Slope, age and trees
Hillcrest Park is a hilly, heavily treed city park a short distance north of downtown Fullerton. The streets around it include older homes, some on lots that rise or fall from the street. That terrain affects where a sewer lateral runs, how deep it is, and where water first appears when the line stops.
On a lot that slopes down toward the street, gravity is on the lateral's side. On a lot that sits below the street, the lowest fixtures in the house may be close to the level of the public main, which is one reason some homes have extra protection against backflow. Ask a licensed plumber whether that applies to your house.
Terms for sloped lots
- Lateral depth
- How far below the surface the sewer pipe runs; it can change a lot on a sloped lot.
- Backwater valve
- A device meant to let sewage flow out but not back in. Whether one is needed depends on the house.
- Grade
- The pipe's downhill slope. Too little lets solids settle; very steep runs can let water outrun solids.
Things to check near Hillcrest Park
- Whether your lowest drain is near or below street level.
- Where your cleanout is; on terraced lots it may be at a retaining wall or step.
- Large trees near the likely lateral path.
- Whether you have a raised foundation or a slab.
- Any records of earlier sewer repairs.
Reading a backup on a sloped lot
- IfHouse sits above the street and drains back upThenLikely a blockage in the lateral; have it cleared and filmed.
- IfHouse sits below the street and a lower fixture overflows during a backupThenAsk a plumber about backflow protection, and report public sewer problems to the city.
- IfRoots come back on every clearingThenExpect root intrusion at joints; see the roots guide.
Who to contact
| Question | Contact |
|---|---|
| Public sewer, manholes, street trees | City of Fullerton |
| Permits for lateral work or backflow devices | City of Fullerton building division |
| Water service | City of Fullerton water utility |
| Your own line | A licensed plumber whose CSLB license you have checked |
Common questions
Why would a house below the street have more risk?
If the lowest drain is close to the level of the public main, a problem in the main has less room to drain away before reaching the house.
Is Hillcrest Park itself a cause of root problems?
The park's trees are on city land. Root problems usually come from trees close to your own lateral.
Do sloped lots need deeper sewer lines?
Depth varies. A camera locate shows how deep your line runs at different points.
General information for Fullerton, not a quote or professional advice. In an emergency, call 911.