Why write it down
Main line problems rarely announce themselves in one dramatic moment. More often a tub drains a little slower for a couple of weeks, a toilet gurgles when the washer runs, and then one evening the shower fills with dirty water. By the time a plumber arrives, the earlier clues have been forgotten.
A simple log turns those clues into a pattern. If the line stops every spring, or always after a big family dinner, or only when the washer and dishwasher run together, that tells the person clearing it where to look and what to ask the camera to confirm.
The log
| Date and time | Fixture affected | What happened | What was running | What you did |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Words to use in the What happened column
- Slow
- Drains, but takes longer than normal.
- Gurgle
- Bubbling or glugging sounds from a toilet or drain while other water runs.
- Rise
- Water came up in a fixture that was not being used.
- Overflow
- Water left the fixture and reached the floor.
- Odor
- A sewer smell inside or near the outdoor cleanout.
Also note after each plumber visit
- The method used: cable, jetting or both.
- The access point: outdoor cleanout, roof vent or a pulled toilet.
- What came out on the cable: roots, grease, wipes, paper or scale.
- How far out the blockage was from the access point.
- Whether a camera inspection was done and where the video is saved.
- The contractor's name and CSLB license number.
Reading your own log
- IfTwo or more events in one yearThenAsk for a camera inspection on the next clearing.
- IfEvents cluster in one seasonThenMention roots; tree growth cycles can affect timing.
- IfEvents follow large gatherings or holidaysThenLook at grease and food going down the kitchen sink.
- IfSame distance reported each timeThenThere is likely a fixed defect at that point in the line.
Common questions
How long should I keep the log?
As long as you own the house. A multi-year record is useful for repair decisions and for a future buyer.
Is a phone note good enough?
Yes. Any format works as long as you record the date, the fixture and what happened.
Should I log a single slow sink?
A quick note does no harm. It helps show whether a problem is local to one fixture or spreading.
General information for Fullerton, not a quote or professional advice. In an emergency, call 911.