Making your map
- Draw the outline.Sketch the house footprint, yard, driveway and the street side. It does not need to be to scale.
- Mark the main water shutoff.Often near the front of the house where the supply line enters, or at the meter box near the street. Note the valve type.
- Mark the sewer cleanout.Look along the walls nearest the bathrooms, in planters and near the property line. Note whether it is a single or two-way cleanout.
- Mark fixture valves.Note shutoffs under sinks, behind toilets, at the washer and the water heater.
- Mark the gas meter.Note its location for emergencies. Leave gas valve operation to SoCalGas or a qualified professional unless there is an emergency.
- Add a rough sewer path.Draw a dashed line from the cleanout toward the street, and mark large trees near it.
Locations to record
| Item | Location | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Main water shutoff | Tested? Turns easily? | |
| Water meter box | Usually near the street | |
| Sewer cleanout | Cap condition, single or two-way | |
| Water heater shutoff | Cold supply valve on top | |
| Washer valves | Hot and cold | |
| Gas meter | Emergency use only | |
| Electrical panel | For water near outlets |
Test what you mapped
Why this matters for drain work
A plumber who can go straight to an accessible cleanout can usually clear a main line faster and with less mess than one who has to pull a toilet. In older Anaheim homes, cleanouts are sometimes hidden under decades of landscaping, so finding yours on a calm day is time well spent.
If you search and cannot find a cleanout at all, write that on the map too. It is useful information for the next plumber and a reason to ask whether one should be added.
Ask a plumber on the next visit
- Is my cleanout in a good location and condition?
- Do any of my shutoff valves need replacing?
- Is there an indoor cleanout I have missed?
Common questions
What if my main shutoff will not turn?
Do not force it. A stuck or leaking main valve is worth having a licensed plumber look at before an emergency.
Where should I keep the map?
Somewhere obvious, such as inside a kitchen cabinet door or with your home documents, plus a photo on your phone.
Can the city shut off water at the meter?
For questions about the meter or service line, contact Anaheim Public Utilities.
General information for Anaheim, not a quote or professional advice. In an emergency, call 911.