The neighborhood and its pipes
Sunny Hills sits in the northwest part of Fullerton, with curving residential streets and rolling terrain. Much of its housing went up in the late 1950s and 1960s, the same era as many of the city's tract neighborhoods, though lot sizes and home designs vary more here than in a flat grid tract.
Homes from that period commonly drain through cast iron inside or under the house and connect to a clay or cast-iron lateral that runs to the public sewer. After six decades, some of those laterals have been repaired or replaced and others are original. Only a camera inspection tells you which you have.
Typical characteristics
- Common building era
- Late 1950s and 1960s, with later homes mixed in
- Likely lateral materials
- Clay or cast iron if original; plastic where replaced
- Foundations
- Many slab-on-grade; some sloped lots may differ, so check your own house
- Trees
- Mature yard and street trees common
What to watch for here
- Repeat stoppages that return on a cycle, a classic sign of roots in clay joints.
- Slow drains in the lowest bathroom before a full backup.
- Large trees between the house and the street, near the lateral's path.
- On sloped lots, a cleanout that may be in an unexpected spot; look before you need it.
- Patched driveway or walkway concrete that may mark an earlier sewer repair.
Who to contact
| Question | Contact |
|---|---|
| Sewage overflowing from a manhole or the street | City of Fullerton |
| Where your lateral responsibility ends | City of Fullerton |
| Permits for lateral repair or replacement | City of Fullerton building division |
| Water bill or meter questions | City of Fullerton water utility |
| Clearing or repairing your own line | A licensed plumber; check the license at cslb.ca.gov |
If your Sunny Hills line stops up
- IfIt is the first time in yearsThenGet it cleared and ask whether a camera inspection is worthwhile.
- IfIt has happened beforeThenAsk for a camera inspection and compare with any earlier footage.
- IfThe camera shows roots near a street treeThenAsk the City of Fullerton about the parkway section and the tree.
Common questions
Are all Sunny Hills homes on slab?
Many homes of that era are slab-on-grade, but not every house is the same. Check your own home.
Is my lateral clay?
It may be if it is original. A camera inspection from the cleanout shows the material.
Who maintains the sewer main in my street?
Public sewer mains are generally the city's. Ask the City of Fullerton about your street.
General information for Fullerton, not a quote or professional advice. In an emergency, call 911.