A tract-era neighborhood
Much of the housing around Arovista Park dates from the period when Brea grew from an oil town into a suburb, with single-story and some two-story homes on slab-on-grade foundations. Exact ages vary, so check your own home's records, but many houses here share the traits of 1950s to 1970s Southern California tracts.
In homes like these, the water heater usually stands in the garage, often in a corner near the laundry hookups. Over the decades many have been replaced several times, and each replacement may or may not have updated the straps, vent and gas connector to current expectations.
Typical features
- Foundation
- Mostly slab-on-grade
- Water piping
- Copper or galvanized, sometimes partly replaced
- Sewer lateral
- Often original clay or cast iron
- Trees
- Mature yard and parkway trees whose roots can reach laterals
- Heater location
- Usually the garage
Slab homes and hidden leaks
Because water lines in slab homes run under or through the concrete, a leak near the heater is not always the heater. If the floor stays wet with the heater's cold-water valve closed, or the water meter keeps moving with everything off, the source may be a supply line. A plumber can help sort out which it is.
Preparing for a replacement in a garage tract home
- Clear the corner.Move shelves, bikes and storage so the old tank can come out and the new one go in.
- Check the straps.Note whether there are two proper straps into the wall framing.
- Look at the vent.Check that it is connected and runs up to the roof flue.
- Photograph the label.Send it with photos of the setup when asking for quotes.
Who to contact
| Topic | Contact |
|---|---|
| Water service, meter and quality | The City of Brea's water utility |
| Permits for heater replacement | The City of Brea; check current requirements |
| Sewer lateral questions | Check with the city |
| Gas smell or gas service | Leave and call 911 or SoCalGas from outside |
| Contractor license | cslb.ca.gov |
Common questions
Could my water heater leak be a slab leak?
If the floor stays wet after closing the heater's cold-water valve, or the water meter moves with everything off, a supply line may be leaking. Have a plumber check.
Why are straps a common issue in older garages?
Earlier installs sometimes used a single strap or plumber's tape. Replacement is a good time to fit proper straps sized for the new tank.
Can roots affect my water heater?
Not the heater itself, but roots in a clay lateral can cause drain backups that show up near laundry or floor drains in the garage.
General information for Brea, not a quote or professional advice. In an emergency, call 911.