Draw the map
Outline the lot
Sketch the house footprint, driveway, walkways, planters and the street edge on a sheet of paper.
Mark the bathrooms
Draw each bathroom, the kitchen and the laundry. The lateral usually leaves the house near the bathroom closest to the street.
Mark the cleanout
Add the outdoor cleanout and any indoor cleanouts with an X.
Draw the likely route
Pencil a line from the cleanout toward the street. Replace it with the located route after a camera inspection.
Add trees and hard surfaces
Circle trees, hedges and concrete that sit near or over the line.
Map legend and notes
| Item | Location or note |
|---|---|
| Main water shutoff | |
| Outdoor cleanout | |
| Indoor cleanouts | |
| Lowest bathroom drain | |
| Where the line leaves the foundation | |
| Approximate connection to the main | |
| Trees within 15 ft of the route | |
| Concrete or pavers over the route |
Turn the sketch into a real map
Your first sketch is a guess. The next time the line is camera-inspected, ask the plumber to locate the route at a few points and mark depth. Transfer those points onto the sketch with the date. Over time it becomes an accurate record of where the pipe runs and how deep it sits.
This matters most in Whittier yards where the lateral may pass under a driveway, a mature tree or a long front setback. Knowing what is above the line before anyone proposes a method makes the trenchless-versus-trench discussion far more concrete.
Keep with the map
- Camera footage files and dates
- Inspection worksheets
- Permit sign-offs from past repairs
- Photos of the cleanout and shutoff
Ask the plumber to fill in
- Where does the line leave the foundation?
- How deep is it at the cleanout and near the street?
- Does the route bend, and where?
Common questions
Can I find the route without a camera?
You can make an educated guess from bathroom locations and the cleanout. An accurate route needs locating equipment.
Why note trees?
Roots are a common cause of lateral blockages, and trees affect which repair method fits.
Will the city have a map of my lateral?
Possibly for the public side. Check with the City of Whittier.
General information for Whittier, not a quote or professional advice. In an emergency, call 911.