Through the year
A general pattern; your plumber's advice for your line comes first.
- Every week
- Keep wipes, grease and food scraps out of drains. Use sink and shower strainers.
- Every month
- Glance at the cleanout cap and the ground along the line for wet spots, odor or sinking soil.
- Before the holidays
- Remind guests about wipes and grease; heavy use is when weak lines show it.
- Before planting season
- Check your sewer map before planting trees or large shrubs near the route.
- Once a year
- Review your symptom log; if clogs are becoming more frequent, plan a camera inspection.
- After any clearing
- Ask whether a camera run would be useful while the line is open.
Monthly walk-around
- Cleanout cap present, tight and not cracked.
- No sewage odor outdoors near the line.
- No unusually soggy or lush strip of lawn along the route.
- No new sinkhole or settling over the line.
- Drains throughout the house moving at their normal speed.
When to film the line again
| Situation | Suggested timing |
|---|---|
| Previous inspection showed only minor items | After the next main-line clog, or before a sale or remodel. |
| Roots were cleared but not repaired | Ask the plumber; often after the next sign of slowing. |
| A repair was completed | Right after the work, then as symptoms or plans require. |
| New construction or digging nearby | After the work, to confirm the line was not damaged. |
| Buying or selling the home | During escrow or before listing. |
Records to keep together
- Recordings
- Every sewer video, labeled by date.
- Reports
- Written summaries with footage of each finding.
- Map
- Your sketch of the route, cleanouts and depths.
- Invoices
- Clearing and repair records with methods used.
- Log
- Your symptom and clearing log.
Questions to revisit each year
- Are clogs getting more or less frequent?
- Has anything been built, planted or dug near the line?
- Are any monitor findings due for another look?
- Is the cleanout still easy to reach?
Common questions
Is scheduled root cutting a good idea?
Some owners with known root problems choose regular clearing. Ask a licensed plumber whether it suits your line versus a repair.
Do enzyme or bacteria products help?
Ask a plumber before using any product in your line. Good habits matter more than additives.
Should I film the line every year?
Not necessarily. Film when symptoms, plans or a sale give a reason.
General information for Fullerton, not a quote or professional advice. In an emergency, call 911.