What postwar homes usually have

Much of Sunny Hills was developed after World War II. Homes from the 1950s through the 1970s in North Orange County were often built on slab-on-grade foundations, with copper or galvanized water lines and cast-iron or clay sewer laterals. Some homes in the area sit on raised foundations instead, so it is worth confirming which yours has.

These homes are younger than the oldest houses near downtown, but their original pipe is still decades old. Hard water, from local groundwater blended with imported water, adds scale over time.

Slab versus raised foundation

Slab-on-grade

  • Supply and drain lines may run under or through the slab
  • Leaks under the slab can be harder to find
  • Repipes are often routed through walls and attic
  • Drain repairs under the slab may involve trenchless options or opening floors

Raised with crawlspace

  • Pipe is often visible from the crawlspace
  • Leaks can show up as damp soil under the house
  • Repipes can often use the crawlspace
  • Drain repairs are usually easier to reach

Things to check in a Sunny Hills home

  • Supply pipe material at the water heater
  • Signs of a hidden leak in a slab home, such as warm spots on floors or unexplained higher water use
  • Drain speed and any recurring backups
  • Sewer lateral condition, especially near large trees
  • Water heater strapping and connections

Who to contact

Water service and meter
City of Fullerton water utility
Permits
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

  1. Is my house on a slab or raised foundation, and how does that affect repairs?
  2. Are my water lines copper, galvanized or a mix?
  3. Is my lateral clay or cast iron, and are roots present?
  4. Would a repipe go through the attic or the crawlspace?
Map of Sunny Hills. It shows an area, not an office or a job site.

Common questions

Are Sunny Hills homes too new for galvanized pipe?

Not necessarily. Galvanized was still used in some homes of that era, so check the pipe at your water heater.

What is a slab leak?

A leak in a water line running under or within a concrete slab foundation. It can be hidden and is usually found with leak detection methods.

Do roots affect postwar laterals?

Yes. Clay and cast-iron laterals of that era can still be invaded by roots at their joints.

General information for Downtown Fullerton, not a quote or professional advice. In an emergency, call 911.