Drawing the map
- Start with a simple outline.Sketch the house footprint, driveway, patios, the sidewalk and the street on graph paper or a printed aerial view.
- Add fixed reference points.Mark corners of the house, the street curb and anything permanent you can measure from.
- Mark access points.Show each cleanout, and note if access was through a toilet or roof vent.
- Draw the route.Connect the locate marks to show where the lateral runs from the house to the street.
- Add findings and depths.Label each finding with its footage and estimated depth beside the mark.
- Measure and photograph.Measure from two fixed points to each key mark, then photograph the marks before they fade.
What to include on the map
- Every cleanout, with a note on its condition.
- The route of the lateral and where it leaves the house.
- Sections under the slab, driveway, patio or lawn.
- Trees and large shrubs near the line.
- Each finding, its footage and estimated depth.
- The approximate property line and parkway.
- The date and who located the line.
Measurement log
| Mark | Footage on camera | Distance from point A | Distance from point B | Estimated depth | Surface |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cleanout | 0 ft | ||||
| Finding 1 | Lawn / concrete / slab / planter | ||||
| Finding 2 | |||||
| Property line |
Why it pays off later
In many Fullerton homes the lateral runs partly under a slab-on-grade floor or a driveway poured decades ago. A map that shows those sections saves time for the next plumber, guides a designer planning an addition and gives a buyer clear information during a sale. Keep a copy with your sewer videos and reports.
Ask the plumber while they are there
- Can you mark the route at regular intervals, not just at findings?
- Where exactly does the line leave the house?
- Do you see any branch lines joining from other parts of the house?
- Is any part of the line near the property line or in the parkway?
Common questions
Can I use a phone photo instead of a drawing?
Photos are great alongside the map, but a drawing with measurements is easier to use once the paint is gone.
Do I need the exact property line?
An approximate line is fine for planning. For anything near the boundary, check with the City of Fullerton.
Should I give the map to future buyers?
Many sellers include sewer records in the information they share. Ask your agent.
General information for Fullerton, not a quote or professional advice. In an emergency, call 911.