Newer homes, different drain issues
Homes in a newer community like Amerige Heights typically have plastic drain and sewer piping rather than the cast iron and clay found in older parts of Fullerton. Plastic resists scale and its joints are glued, so roots and corrosion are much less of a concern. That does not make clogs disappear.
Grease in kitchen lines, hair in showers and wipes in toilets cause clogs in brand-new plumbing just as they do in old. And in planned communities, a question that rarely comes up in older neighborhoods becomes important: which parts of the sewer system belong to the homeowner, which to an association, and which to the city.
Older vs. newer Fullerton housing
| Postwar tract homes | Newer planned communities | |
|---|---|---|
| Typical drain material | Cast iron under slab | Plastic |
| Typical lateral | Clay or cast iron | Plastic |
| Root intrusion risk | Higher | Lower |
| Main clog causes | Roots, scale, wipes, grease | Wipes, grease, construction debris |
| Responsibility questions | Owner and city | Owner, association and city |
Before you call about a clog
- Check your HOA documents for who maintains shared sewer lines, if any
- Notify the association if a backup might involve a shared line
- Find your home's cleanout; newer homes usually have one
- Check whether your home is still within any builder warranty period that covers plumbing
- Note which fixtures are affected using the fixture worksheet
Whose problem is it?
- IfOne fixture in your home is cloggedThenAlmost always the owner's plumbing.
- IfYour main line is backing upThenUsually the owner's lateral, but check your HOA documents for shared lines.
- IfSeveral neighbors back up at onceThenA shared or public line may be involved; contact the association and the City of Fullerton.
Questions for the plumber
- Was the clog on my side of any shared connection?
- Did you see construction debris or a defect in the line?
- Is there anything I should report to the association?
Common questions
Does this site serve Amerige Heights?
Ask us to confirm your address before booking. This is a preview site: the phone number shown is a temporary placeholder and the request form is not connected yet.
Can new plastic sewer pipe get roots?
It is much less likely than with clay, but damaged or poorly joined pipe can still let roots in.
Who do I call if the whole street backs up?
Contact your association and the City of Fullerton, since a shared or public line may be involved.
General information for Fullerton, not a quote or professional advice. In an emergency, call 911.