Where to look
You can see more of your plumbing than you might think: where the main enters the house, at the water heater, under every sink, behind the washer, in the garage and sometimes in the attic. In many Fullerton homes, a mix of materials shows up because earlier owners replaced sections over the years.
Bring a flashlight, a small magnet and your phone. Photograph each spot and note it on the table below.
How to tell pipe materials apart
| Material | Looks like | Quick test | Common concern |
|---|---|---|---|
| Galvanized steel | Dull grey, threaded fittings | A magnet sticks | Internal rust, thin walls at threads |
| Copper | Reddish-brown or green, soldered joints | A magnet does not stick; scratching shows copper color | Pinhole leaks, worn hot lines |
| PEX | Flexible plastic tubing, often red, blue or white | Bends; crimp or clamp rings at fittings | Needs support and protection from sunlight |
| CPVC | Rigid cream or tan plastic | Glued joints | Can become brittle in some conditions |
| Flexible connectors | Braided steel or plastic short lines | Screw-on nuts at each end | Wear out on their own schedule |
Your inventory
| Location | Material | Condition (rust, green, crust, dry) | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Main entry at the house | |||
| Water heater inlet and outlet | |||
| Kitchen sink | |||
| Each bathroom sink | |||
| Washer box | |||
| Garage or attic runs | |||
| Hose bibs outside |
Flags worth showing a plumber
- Any galvanized pipe still carrying drinking water
- Copper with green crust at joints or a patch of repairs
- Copper threaded straight into steel with no transition fitting
- Unsupported plastic tubing in the attic
- Old flexible connectors with rust at the ends
- Stains or past repairs on drywall near plumbing walls
What the age of your home suggests
- 1950s-70s tract homes
- Often galvanized or early copper originally; many have been partly replaced
- Slab foundations
- Some supply lines may run under the concrete
- Newer construction
- More likely copper or plastic; connectors and pressure still matter
- Your records
- Permit history from the city can show earlier repipes; check with the city
Common questions
Can I tell what is inside the walls?
Not for certain, but what you see at the ends of each run is a good clue. A plumber can confirm during any repair.
Is mixed piping a problem?
Not by itself, if transitions use the right fittings. Mixed systems often mean the oldest sections have not been replaced yet.
Does the city keep plumbing permit records?
Cities generally keep permit records. Check with the City of Fullerton about how to request yours.
General information for Fullerton, not a quote or professional advice. In an emergency, call 911.