Before you call
- Note which drains are affected and since when
- Find the outdoor cleanout, or note that you could not find one
- Write down anything you already tried, including chemical products
- If you rent, notify your landlord or property manager first
- Have a pen ready for the license number and the pricing explanation
On the phone
- Ask for the business name and CSLB license number
- Ask how the visit is priced: flat rate, hourly, or a diagnostic fee
- Ask whether the diagnostic fee is applied to the work
- Ask what equipment they expect to bring for your situation
- Ask whether the technician is an employee or a subcontractor
- Confirm your address is within their service area
Verify the license
- Go to cslb.ca.gov.Use the license lookup with the number you were given.
- Match the name.The business name on the license should match the company you are hiring.
- Check status and class.Confirm the license is active and covers plumbing work.
- Read the details.Look at bonding, workers' compensation information and any disclosed actions.
During the visit
- The plumber explains where they think the clog is before starting
- You get the price or pricing method in writing before work begins
- Any added work, such as a camera or jetting, is approved by you first
- Floors and the cleanout area are protected
- Fixtures are flow-tested when the job is done
Paperwork to keep
| Document | Why it matters |
|---|---|
| Written estimate | Shows the agreed scope and price before work started |
| Itemized invoice | Records what line was cleared, how, and what was charged |
| Camera footage or screenshots | Evidence of pipe condition for future repairs or a home sale |
| Any written guarantee | Defines what is covered if the clog returns |
| Permit records, if any | Needed for repairs that required a permit |
Common questions
What if the plumber will not give a license number?
That is a reason to call someone else. Licensed contractors expect to be asked.
Is it rude to ask for pricing before they arrive?
No. Asking how the visit is priced is normal. A firm repair price is a different matter, since no one has seen the line yet.
Does this checklist apply to Fullerton Drain Cleaning too?
Yes. Use it with any plumber, including us. This is a preview site: our phone number is a temporary placeholder and the request form is not connected yet.
General information for Fullerton, not a quote or professional advice. In an emergency, call 911.