Most homeowners do not know where their sewer line goes once it leaves the house. It usually heads toward the street, but it may angle across the yard, pass under a walkway or run beside a driveway before it reaches the city connection.
You do not need exact measurements. A rough sketch with the cleanout, the likely route, trees and paved surfaces gives a plumber and a crew a head start, and it helps you think about what a dig would disturb.
How to make the map
- Draw the lot outline.Sketch the house, driveway, walkways, planters and the street edge on a sheet of paper.
- Mark the cleanout.Put an X where the outdoor cleanout is, and note if it is a two-way type.
- Draw the likely route.From the cleanout, draw a dashed line toward the street. If a camera inspection was done with a locator, use those marks instead.
- Add trees and shrubs.Circle trees within a few yards of the route, including parkway trees.
- Shade hardscape.Shade concrete, pavers and the driveway along or across the route.
- Note other utilities.Mark the gas meter, water meter and any known irrigation lines.
Labels to include on the sketch
- Cleanout location and type
- Approximate distance from cleanout to the curb
- Any defects found on camera, by distance
- Trees and large shrubs near the route
- Surfaces a dig would cross
- Gas meter, water meter and main shutoff
How the map helps later
| Situation | What the map gives you |
|---|---|
| Backup at night | Anyone can find the cleanout quickly |
| Camera inspection | Defect distances can be placed on the yard |
| Comparing estimates | You can see which surfaces each plan disturbs |
| Landscaping | You know where not to plant trees |
| Selling the house | A clear handoff for the next owner |
Common questions
Can a plumber trace the line for me?
Yes. Many sewer cameras carry a transmitter that a locator can follow from the surface. Ask to have key points marked.
Do city records show my lateral route?
Sometimes there are records, but they may be incomplete. Check with the city and treat any old drawing as a starting point.
Should the map include the inside of the house?
Mark where the main drain likely leaves the house and which bathrooms are nearest. That is enough for most planning.
General information for Placentia, not a quote or professional advice. In an emergency, call 911.