Homes reaching their first big repairs

Much of the housing around Coyote Hills was built after Fullerton's first postwar building boom, on hilly ground in the northwest of the city. Many of these houses are two-story, with bathrooms on the upper floor.

Homes of this age often still have their original shower valves, tub drains and tile. Those parts are now at the age where cartridges stiffen, gaskets harden and grout and caulk need renewing, especially with Fullerton's hard water.

Repair or update

  • IfThe original valve drips but holds temperature wellThenA cartridge or stem repair is usually enough.
  • IfThe valve can't hold temperature when other fixtures runThenAsk whether a pressure-balancing valve makes sense.
  • IfTile is sound but caulk has failedThenRecaulk and keep the original tile.
  • IfFloor tile in a stall shower is loose and grout stays wetThenTest for a pan leak before regrouting.

What tends to come due as a bathroom ages

Early years
Caulk renewal and shower head cleaning.
Later
Cartridges or stems stiffen or drip; diverters wear.
Later still
Overflow and drain gaskets harden; grout cracks widen.
Remodel age
Valve replacement, pan rebuild or full bathroom update.

Who to contact

Water and meter
City of Fullerton water utility
Permits
City of Fullerton; check for your address
Gas
SoCalGas; leave and call from outside if you smell gas
License check
cslb.ca.gov

Questions for a plumber

  1. Is my valve original, and is it worth rebuilding?
  2. Can you tell from the tub whether the overflow gasket is due?
  3. What should I watch for as this bathroom ages?
Map of Coyote Hills. It shows an area, not an office or a job site.

Common questions

Are Coyote Hills homes on slab?

Construction varies; check your own house for a crawlspace or ask a plumber.

Do I need to replace an original valve?

Not if parts are available and it holds temperature. Replacement makes sense when parts are gone or anti-scald protection is wanted.

Can I contact you about a Coyote Hills shower?

This is a preview site for Fullerton Shower & Tub Repair. The phone number shown is a temporary placeholder and the request form is not connected yet, so please confirm any plumber serves your address before booking.

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