The area around the university grew alongside it, with apartment complexes, student rentals, restaurants and service businesses on the nearby corridors, and single-family tract homes on the surrounding streets. Many of those houses date from the 1960s and 1970s.
Rentals change hands and tenants often, and notices can land with someone who does not own the device. Apartment complexes and commercial buildings typically have service-line and fire-line assemblies, while single-family homes mostly have irrigation devices.
Area at a glance
- Typical buildings
- Apartments, rentals, small commercial, 1960s-70s tract homes
- Foundations
- Tract homes mostly slab-on-grade
- Supply pipes
- Original copper common in tract homes; some galvanized; many repipes
- Sewer laterals
- Original cast-iron or clay in older homes; tree roots a frequent issue
- Water supplier
- City of Fullerton water utility for most addresses; confirm on your bill
Typical devices by property
| Property | Likely devices | Who usually handles it |
|---|---|---|
| Apartment complex | Service line RP or DC, fire line DCDA, irrigation | Owner or property manager |
| Single-family rental | Irrigation device | Owner, unless the lease says otherwise |
| Owner-occupied home | Irrigation device | Owner |
| Restaurant or shop | Service RP and equipment devices | Owner or tenant, per lease |
Renting? What to do with a notice
Tell the owner or manager
Forward the notice right away, with the deadline highlighted.
Allow access
Agree on a time for the tester and keep the device area clear.
Report problems
Let the owner know about any dripping or damage you see.
Keep a note
Write down when you forwarded the notice, in case of questions later.
Questions property owners here ask
- Does each building on my property have its own assembly?
- Can the fire line and service line be tested on one visit?
- How do I make sure notices reach me and not just tenants?
- Do I need separate devices for laundry rooms or pool fills?
Common questions
I am a tenant and got a notice. Do I have to pay?
Usually the owner handles it, but check your lease and tell the owner right away.
Does the university handle backflow for nearby homes?
No. Private properties deal with their own water supplier, usually the City of Fullerton.
Are apartment fire line tests disruptive?
They involve a short sprinkler shutdown. Owners usually notify tenants in advance.
General information for Fullerton, not a quote or professional advice. In an emergency, call 911.