Homes, rentals and heavy use
The streets around the university include single-family homes from the post-war building years, many of them slab-on-grade, along with homes rented to students and apartment buildings. Older houses here can have the same cast-iron and clay sewer laterals found elsewhere in Fullerton.
Rentals with several occupants often send more water, grease and paper down the drains than a typical family, and occupants change often, so habits are hard to keep consistent. That makes clear guidance and planned maintenance more important.
Owner and tenant roles
Owner or manager
- Arranges plumbing repairs and maintenance
- Keeps service records
- Provides drain guidance to occupants
- Hires licensed contractors
Tenant
- Reports slow drains early
- Keeps grease and wipes out of drains
- Stops water use during a backup
- Follows lease terms on repairs
Drain guidance for a shared rental
- Post a short note in the kitchen about keeping grease out of the sink.
- Keep a trash can in every bathroom for wipes and products.
- Use strainers in sinks and showers.
- Report slow drains or gurgling right away.
- Know where the cleanout is and keep it clear.
A sensible routine for rental owners
- Between tenants
- Check every drain and the cleanout; consider a camera inspection of the main line.
- At move-in
- Share drain guidance and how to report problems.
- During the lease
- Respond to slow-drain reports before they become backups.
- Each year
- Review service records and decide whether jetting or inspection is due.
Questions for rental owners to ask a plumber
- What does the camera show about the main line's condition?
- Is the buildup consistent with heavy use, roots or damage?
- What maintenance interval would you suggest from the footage?
Common questions
Who pays for a clog in a rental?
That depends on the lease and the cause. Check your lease, and tenants should report problems promptly.
Do student rentals need more frequent jetting?
Heavier use can mean more buildup, but the camera and service history should set the schedule.
Who provides water service here?
The City of Fullerton operates its own water utility.
General information for Fullerton, not a quote or professional advice. In an emergency, call 911.