What you are drawing
You do not need survey tools. Start with a rough outline of the house and lot on graph paper. The goal is a sketch that shows where waste leaves the house, where any cleanouts are, which way the line heads toward the street and what grows or sits on top of it.
Many Fullerton lots from the 1950s to the 1970s have the sewer leaving toward the front of the house, but additions, remodels and corner lots change that. A camera inspection with a locator is the way to confirm the true path.
How to build the map
- Outline the house and lot.Draw the house footprint, driveway, sidewalk and street. Mark north.
- Mark plumbing rooms.Shade the kitchen, bathrooms and laundry. Lines from these rooms join the main.
- Mark cleanouts.Draw each cleanout you have found and note its cap type and condition.
- Sketch the likely path.Draw a dashed line from the house toward the street. Make it solid once a locator confirms it.
- Add trees and hardscape.Mark trees, planters, patios and anything that would need to be disturbed for repair.
- Add camera findings.Write distances from the cleanout to roots, offsets, sags or repairs, using the camera footage.
Findings to transfer onto the map
| Distance from cleanout | Finding | Date seen | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
Things worth marking
- Trees within roughly the same distance of the line as their height.
- Pipe material changes, such as cast iron near the house and clay toward the street.
- Any section that was repaired or lined, with the date.
- Areas where concrete or decking covers the line.
- The property line and the parkway, if you know them.
Common questions
How accurate does the map need to be?
Close is good enough for planning. Exact location and depth come from a camera locator before any digging.
Should I give the map to a plumber?
Yes. It saves time and helps them choose an access point.
What if I find no cleanout?
Note that on the map and see the guide on cleanouts. A plumber can help locate one or advise on adding one.
General information for Fullerton, not a quote or professional advice. In an emergency, call 911.