The area
West Coyote Hills is in the northwest corner of Fullerton, where residential streets meet hills and open space. Homes near it range across several building periods, with many on curving hillside streets and sloped lots.
Because ages and construction vary, a house here might have under-slab copper, overhead piping, or a mix after past repairs. Sloped lots also bring longer service lines and more irrigation, both common sources of hidden leaks.
Things to know about your property
- Lot
- Flat, sloped or terraced
- Foundation
- Slab or raised; check yours
- Supply pipe
- Copper, plastic or galvanized; check at the water heater
- Irrigation
- Number of zones and whether any run on slopes
- Service line
- Length and route from the meter
Matching symptoms to likely sources
- IfBill is high only in warm monthsCheck irrigation first: valve boxes, slope zones and drip lines.
- IfMeter moves with the house main closedLook at the service line and any irrigation on the same side of the shutoff.
- IfMeter stops when the water heater inlet is closedFocus on hot lines, under the slab or in walls.
- IfWater seeps from a slope or wall base when nothing runsTreat it as a likely leak and isolate valves to find it.
A step-by-step start
- Turn everything off.Fixtures, appliances, irrigation controller and pool auto-fill.
- Read the meter.Watch the low-flow indicator for 15 minutes.
- Isolate.Irrigation supply, then house main, then water heater inlet.
- Walk the lot.Look for damp ground, especially downhill of pipe routes.
- Record.Log results and photos for a plumber.
Who to contact
| Need | Contact |
|---|---|
| Water meter, billing, service | City of Fullerton water utility |
| Permits for line work | The city; check with the city |
| Shared landscaping or slopes | Your homeowners association, if any |
| Gas service or gas smell | SoCalGas; leave and call 911 or SoCalGas from outside if you smell gas |
| Leak detection | A licensed plumber; verify at cslb.ca.gov |
Common questions
Is West Coyote Hills a single neighborhood?
The name refers to a hillside area in northwest Fullerton, and several residential streets surround it. Use your own address when talking to the city or a plumber.
Why do hillside homes have more irrigation leaks?
Slopes often need more zones and longer runs, and shifting soil can stress pipes and valves.
Should I worry about water on a slope?
Unexplained water on a slope is worth tracing promptly. If the slope shows cracks or movement, get professional advice.
General information for Fullerton, not a quote or professional advice. In an emergency, call 911.