A different kind of neighborhood

The Platinum Triangle sits roughly between the 5 and 57 freeways near the Santa Ana River, around the stadium and arena area. Much of its housing is recent multifamily construction, often several stories tall, built on land that used to hold warehouses and light industry.

In buildings like these, each unit's drains feed shared vertical stacks and building drains. A clog in your own sink trap is usually yours to deal with, but a backup that involves a shared line is typically the building's responsibility. The lease, CC&Rs or HOA documents define where that line falls.

At a glance

Typical era
Mostly 2000s and later construction
Building type
Multifamily and mixed-use
Drain system
Shared stacks and building drains
Water utility
Anaheim Public Utilities
First contact
Property manager or HOA

Who to call

  • IfOne sink or tub in your unit is slowThenUsually a unit-level clog. Renters should notify the property manager; owners can hire a licensed plumber.
  • IfWater backs up into your tub or shower from somewhere elseThenA shared stack may be blocked. Notify management right away and stop using water.
  • IfSeveral units report backupsThenA building drain or main problem; management coordinates.
  • IfSewage appears in a common area or garageThenKeep people away and alert management immediately.

Things to know about your unit

Questions for management or a plumber

  1. Is this clog in my unit's branch or in the shared stack?
  2. Who pays for clearing a shared line?
  3. Has this stack had backups before?
  4. Will someone check units below and above?
Map of Platinum Triangle. It shows an area, not an office or a job site.

Common questions

Can I hire my own plumber as a renter?

Check your lease first. Most require you to report plumbing issues to the property manager.

Why does my shower fill when my neighbor runs water?

You may share a drain stack that is partly blocked below your unit. Report it to management.

Are root clogs a concern here?

Less so with newer buildings and plastic or modern piping, though landscaped grounds still have trees near underground lines.

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