Route the service intent. Separate urgent backup, routine cleaning access, camera access, suspected buried or damaged cleanout, planned installation, and pre-purchase questions. Each path needs different timing and scope.
Establish known facts. Collect property type, approximate age, symptoms, visible caps, prior reports, sewer or septic status, access constraints, surface materials, and relevant records. Photos and sketches help prepare but do not prove the route or depth.
Explain the locating sequence. Describe visual inspection and records first, then appropriate tracing, camera, or limited exploratory work. State the diagnostic fee, what is included, and whether it can be credited to an approved installation.
Confirm boundary and approvals. Verify private-versus-public responsibility, easements, utility locating, permit and inspection requirements, HOA or shared-line constraints, and any right-of-way issue before excavation begins.
Build a complete written scope. Record location, pipe condition and material, fitting arrangement, access protection, excavation dimensions, utility conflicts, testing, spoil, backfill, finish restoration, exclusions, change triggers, and warranty.
Test the handoff. On mobile, submit urgent and planned scenarios. Confirm emergency diversion, address and service-area validation, photo upload, consent, response window, fee, appointment status, error recovery, and written confirmation.