The plan

In this example, owners of a Fullerton ranch house want to add a family room and a half bath off the back. Their designer assumes the sewer lateral exits the front of the house toward the street, so the rear yard looks open for new footings.

Before drawings are finalized, the owners ask a plumber to film and locate the lateral, since the new half bath will need to tie into it anyway.

What locating reveals

Illustrative example. Not a real job or customer.

The camera runs from a cleanout on the side of the house, and the plumber marks the route every few feet.

  1. The lateral leaves the house toward the back, not the front.
  2. It runs along the rear yard before turning toward the side yard and the street.
  3. The marked route crosses the area where the addition's rear footing was drawn.
  4. The camera shows the clay pipe in that stretch is in fair condition with minor roots.
  5. The owners photograph the marks and sketch the route with measurements.

The designer shifts the addition and plans the half bath's drain connection with the real route in mind.

Order of events that worked

Concept
Owners plan the addition and new half bath.
Before drawings
Lateral filmed and located; map drawn.
Design
Footings moved off the line; drain tie-in planned.
Permits
Owners and designer check with the City of Fullerton on requirements.
After construction
Line filmed again to confirm it was not damaged.

Lessons from this example

  • Do not assume which way the lateral runs.
  • Locate before footings and patios are designed.
  • Film the section where new plumbing will connect.
  • Keep the map with the project documents.
  • Film again after construction.

Questions the owners ask

  1. Should the old clay section be addressed while the yard is open?
  2. Where is the best place to tie in the new half bath?
  3. How deep is the pipe where the trench will be?
  4. What permits will the plumbing changes need?

Common questions

Is this a real Fullerton remodel?

No. It is an invented illustration.

Why not just call 811?

811 notifies public utility owners. Private lines like a sewer lateral are generally located separately.

When is the best time to locate?

Before the design is finalized, so changes are still easy.

General information for Fullerton, not a quote or professional advice. In an emergency, call 911.