What you are drawing
Your sewer lateral leaves the foundation, usually on the side of the house nearest the bathrooms or the street, and runs underground to the public sewer. You cannot see it, but you can draw its likely path from the clues above ground and refine the drawing whenever a plumber locates it with a camera.
The goal is not precision. It is a page you can hand to a plumber, a landscaper or a future buyer that says: the line runs about here, the cleanout is here, and the problem spot the camera found last time is here.
How to draw it
Outline the lot
Draw the house footprint, driveway, walkways, patio and the street edge. Mark north.
Mark known points
Add each cleanout, the main water shutoff and where bathrooms and the kitchen sit inside.
Add trees and big shrubs
Include parkway trees between the sidewalk and street, and any large yard trees.
Draw the likely path
Connect the cleanout toward the street with a dashed line. Keep it dashed until a locate confirms it.
Add located points
When a plumber locates the camera head, mark the spot, its distance from the cleanout and its depth.
Located points record
| Date | Distance from cleanout | Depth | What is there | Surface above |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Symbols to use
- C in a circle: sewer cleanout.
- W in a square: main water shutoff.
- T with a circle: tree, with a rough canopy outline.
- X: a defect located by camera.
- Dashed line: estimated path. Solid line: confirmed path.
Common questions
How do I know which way the line runs?
Often toward the street from the side of the house with the bathrooms and cleanout. A camera locate is the only way to know for certain.
Can the city tell me where my lateral connects?
The City of Fullerton may have records of public sewer mains. Ask whether they show your connection point.
Should I give the sketch to a buyer when I sell?
Many sellers include it with camera footage and repair records. It is useful information for the next owner.
General information for Fullerton, not a quote or professional advice. In an emergency, call 911.