The setting
Golden Hills sits in the hills of north Fullerton, with curving streets, sloped lots and views. Homes here tend to be larger and more varied than in the flatter tracts to the south, with many built from the 1960s onward and plenty of remodels and additions since.
Because the lots slope, foundations vary. Some houses sit on slabs, others on raised or stepped foundations with crawl spaces, and some have lower levels built into the hillside. Each of those changes where the gas line can run.
Golden Hills at a glance
- Terrain
- Hillside lots and curving streets
- Foundations
- Mixed: slab, raised and stepped; check your own
- Gas utility
- SoCalGas
- Water and sewer mains
- City of Fullerton
- Permits
- City of Fullerton building division
Gas considerations on hillside lots
| Feature | Why it matters | What to ask |
|---|---|---|
| Long run from meter | Longer pipe needs larger size for the same load | Is my line sized for the full distance? |
| Crawl space or lower level | Piping may run under the floor, out of sight | Where does my gas line run, and can it be inspected? |
| Pool and spa heaters | Large gas users, often far from the meter | Can the line and meter carry it? |
| Outdoor kitchens and fire features | More buried lines across sloped yards | Where are the shutoffs, and is the route recorded? |
| Retaining walls and terraces | Buried lines may run near or through them | Was the line protected where it crosses? |
Under the house and in the yard
On a raised foundation, gas piping often runs through the crawl space, where black iron can rust if the space stays damp and where connectors and valves are harder to reach. A contractor may need to enter the crawl space to trace a leak or route a new line.
Hillside yards with terraces, pools and planted slopes tend to accumulate gas lines over the years. Tree roots and slope movement can stress buried pipe, and the same roots can work into older clay or cast-iron sewer laterals. Keep a sketch of every buried line, and call 811 before any digging for utility lines.
A Golden Hills homeowner's short list
Who to contact
- IfGas smell indoors or in the yardThenLeave the area, then call 911 or SoCalGas from outside.
- IfMeter capacity for a big new applianceThenSoCalGas.
- IfRepairs or new lines after the meterThenA licensed contractor; verify at cslb.ca.gov.
- IfPermits, including hillside workThenCity of Fullerton building division.
Common questions
Does a long run change the pipe size?
Yes. Gas loses pressure over distance, so the same appliance needs larger pipe the farther it is from the meter.
Is my gas line under the house?
On raised or stepped foundations it may be. A contractor can trace the route.
Who handles water and sewer mains here?
The City of Fullerton. The property owner is generally responsible for the lateral; check with the city.
General information for Fullerton, not a quote or professional advice. In an emergency, call 911.