A neighborhood of varied kitchens
Golden Hills homes range in age and in how much they have been updated. Some kitchens have been fully remodeled with new plastic drain lines; others still use original pipe behind the cabinets. The quickest way to understand your clog risk is to find out which you have.
As elsewhere in Fullerton, homes from the 1950s through the 1970s were commonly built on slabs with cast-iron or galvanized drains and cast-iron or clay sewer laterals. Later homes and remodels more often use plastic drain pipe.
Original versus remodeled kitchen
| Original plumbing | Remodeled plumbing |
|---|---|
| Metal trap arm and branch line likely | Plastic trap and possibly plastic branch |
| Rough interior holds grease | Smoother interior |
| Corroded fittings need care | Watch the joint where new meets old pipe |
| Camera helpful for repeat clogs | Disposal and dishwasher hookups may be newer |
Finding out what you have
Look under the sink
Note the trap and the pipe going into the wall.
Check records
Remodel permits or purchase disclosures may say when the kitchen was redone.
Ask at the next visit
A plumber can usually identify the pipe material quickly.
Local considerations
- Hard water from the city supply adds mineral deposits to older pipe.
- Mature trees can affect older sewer laterals.
- A remodeled kitchen may still drain into an original main line.
- Water utility questions go to the City of Fullerton; lateral and permit questions, check with the city.
Common questions
My kitchen was remodeled. Can it still clog?
Yes. Grease clogs plastic pipe too, and the remodeled section may connect to older pipe downstream.
How do I know if my lateral is clay?
A camera inspection is the reliable way. Records from a past sewer repair may also say.
Who do I call about the water meter?
The City of Fullerton water utility.
General information for Fullerton, not a quote or professional advice. In an emergency, call 911.