Preparation timeline

When you sign
Confirm the start date, pit locations, permit status and how long drains will be out of use.
A few days before
Confirm utilities have been marked through 811 and mark sprinklers and lighting you know about.
The day before
Clear the work area, move vehicles and plan where the household will use a bathroom.
Work day
Keep pets and children inside or away, and stay reachable for questions.
Each evening
Check how open pits are covered or fenced overnight.

Outside

  • Move cars out of the driveway and off the street frontage if asked
  • Flag sprinkler heads, valves and low-voltage lighting near the route
  • Move potted plants, furniture and decorations from the pit areas
  • Make the cleanout easy to reach
  • Unlock side gates the crew will need
  • Tell neighbors if equipment will be near a shared property line

Inside

  • Know when drains must stay unused and tell everyone in the house
  • Run laundry and dishes beforehand
  • Plan bathroom use elsewhere during the no-drain window
  • Clear access to any interior cleanout or the toilet that may be pulled
  • Know where the main water shutoff is

The no-drain window

The part of trenchless work homeowners notice most is not the noise but the time without drains. While the old pipe is being burst or a liner is being installed and cured, sending water down any drain can interfere with the work or back up into the house. Ask the crew exactly when that window starts and ends, and whether water can stay on for drinking and handwashing at a sink that will not be used for draining.

Some households plan to be out for part of the day. If anyone in the home has medical needs that depend on water or a bathroom, raise it when scheduling.

Confirm with the crew lead

  1. When can we not use drains, and when can we again?
  2. Will water service be shut off at any point?
  3. Where will equipment and soil be staged?
  4. Who do I talk to if something comes up during the day?

Common questions

Do I need to be home during the work?

Ask the contractor. Being reachable is useful for questions about pits, access or connections.

Will my water be shut off?

Sewer work does not always require shutting off water supply, but drains must not be used. Ask what applies to your job.

What if the crew cuts a sprinkler line?

It happens on many digs. Agree in writing beforehand who repairs it.

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