The neighborhood
Sunny Hills sits in the northwest part of Fullerton, with streets climbing into gentle hills. Much of the housing dates from the 1950s and 1960s, with later remodels and additions mixed in. Homes on flatter lots are often slab-on-grade, while some homes on sloped lots have raised foundations or stepped floors. Your own home's records or a plumber's inspection are the only reliable way to know what is under yours.
Homes from that era commonly had galvanized steel or copper supply lines and cast-iron drain lines, with cast-iron or clay sewer laterals running to the street. Many have been partly or fully updated, so assume nothing until someone looks.
What to expect in many Sunny Hills homes
- Typical era
- Largely 1950s–1960s, with later remodels
- Foundations
- Slab-on-grade on flat lots; some raised on slopes
- Drain lines
- Often original cast iron unless replaced
- Sewer laterals
- Cast iron or clay; roots can enter clay joints
- Water
- City of Fullerton water utility; hard water
Disposal tips for older Sunny Hills kitchens
- Keep grease out; old cast iron holds onto it.
- If the sink has backed up more than once, ask about the drain line before replacing the disposal.
- Check the angle stops under the sink; older valves can seize.
- Note whether the disposal is plug-in or hardwired; older kitchens vary.
- Measure before buying a new unit; drain heights in remodeled kitchens differ.
Trees and laterals
Mature trees line many Sunny Hills streets and yards. In homes with clay sewer laterals, roots can work into the joints over time. A root problem in the lateral affects every drain in the house, not just the kitchen. If the kitchen, tubs and toilets are all slow, the lateral is a more likely suspect than the disposal.
Who to contact
| Question | Contact |
|---|---|
| Water service, billing or the meter | City of Fullerton water utility |
| Permits for electrical or drain work | City of Fullerton building division |
| Sewer main or street-side issues | Check with the city's public works |
| Contractor license check | cslb.ca.gov |
| Gas smell | Leave the home; call 911 or SoCalGas from outside |
Common questions
Are all Sunny Hills homes on slabs?
No. Many are, but some hillside homes have raised foundations. Check your home's records or ask a plumber.
Does a new disposal fix a slow drain here?
Usually not if the disposal already runs fine. The drain line is the more likely cause.
Who handles the sewer line in the street?
Check with the City of Fullerton about responsibility for the main and the lateral.
General information for Fullerton, not a quote or professional advice. In an emergency, call 911.