The neighborhoods around Lincoln
Lincoln Avenue is a long east-west arterial with commercial frontage, while the side streets off it are largely residential. Much of the single-family housing in this part of Buena Park went up in the postwar building boom, which in this region usually means slab-on-grade construction.
Your own home may be older or newer, or may have had its plumbing updated. Check your build year in property records, and look for receipts or permits from past sewer work before assuming what is under the ground.
What is often under homes of this era
| Part of the system | Common original material | Typical issue |
|---|---|---|
| Drains under the slab | Cast iron | Scale, corrosion, channeling |
| Sewer lateral | Clay or cast iron | Roots at joints, cracks, offsets |
| Water supply lines | Copper or galvanized steel | Corrosion in galvanized; separate from drain issues |
| Later repairs | ABS or PVC sections | Transitions between materials |
Local contacts
- Water utility
- City of Buena Park
- Sewer and permit questions
- City of Buena Park
- Gas
- SoCalGas; for a gas smell, leave and call 911 or SoCalGas from outside
- Contractor licenses
- cslb.ca.gov
Before calling about a slow main line
- Note which fixtures are affected and when
- Find the sewer cleanout
- Look for trees growing near the sewer path
- Gather any past camera footage or invoices
- Stop using water if anything is backing up
Common situations and first moves
- IfMain line backs up on a cycle and there is a big tree in frontThenCamera for roots, then jet with a root nozzle if the pipe is sound.
- IfOnly the kitchen is slowThenLikely grease in the kitchen branch.
- IfBackups started after work on the street or yardThenMention it; a camera can check for damage at that spot.
Common questions
Are all homes near Lincoln Avenue on slabs?
Many postwar homes in the area are slab-on-grade, but not all. Check your own home.
Does the city maintain trees in the parkway?
Ask the City of Buena Park before trimming or removing a parkway tree near your lateral.
Should I replace galvanized water lines when I fix the sewer?
They are separate systems. It can be convenient to plan both, but each should be judged on its own condition.
General information for Buena Park, not a quote or professional advice. In an emergency, call 911.