Why records matter
Sewer history is easily lost. Invoices get thrown away, footage sits on a phone that gets replaced, and the details fade. Yet the next time a line backs up, the most useful question is often what was found last time and where.
A one-page log, kept with your home documents, turns separate visits into a history. For older Fullerton homes with original laterals, that history can show whether a line is stable with periodic cleaning or getting worse.
Service history
| Date | Contractor and license number | Work done | Lines and access point | Findings | Footage saved where |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Collect before the plumber leaves
- An invoice that names the lines cleaned and the method used.
- The contractor's CSLB license number.
- Before-and-after footage, or a note of where to get it.
- Distances to any defects found.
- Any written recommendation for repair or follow-up.
Storing it so it lasts
- One folder.Keep paper copies together in a labeled folder with other home records.
- Back up footage.Save video files somewhere other than a single phone.
- Update the map.Transfer new findings onto your sewer line map worksheet.
- Review yearly.Look over the log once a year to see whether problems are spacing out or getting closer together.
Common questions
How long should I keep these records?
As long as you own the home. They are useful for future repairs and when you sell.
What if I do not have records from past work?
Start the log now. A fresh camera inspection can serve as a baseline.
Do insurers care about this?
Policies differ, but documentation of maintenance and damage is often helpful in a claim. Ask your insurer.
General information for Fullerton, not a quote or professional advice. In an emergency, call 911.