What is a fundamental benefit of having properly installed cleanouts?

Having properly installed cleanouts is beneficial primarily because they provide ease of maintenance and access to the plumbing system. Cleanouts are strategically placed in a plumbing system to allow for easy access to the pipes, enabling thorough inspections and cleaning. When blockages occur, cleanouts allow plumbers to effectively remove obstructions without having to dismantle extensive sections of the piping. This significantly saves time and reduces the complexity of maintenance tasks.

While improved drainage efficiency might be a consideration for some plumbing systems, the primary purpose of cleanouts is to facilitate maintenance. Cleanouts can also help in relieving pressure buildup in the system, which indirectly contributes to better drainage. However, these benefits are secondary to the essential role cleanouts play in maintenance.

The other options, such as reduced installation cost, are not accurate as cleanouts do add to initial expenditures. Similarly, the reduction of odors could be related to a well-maintained system but is not the direct intent of installing cleanouts. Ultimately, the key advantage lies in their role as access points that enhance the overall maintenance and longevity of the plumbing system.