Tract homes, many occupants

Much of the housing around the university is postwar tract construction on slab foundations, with the copper and galvanized supply lines typical of that era. Many homes are rented, sometimes to several unrelated people, which can mean nobody in the house knows where the main shutoff is.

When a pipe breaks in a rental, the first few minutes matter as much as in any home, but the decision about repairs belongs to the owner or property manager.

Area at a glance

Housing age
Largely 1950s-70s tracts; confirm your building's year
Supply pipe
Copper or galvanized, depending on updates
Foundations
Mostly slab-on-grade
Sewer laterals
Cast-iron or clay laterals typical for the era; roots are common in clay
Occupancy
Many rentals and shared homes
Water utility
City of Fullerton water utility

If you rent and a pipe bursts

  1. Stop the water.Close the angle stop or the main shutoff. Every tenant should know where the main is.
  2. Stay safe.Keep away from wet outlets and sagging ceilings. If you smell gas, leave and call 911 or SoCalGas from outside.
  3. Notify the owner or manager.Tell them right away in writing as well as by phone, and include photos.
  4. Protect your belongings.Move your items out of the water and photograph anything damaged.
  5. Follow the lease.Your lease usually says who arranges repairs. Ask before hiring anyone yourself.

Tenant and owner roles

Tenant

  • Shut off the water and stay safe
  • Report promptly with photos
  • Protect personal belongings
  • Check renter's insurance for contents

Owner or manager

  • Arrange a licensed plumber
  • Handle repairs and drying
  • Decide on spot repair or repipe
  • Coordinate with insurance and any permits

Move-in checklist for renters

  • Ask where the main shutoff is and test that it turns
  • Find the water heater and its cold inlet valve
  • Save the owner's or manager's emergency contact
  • Check under sinks and behind toilets for existing leaks
  • Photograph the condition of floors and ceilings at move-in
Map of Cal State Fullerton area. It shows an area, not an office or a job site.

Common questions

Can a tenant hire a plumber directly?

Check your lease and talk to the owner first, except where the lease or an emergency situation says otherwise.

Who handles sewer lateral problems at a rental?

Usually the owner. Check with the City of Fullerton about where public and private responsibility splits.

Are student rentals more likely to have breaks?

The pipes are the same age as owner-occupied neighbors. The bigger difference is that occupants may not know the shutoff, which makes damage worse.

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