Why a log beats memory
By the time a plumber arrives, the person who saw the floor sink gurgle on Tuesday night may be off for the week. Without a record, the plumber starts from scratch. With one, they can see that the problem only happens when the dish machine drains, or only on the busiest nights, or only in one corner of the kitchen, and that points toward a cause.
Keep the log on a clipboard near the dish station or in the manager's binder. Ask every shift lead to add a line whenever something drains slowly, smells or backs up, even if it clears on its own.
Symptom log
| Date and shift | Drain or fixture | What happened | What was running | Cleared how | Initials |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Words to use in the log
- Slow
- Drains, but water stands longer than normal.
- Gurgle
- Bubbling or sucking sound from a drain when another fixture empties.
- Backup
- Water rises out of a drain that should be taking it away.
- Odor
- Sewer, sour or rotten smell at a drain, interceptor or restroom.
- Overflow
- Water spills onto the floor from a floor sink, drain or fixture.
Details worth adding
When the log says call now
- IfThe same drain appears three or more times in a short periodBook a plumber and ask about jetting and a camera inspection.
- IfSeveral drains back up at onceSuspect the main line or interceptor and call promptly.
- IfSewage reaches the floorStop discharge to that line, keep people and food away and call a plumber.
- IfOdor without any backupCheck for dry floor drain traps first, then ask about vents or seals.
Common questions
Do we need to log a drain that cleared on its own?
Yes. Drains that clear on their own are often early signs of a narrowing line, and the pattern is what helps.
Who should fill in the log?
Whoever notices the problem, with the shift lead making sure it gets written down before the end of the shift.
How long should we keep old logs?
Keep them with your plumbing service records. They help show patterns over months and are useful when talking to a landlord.
General information for Fullerton, not a quote or professional advice. In an emergency, call 911.