Older homes, older lines
Fullerton grew outward from its downtown, so the neighborhoods closest to the historic core include homes built well before the postwar tract boom, alongside later infill. Some older houses sit on raised foundations with a crawlspace rather than a slab, which changes how drains under the house are reached.
Sewer laterals here may be original clay or cast iron, or a patchwork of materials from repairs made over many decades. Transitions between old and new pipe are common places for offsets and leaks.
Raised foundation versus slab, for sewer work
Raised foundation
- Drain lines under the house can often be reached from the crawlspace
- Leaks may show as damp soil or odor in the crawlspace
- Repairs under the house may not require breaking a floor
Slab-on-grade
- Drains run under or within the concrete slab
- Problems under the slab are found by camera
- Repairs may involve cutting the floor or rerouting
What to check in an older downtown-area home
- Whether you have a crawlspace or a slab, and how to access it.
- Where the cleanout is; older homes may have one in an unexpected spot or none at all.
- Any records of earlier sewer repairs from previous owners.
- Large street or yard trees along the lateral's likely path.
- Signs of past digging, such as patched walkways or uneven ground.
Who to contact
| Question | Contact |
|---|---|
| Public sewer overflow or street manhole | City of Fullerton |
| Lateral responsibility and permits | City of Fullerton |
| Rules about work on a historic property | Check with the City of Fullerton planning staff |
| Regional trunk sewers and treatment | Orange County Sanitation District |
| Your own line | A licensed plumber whose CSLB license you have checked |
Questions for a plumber in an older home
- How many different pipe materials does the camera show?
- Are the transitions between materials sound?
- Can drains under the house be reached from the crawlspace?
- Would a repair affect any original features of the house?
Common questions
Do all older downtown-area homes have raised foundations?
No. It varies by house and era. Check your own home.
Are there extra rules for historic homes?
Some properties may have additional review for exterior work. Check with the City of Fullerton before planning a project.
Is my lateral older than my house?
Usually it was installed when the house was built, but parts may have been replaced since. A camera shows what is there now.
General information for Fullerton, not a quote or professional advice. In an emergency, call 911.