An older part of town

The Anaheim Colony Historic District covers the area around the original colony laid out in the 1850s, near today's downtown. Its housing stock includes early 20th-century bungalows and cottages alongside later infill. Many older homes in neighborhoods like this sit on raised foundations with a crawlspace, unlike the slab tracts elsewhere in the city, though each house should be checked.

Because some homes are a century old, their drain systems may have been modified several times. It is common to find a mix of materials, from original cast iron or clay to newer plastic repairs.

At a glance

Typical era
Early 1900s onward, with later infill
Foundations
Many raised with crawlspaces; some slab
Drain pipe
Often mixed: cast iron, clay, plastic repairs
Water utility
Anaheim Public Utilities
Historic district questions
City of Anaheim planning staff

Raised foundation versus slab

Raised (crawlspace)

  • Drain pipes under the floor can often be reached from the crawlspace
  • Leaks may be visible as damp soil or staining below
  • Repairs under the house may not require breaking concrete

Slab

  • Drains are buried in or under concrete
  • Problems are found by camera rather than by sight
  • Under-slab repairs are more involved

Local checklist

Questions for a plumber in an older home

  1. What materials make up my drain and lateral, section by section?
  2. Can problems be reached from the crawlspace?
  3. Is the pipe sound enough for jetting?
  4. Does any work need city review because of the historic district?
Map of Anaheim Colony Historic District. It shows an area, not an office or a job site.

Common questions

Are permits different in the historic district?

Exterior changes in historic areas can have additional review. Check with the City of Anaheim before planning work.

Is a crawlspace drain easier to fix?

Often it is easier to reach, but the condition of very old pipe matters more than access.

Could my lateral be original?

In very old homes it is possible. A camera inspection is the way to know.

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