No access to home's main sewer?

Question

We are still in negotiations regarding a house and one of the issues I'm seeking information from the sellers about is access to the sewer line.  They have stated that the house does not have a clean-out access point to the main sewer.  At our first viewing, they stated that access for maintenance could be gained through one of the floor drains (such as the one in the basement kitchen).  To me this doesn't seem right. 
Is it possible that there is no access point?  Where would be the most logical place for access to the main line? The home is a Chicago 1960's ranch.

coraann · Answer

The access to the main sewer should be at the point where the pipe goes through the wall of the house and then joins up to the city sewer line. Unless....it is
situated in the yard, somewhere between the house and the sewer line at the street. It may need to be located with a metal detector. The present owners may
have no knowledge of it being in the yard. If you feel it is of great importance to
you, look into having it detected. You could also contact the city building 
department for any knowledge of location they might have.

acermill · Answer

Yes, it is very possible.  At that time, plumbing codes were far more lax.  The most logical place for such access would be the point at which the major drain line exits the basement.  If there is no basement, that point could be anywhere.

curtisports2 · Answer

Contact the sewer utility. Generally, clean-outs are in the front yard somewhere.

No access to home's main sewer?

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