A sewer key typically costs $15 to $40 if you buy it yourself from a hardware store or online. If a plumber orders it for you during a service call, you may pay $20 to $50 depending on the shop and the key type.

What if I lose my sewer key?

You can order a replacement from a hardware store or online retailer using the key type from Schedule 1. If you no longer have Schedule 1, contact your water utility again and ask them to send a new copy, or call a plumber to identify the key type for you.