Around Laguna Lake in north Fullerton, many properties are larger than in the city's typical tracts, and some are set up for horses. Homes vary in age and style, with slab and raised foundations both present.
On a big lot, the water system often extends well beyond the house: a longer service line from the meter, irrigation across the property, hose bibs, and lines to barns, troughs or outbuildings. Any of them can leak, and on a moving meter they all look the same as a slab leak until you isolate them.
Lines that can leak on a larger lot
| Line | How to isolate it | Signs |
|---|---|---|
| Service line from the meter | Close the house shutoff; meter still moves | Soft or green strip of ground along the route |
| Irrigation | Close the irrigation supply valve | Wet areas, soggy turf, pooling |
| Lines to outbuildings or troughs | Close their branch valves if present | Wet ground along the route, trough float issues |
| House supply under the slab | Meter stops only when the house shutoff closes | Warm or damp floor, no outdoor signs |
Isolating a leak on a larger property
- Map your valves.Find the house shutoff, irrigation valve and any branch valves to barns or outbuildings.
- Everything off.Stop irrigation, automatic waterers and all indoor use; watch the meter.
- Close branches one by one.Close each outdoor branch in turn and see whether the indicator stops.
- Close the house.If outdoor branches are ruled out, close the house shutoff to test the house.
- Narrow the house.If the house is the source, use the water heater cold inlet test for hot or cold side.
Terms you may hear
- Service line
- The pipe from the water meter to your house shutoff.
- Branch line
- A line that tees off to irrigation, a hose bib or an outbuilding.
- Backflow device
- An assembly that keeps water from flowing back into the supply, often on irrigation; testing rules come from the water utility, so check with the city.
- Isolation
- Closing valves so each part of the system can be tested alone.
Who to contact
- Meter and water service
- City of Fullerton water utility
- Permits
- City of Fullerton; check with the city
- Before digging
- Call 811 so utilities are marked
- Gas smell
- Leave and call 911 or SoCalGas from outside
- License check
- cslb.ca.gov
Common questions
Is a moving meter on a large lot likely a slab leak?
Not necessarily. With more outdoor lines, it is worth isolating each branch before assuming the leak is under the house.
Who is responsible for the long line from the meter?
Usually the owner is responsible for the line after the meter, but ask the City of Fullerton's water utility where the boundary is for your property.
Do I need a backflow test?
Requirements are set by the water utility. Check with the City of Fullerton.
General information for Fullerton, not a quote or professional advice. In an emergency, call 911.