Downtown Fullerton and the residential blocks around it hold a range of older homes: bungalows, period revival houses and small postwar homes, many extensively remodeled over the years. Mixed in are apartments, small commercial buildings and newer infill.
In this part of town, a raised foundation with a crawlspace is more common than in the large postwar tracts elsewhere in Fullerton, though plenty of homes and additions sit on slabs. Plumbing has often been changed piece by piece, so a single house can contain several generations of pipe.
What you may find in an older downtown-area home
| Feature | What it can mean for leaks |
|---|---|
| Raised foundation with crawlspace | Supply leaks may be visible from under the house rather than hidden in concrete. |
| Slab addition or converted garage | That section can still have lines under concrete. |
| Galvanized supply lines | Inside corrosion, low pressure and leaks at threaded joints. |
| Mixed copper, galvanized and PEX | Transitions between materials are worth checking. |
| Original cast-iron or clay sewer lateral | Cracks and root intrusion from older street trees; a drain issue, separate from supply leaks. |
Is it a slab leak in this house?
- IfYour house is fully on a raised floorThenLook in the crawlspace with a flashlight for drips, wet soil or corrosion before anything else.
- IfPart of the house is on a slabThenIf the meter moves and the crawlspace is dry, the slab section is a possible source.
- IfThe floor is damp but the meter is stillThenConsider drains, the sewer lateral or outdoor water instead of the supply lines.
- IfThe meter moves with the house shutoff closedThenThe service line from the meter may be the source; older lines are common here.
Questions to answer about your house first
- Raised floor, slab or both?
- What pipe is visible at the water heater and under sinks?
- Has the house been partially or fully repiped?
- Where is the main shutoff, and does it turn?
- Any records of past sewer or supply repairs?
Local contacts
- Water utility
- City of Fullerton
- Permits
- City of Fullerton; check with the city
- Older or historic properties
- Ask the city whether any extra review applies
- Gas
- SoCalGas; if you smell gas, leave and call from outside
- Contractor license
- cslb.ca.gov
Common questions
Do older downtown homes have slab leaks?
Some do, especially slab sections and additions. Fully raised homes are more likely to have leaks in the crawlspace instead.
Is galvanized pipe common here?
It can be found in older homes that have not been fully repiped. A magnet sticks to galvanized steel.
Are there special rules for older properties?
Some properties may have additional review. Check with the City of Fullerton before major work.
General information for Fullerton, not a quote or professional advice. In an emergency, call 911.