Amerige Heights in west Fullerton is a planned community built far more recently than the city's postwar tracts. Homes here are typically on concrete slabs, and plumbing systems are decades newer than those in much of Fullerton.

Newer does not mean leak-proof. Installation details, fittings, water pressure and fixture connections can all cause leaks in a younger house. The difference is mostly in what tends to fail and in the records owners may have available.

Newer vs older Fullerton homes

Newer construction (like Amerige Heights)

  • Supply pipe is much younger
  • Lines may be PEX or copper, sometimes routed overhead rather than under the slab
  • Leaks more often relate to fittings, connections or fixtures
  • Builder plans and documents may be available

Mid-century tract homes

  • Original copper or galvanized lines decades old
  • Supply lines commonly under the slab
  • Wear, abrasion and thinning pipe are common causes
  • Original plans rarely available

Records worth finding

  • Any plumbing plans or documents from the original purchase.
  • Notes on whether supply lines run under the slab or overhead.
  • The pipe material visible at the water heater and manifold, if there is one.
  • Any homeowner association rules about exterior or common-area work.
  • Records of any earlier plumbing repairs.

Checking for a leak in a newer home

  1. Meter test.The same test applies: everything off, including irrigation, and watch the leak indicator.
  2. Fixture checks.Check toilet flappers, supply hoses to sinks and appliances, and the water heater connections.
  3. Manifold.If your home has a PEX manifold, its individual valves can help isolate a single line.
  4. Isolate the house.Close the house shutoff; if the meter keeps moving, look at the service line.
  5. Get it located.If a leak is inside and not at a fixture, ask a licensed plumber about location.

Who to contact

Water utility
City of Fullerton
Permits
City of Fullerton; check with the city
HOA rules
Check your association documents for exterior work
Contractor license
cslb.ca.gov
Map of Amerige Heights. It shows an area, not an office or a job site.

Common questions

Can a newer home have a slab leak?

Yes, if supply lines run under the slab. Many leaks in newer homes are at fittings or fixtures instead.

How do I know whether my lines run under the slab?

Look for a manifold, check any documents from purchase, or ask a plumber to trace the lines.

Does the same meter test work here?

Yes. It works the same in any home with a water meter.

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