The lay of the land
Sunny Hills is an established residential neighborhood of curving streets that rise and fall across the hills of northwest Fullerton. Many homes date from the postwar decades, with later remodels and additions mixed in. Lots on a grade mean that some houses sit above the street and some below it, and that affects both water pressure and how the sewer line reaches the main.
Because elevation varies from street to street, two nearby homes can see quite different incoming pressure. Homes lower on a slope are more likely to need a working pressure regulator; homes higher up are more likely to notice weak upstairs flow at busy hours.
At a glance
- Terrain
- Rolling hills, sloped lots, homes above and below street level
- Typical foundations
- Many slab-on-grade homes; some raised floors; check your own house
- Supply pipe to ask about
- Copper or galvanized in original sections; later repipes may use copper or PEX
- Sewer laterals
- Often cast iron or clay in older homes
- Water service
- Fullerton's city water utility
Things to check on a Sunny Hills home
Common issues and where to start
| Issue | Start with |
|---|---|
| Banging pipes, running toilets | Pressure reading and regulator check |
| Weak upstairs shower | Static vs. working pressure and the riser pipe |
| Slow drains in several fixtures | Camera inspection of the lateral |
| Wet patch on a slope | Meter leak test |
| Rusty water | Check for galvanized supply pipe |
Questions for a plumber working in Sunny Hills
- What is my static pressure, and is my regulator doing its job?
- How much original pipe is left in this house?
- Is my lateral clay or cast iron, and are roots getting in?
- Does this work need a permit from the City of Fullerton?
- What is your CSLB license number?
Common questions
Is Sunny Hills part of Coyote Hills?
They are neighboring areas in northwest Fullerton with similar hillside terrain. Each has its own streets and history.
Why do my neighbor and I have different pressure?
Elevation differences on hillside streets change incoming pressure, and each home's regulator and piping differ.
Do all Sunny Hills homes have galvanized pipe?
No. Many have been repiped. A plumber can tell you what your house has.
General information for Coyote Hills, not a quote or professional advice. In an emergency, call 911.