Old houses, layered plumbing
The Anaheim Colony area around central Anaheim includes many early twentieth century homes along with some older and newer buildings. Houses of this age were typically plumbed with galvanized steel supply and cast-iron drains, often with clay sewer laterals, and most have been altered several times since.
Because plumbing was often added in stages as kitchens and bathrooms were modernized, a single house may contain several generations of pipe. Mapping what is there is especially valuable.
Typical findings in early homes
| Area | What is often found | Why it matters |
|---|---|---|
| Supply | Galvanized with scattered copper repairs | Mixed joints and narrowed pipe |
| Drains | Cast iron, sometimes with old lead and oakum joints | Scale, cracks and loose joints |
| Lateral | Clay pipe | Root intrusion near mature trees |
| Fixtures | Additions from different decades | Venting and drain sizing may vary |
| Foundation | Often raised | Crawlspace access to pipe |
First steps for owners
- Use a pipe material worksheet to map supply and drain materials
- Have the lateral camera-inspected if drains are slow or back up
- Check gas appliance connectors and valves
- Confirm water heater strapping and venting
- Locate and test the main water shutoff
Who to contact
- Water and electric utility
- Anaheim Public Utilities, the city's own utility
- Permits and historic review
- Check with the City of Anaheim
- Gas
- SoCalGas; for a gas smell, leave and call 911 or SoCalGas from outside
- Contractor license check
- cslb.ca.gov
Questions for a plumber
- How many generations of pipe are in this house?
- Are the old cast-iron joints sound?
- Can repairs be done without changing the exterior?
- What should be replaced first, and what can wait?
Common questions
Is the Anaheim Colony in Fullerton?
No. It is in Anaheim, just south of Fullerton, and is included here because its housing shares the older-building plumbing themes of this site.
Who supplies water in Anaheim?
Anaheim Public Utilities, which is owned by the City of Anaheim.
Do historic rules apply to interior plumbing?
Rules mainly concern exterior features, but check with the City of Anaheim for your property.
General information for Downtown Fullerton, not a quote or professional advice. In an emergency, call 911.