What to know about Sunny Hills homes
Many Sunny Hills homes date from the postwar decades, and many still have original or partly original plumbing. That often means copper or galvanized supply lines and cast-iron or clay sewer laterals. Some houses sit on slabs, others are built into the slope with split levels or partial raised floors, so it is worth knowing which kind you have.
The neighborhood's mature trees are part of its character, and their roots look for moisture. Older laterals with many joints are a common place for roots to get in.
Hillside considerations
| Feature | What it can mean |
|---|---|
| Sloped lot | Sewer laterals may run long or steep to reach the street, and cleanouts can be hard to find |
| Split-level layout | Water from a leak upstairs can travel unexpectedly to a lower level |
| Mature trees near the lateral | Root intrusion and recurring slow drains |
| Irrigation on slopes | Hidden leaks in irrigation lines can show up on the meter |
| Original copper on a slab | Possible slab leaks; look for warm spots and meter movement |
A Sunny Hills emergency routine
Know your main shutoff
On sloped lots it may be in an unexpected spot. Find it now and test it.
Find the sewer cleanout
Note where it is so a plumber can reach it quickly during a backup.
Learn your irrigation shutoff
If the meter moves with the house closed, irrigation may be the culprit.
Write down who to call
City water utility for meter issues, SoCalGas or 911 for gas, and a licensed plumber you have checked at cslb.ca.gov.
Questions to ask a plumber here
- Where does my lateral run, and how long is it?
- Is there an accessible cleanout, and should one be added?
- Is my slab or raised floor a factor in how leaks would show up?
- Do any repairs here need a permit? Check with the city.
Common questions
Do hillside homes have more sewer problems?
Not always, but long or steep laterals near mature trees can be more prone to root intrusion and harder to reach.
Can a leak upstairs show up on a lower level?
Yes. In split-level homes water often travels along framing before it appears.
Who handles water pressure problems in the street?
Contact the city of Fullerton's water utility.
General information for Fullerton, not a quote or professional advice. In an emergency, call 911.