Hillside homes and their plumbing
Homes in Golden Hills sit on rolling and sloped lots, and many were built in the decades after World War II. Houses from that period commonly used copper or galvanized steel for water lines and cast iron or clay for drains and sewer laterals, though many have since been partly updated.
On sloped lots, the sewer lateral may run a longer or less direct route to the street, and the house may sit well above or below it. Water pressure can also vary with elevation, so a pressure reading is a useful early check.
Common issues on hillside lots
- Laterals with long runs, bends or slope changes that can collect debris
- Roots from landscaping on slopes reaching sewer joints
- Pressure that differs noticeably between upper and lower levels
- Exposed or shallow pipe along retaining walls or terraces
- Older galvanized sections left after partial repiping
Where to start
- IfDrains back up repeatedlyThenAsk for a camera inspection of the full lateral, noting where slope or direction changes.
- IfPressure is weak at upper fixturesThenHave pressure measured at the main and compared with fixtures.
- IfPressure seems very highThenAsk a plumber whether a pressure regulator is present and working.
- IfYou are planning landscaping on a slopeThenLocate the sewer route first so new trees are not planted over it.
Who to contact
- Water service and meter
- City of Fullerton water utility
- Permits and grading questions
- Check with the City of Fullerton
- 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 does my lateral run from the house to the street?
- Is my water pressure appropriate at every level?
- Are there exposed sections of pipe on slopes that need protection?
- Which old pipe materials are still in my system?
Common questions
Why does elevation affect water pressure?
Water pressure changes with height, so upper floors or homes higher on a slope can see lower pressure, while lower ones can see higher pressure.
Are hillside laterals harder to repair?
They can be, depending on depth, slope and access. A camera inspection helps a plumber plan the approach.
Are all Golden Hills homes postwar?
Not all. Ages vary, so check your own property records and pipe.
General information for Downtown Fullerton, not a quote or professional advice. In an emergency, call 911.