The corridor
Santa Ana Canyon Road is the main east-west road along the lower part of Anaheim Hills, with shopping, schools and residential streets climbing into the hills on its north side. The neighborhoods off it include some of the flatter ground in Anaheim Hills as well as streets that rise steeply.
Homes here are within the City of Anaheim. Most were built in the decades after the 1970s, and slab-on-grade construction with copper water lines under the floor is common.
Typical features and what they mean for leaks
| Feature | Why it matters |
|---|---|
| Slab floors on graded lots | Supply lines under concrete can leak unseen; use the meter to check |
| Copper supply lines | Pinhole leaks and wear against concrete are among the common failure types |
| Mature street and yard trees | Roots can find their way into sewer laterals, a separate problem from supply leaks |
| Hard water from the city supply | Scale in water heaters and fixtures; hardness is one factor discussed in copper leaks |
Supply leak or sewer problem?
Both can cause damp areas, but they are different systems with different fixes.
Supply line leak
- Meter moves with everything off
- Clean water, sometimes warm
- Pressure in the line pushes water out constantly
Sewer lateral problem
- Meter does not move
- Slow drains, gurgling or backups
- Odor; keep people away from sewage
If you suspect a slab leak here
- Meter test.Everything off, watch the leak indicator for 15 to 30 minutes.
- Split hot and cold.Close the water heater inlet and watch again.
- Close the main if needed.If water is surfacing or the meter is fast, close the main between uses.
- Call a licensed plumber.Check the license at cslb.ca.gov and ask what detection includes.
Contacts
- Water and meter
- Anaheim Public Utilities
- Public sewer and streets
- City of Anaheim; check with the city
- Permits
- City of Anaheim building division
- Gas emergencies
- Leave and call 911 or SoCalGas from outside
Common questions
Are tree roots a slab leak risk?
Roots are mainly a sewer lateral issue. Supply line leaks under a slab usually come from the pipe itself, though ground conditions can play a part.
Who supplies water along Santa Ana Canyon Road?
Homes in the City of Anaheim are served by Anaheim Public Utilities. Your water bill confirms your supplier.
Is a permit needed for a slab leak repair here?
It depends on the scope. Check with the City of Anaheim's building division.
General information for Anaheim Hills, not a quote or professional advice. In an emergency, call 911.