The neighborhood
Downtown Fullerton and the residential streets around it include many homes older than the postwar tracts elsewhere in the city, alongside apartments, condos and mixed-use buildings. Many older houses here sit on raised foundations with crawlspaces, a contrast with the slab-on-grade tracts of later decades.
In homes this old, the original kitchen may never have had a disposal. A disposal was often added later, sometimes with an outlet or switch installed during a remodel. That makes it worth checking how the unit gets power and how the drain was adapted for it.
Common features
- Era
- Many older homes, plus newer infill and multi-unit buildings
- Foundations
- Raised foundations are common in older houses
- Pipes
- Galvanized, cast iron or later replacements
- Laterals
- Older laterals may be clay or cast iron; roots are a known risk
- Water
- City of Fullerton water utility; hard water
Disposal tips for older downtown homes
- Find out whether the disposal was added later and how it is powered.
- Ask about the drain material and condition before replacing a disposal for slow draining.
- With a raised foundation, look for drips under the house only if the crawlspace is dry and safe.
- Keep grease out; older drains and laterals are least forgiving.
- In a multi-unit building, check who is responsible for shared drain lines.
Single-family house vs. condo or apartment
Single-family
- Disposal, drain and lateral are generally the owner's
- Owner arranges repairs
- Permits through the city
Condo or apartment
- Shared drain lines may be the association's or landlord's
- Tenants usually report to the landlord
- Check governing documents before work
Who to contact
| Question | Contact |
|---|---|
| Water service | City of Fullerton water utility |
| Permits, including older-home work | City of Fullerton building division |
| Sewer main | Check with the city's public works |
| Shared lines in a building | HOA or landlord |
| Contractor license | cslb.ca.gov |
Common questions
Can an old house handle a disposal?
Usually, with good habits. If the drain is old and slow, have it checked first.
Are there special rules for older homes?
Some properties may have additional requirements. Check with the City of Fullerton before major work.
I rent downtown. Who fixes the disposal?
Tenants generally report problems to the landlord or property manager.
General information for Fullerton, not a quote or professional advice. In an emergency, call 911.