Older housing, older laterals
Neighborhoods close to downtown Fullerton include homes built well before the postwar tract era, along with mid-century houses and later infill. Older houses here are more likely than tract homes to sit on raised foundations with a crawlspace, though slab construction also exists. A raised foundation can make the house's own drain lines easier to reach, while the lateral still runs underground to the street.
Laterals in this part of town may be cast iron, clay or a patchwork of materials from past repairs. Street trees are part of the character of these blocks, and roots near the parkway are a common concern. Check with the City of Fullerton about any rules for older or historic properties before planning exterior work.
Raised versus slab foundations
Raised foundation
- House drain lines often reachable from the crawlspace
- Cleanout may be at the foundation or in the crawlspace
- Lateral starts where the drain exits the foundation
Slab-on-grade
- House drain lines run under the slab
- Under-slab and lateral sections may need separate plans
- Cleanout usually outside near the foundation
Local things to check
- Whether the lateral has been partly repaired before, with mixed materials
- Where the cleanout is, or whether one needs to be added
- Parkway trees near the sewer route
- Whether your property has any historic designation that affects exterior work
- Narrow side yards or shared driveways that limit equipment access
Order of questions for an older home
- First
- Camera-inspect the full run and note every material change.
- Next
- Ask the City of Fullerton about the lateral boundary, permits and any property-specific rules.
- Then
- Discuss methods with a licensed plumber, including access limits on a narrow lot.
- Finally
- Compare written estimates covering the same footage.
Contacts
| Topic | Contact |
|---|---|
| Sewer main, permits, property rules | City of Fullerton |
| Water service | City of Fullerton water utility |
| Gas smell | Leave; call 911 or SoCalGas from outside |
| Before digging | 811 |
| License lookup | cslb.ca.gov |
Common questions
Are downtown-area laterals older than elsewhere in Fullerton?
Some are, because some houses near downtown predate the postwar tracts. Your home's history and a camera inspection tell you what you have.
Does a raised foundation make sewer work easier?
It can help with drain lines under the house. The exterior lateral is underground either way.
Do historic properties have special rules?
Possibly. Check with the City of Fullerton before planning exterior work.
General information for Fullerton, not a quote or professional advice. In an emergency, call 911.