How to open cleanout

[Crosstalk]

Hi. I am having a sewer blockage/backup for the first time since I lived in this house (9 years). I located the cleanout in the middle of the yard, but it doesn't look like it unscrews. See attached photo.

(1) How do you open this without breaking it?
(2) Should I have someone rod it the line or hydro jet? It is cast iron from the late 60s.

Thank you.

 

[Jeff H Young]

looks more like a drain. you could try working at it a bit but id waste very little time on it before just cutting it off. I would expect snake , jet and camera inspect . if you are interested . othewise you can just snake it save money , but you may want to know whats going on by having a more thorough service

 

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[Crosstalk]

Thanks for the reply. Yes, it is a vent/clean out. There is a screw that is seized so I guess I either drill the screw out or break the cover off with a hammer. I am going to get the line inspected to see what’s going on, but was wondering if hydro jet is considered ok for old cast iron with lead joints. Do you have to snake before you jet?