What hillside lots mean for drains
On a hillside lot, the sewer lateral may run a long way and change grade between the house and the street. Some homes sit above the street and drain downhill easily; others sit below it, and their plumbing has to be arranged accordingly. A plumber working here will want to know how your lot is laid out before choosing an access point.
Because homes in Raymond Hills were built over a range of years and many have been remodeled, pipe materials vary. Older original lines may be cast iron and clay; remodeled sections may be plastic. The joint where old meets new is a common place for debris to catch.
Common drain concerns on hillside lots
- Long laterals with more joints for roots to enter
- Changes in grade that can create sags or offsets over time
- Retaining walls, terraces and steps built over the sewer path
- Mature trees and shrubs on slopes with roots spreading toward pipes
- Cleanouts that are hard to reach behind landscaping
Preparing for a drain problem
- Map the sewer path.Know where the lateral leaves the house and roughly how it reaches the street.
- Expose the cleanout.Make sure it is reachable, not behind a planter wall or under a deck.
- Keep records.Save any past camera footage, especially showing grade changes.
- Note what is above the line.Hardscape and retaining walls affect repair options and should be mentioned to any contractor.
Repair approaches on a slope
Trenchless methods
- Avoid digging up terraced landscaping
- Lining follows the existing pipe and its grade
- Need suitable access points
Excavation
- Can correct a sag or change in grade
- More disruption to slopes and hardscape
- May involve erosion and restoration planning
Questions for a contractor
- Does my lateral have any sags or offsets on the slope?
- Can the line be lined, or does the grade need correcting?
- How will you protect retaining walls and landscaping?
- What access points would a trenchless repair need?
Common questions
Is service available in Raymond Hills through this site?
Ask us to confirm that your address is in our service area. This is a preview site: our phone number is a temporary placeholder and the request form is not connected yet.
Do hillside homes clog more often?
Not necessarily, but long laterals with grade changes give roots and debris more places to collect.
Can a camera show the slope of my pipe?
Standing water and the camera's view help reveal sags. The plumber can explain what the footage shows.
General information for Fullerton, not a quote or professional advice. In an emergency, call 911.