The neighborhood and its homes

Sunny Hills sits on rolling ground in the northwest part of Fullerton, with curving streets and mature landscaping. A large share of its houses were built in the 1950s and 1960s, and many have been remodeled since, so two neighboring kitchens can have very different plumbing behind the cabinets.

Homes of that era in Fullerton were commonly built on concrete slabs, though hillside lots can mean split levels or partial raised floors. Original drain lines from that period were often cast iron, sometimes with galvanized steel for smaller branches like a kitchen sink.

What to expect in many Sunny Hills homes

Typical age
Many homes from the 1950s-60s; confirm yours from records
Foundation
Often slab; some hillside variations
Original drain pipe
Often cast iron or galvanized unless replaced
Sewer lateral
Often cast iron or clay in older homes
Trees
Mature yard and street trees common
Water utility
City of Fullerton

How these features affect kitchen clogs

FeatureEffect on the kitchen drain
Older metal branch lineRough interior catches grease; repeat clogs more likely
Slab foundationDrain runs under the floor; access through the sink or a cleanout
Mature trees near the lateralRoots can enter older joints and cause main line backups that start at the kitchen
Remodeled kitchensMix of new plastic and old metal pipe; joints between them worth checking

Which problem is it?

  • IfOnly the kitchen sink is slowThenLikely a grease clog in the trap or branch line.
  • IfThe sink is slow and a tub or toilet gurglesThenConsider the main line and roots; stop using water.
  • IfThe kitchen clogs again within monthsThenAsk about a camera inspection of the branch line.

Who to contact

  1. Water service and meter questions: City of Fullerton water utility.
  2. Sewer lateral responsibility and permits: check with the city.
  3. Street tree questions near the sewer line: check with the city.
  4. Plumbing work: a licensed plumber you have checked at cslb.ca.gov.
Map of Sunny Hills. It shows an area, not an office or a job site.

Common questions

Are all Sunny Hills homes on slabs?

Not all. Many are, but hillside lots and later additions vary. Check your home's records or ask a plumber.

Does a big street tree mean my lateral has roots?

Not necessarily, but it raises the chance in an older clay or cast-iron lateral. A camera inspection can confirm.

Can I contact you about a Sunny Hills kitchen clog?

This is a preview site for Fullerton Kitchen Sink Clogs. The phone number shown is a temporary placeholder and the request form is not connected yet, so please confirm that any plumber you hire serves your address and check their license at cslb.ca.gov.

General information for Fullerton, not a quote or professional advice. In an emergency, call 911.