Inspection basics
- Date of inspection
- ______________
- Contractor and CSLB license number
- ______________
- Access point used
- Cleanout / toilet / roof vent / other
- Was the line cleared first?
- Yes / No; method used
- Did the camera reach the city main?
- Yes / No; where it stopped
- Video file received?
- Yes / No
Findings by distance
| Distance from access | Pipe material | Finding | Severity (light, moderate, heavy) |
|---|---|---|---|
| ____ ft | Clay / cast iron / plastic / other | Roots at joint | ____ |
| ____ ft | ____ | Crack or fracture | ____ |
| ____ ft | ____ | Offset joint | ____ |
| ____ ft | ____ | Belly or standing water | ____ |
| ____ ft | ____ | Other | ____ |
Words to listen for
- Transition
- A point where the pipe changes material, often from a past repair.
- Wye or tee
- A fitting where another drain joins the lateral.
- Root ball
- A dense mass of roots filling much of the pipe.
- Hairline crack
- A thin crack that may still let in fine roots.
- Locate
- Marking the camera's position on the ground above the pipe.
Recommendation section
- Recommended action: maintenance, lining, spot repair or replacement.
- Reason given for that recommendation.
- Any location marked on the ground, and where.
- Whether the problem is on private property or possibly in the public right-of-way.
- Permit questions to raise with the City of Fullerton.
Filing your worksheet
Store the completed worksheet with the video file, the invoice and your symptom log. Label the folder with the date and the house address. When roots come back next year, you or the next plumber can compare the new footage with this baseline.
If you later sell the home, a clear record of past inspections and repairs can help buyers understand the line's condition.
Common questions
What if the plumber will not share the video?
Ask before the inspection whether you will receive a copy. If footage is important to you, choose a plumber who will provide it.
Are distances on the counter exact?
They are estimates of how far the camera traveled. They are useful for locating problems, and a locator can mark the ground more precisely.
Do I need to fill in every row?
No. Record what was actually found. A short worksheet for a healthy line is good news.
General information for Fullerton, not a quote or professional advice. In an emergency, call 911.