Why older homes need a closer look
The neighborhoods surrounding downtown Fullerton include homes built well before the postwar tract boom, alongside mid-century houses, duplexes and newer infill. In homes this old, the original service line has often been replaced at least once, sometimes in sections, so you may find more than one material between the meter and the house.
Some older homes here sit on raised foundations with a crawlspace rather than a slab. That can make interior plumbing easier to reach, but it does not change the fact that the service line itself is buried and needs to be checked from both ends.
Typical features to check
- Housing era
- Mix of older homes, mid-century houses and newer infill
- Service line material
- Varies; partial replacements are common in older homes
- Foundations
- Raised foundations more common in older homes; slabs in later ones
- Sewer laterals
- Older cast-iron or clay laterals likely in many homes
- Lots
- Narrower lots, alleys and shared driveways in places
Common situations
- IfYou see copper at the shutoff in a very old homeThenAsk whether galvanized pipe may still be buried further along the run.
- IfYour home shares a driveway or has an alley meterThenConfirm with the city where your meter is and which line is yours.
- IfThe house is on a raised foundationThenAsk the plumber to check the entry point and crawlspace piping too.
- IfThe property is a duplex or has a second unitThenFind out whether each unit has its own meter and service line.
Who to contact
| Question | Contact |
|---|---|
| Meter location and street side | City of Fullerton water utility |
| Permits; any historic-property questions | City of Fullerton (check with the city) |
| Sewer lateral and main questions | Check with the city |
| Gas smell | Leave and call 911 or SoCalGas from outside |
Questions to ask a plumber here
- Is my service line one material all the way, or patched over the years?
- Does the meter serve only my unit?
- How will restoration be handled on a narrow lot or alley?
- Should we look at the sewer lateral while the ground is open?
Common questions
Are downtown homes more likely to need a new line?
Older homes often have aged or patched lines, but each property differs. Have yours checked.
Does a raised foundation change the service line work?
The buried line is similar, but the house connection may be reached from the crawlspace.
Who do I call about water service?
The City of Fullerton's water utility handles the meter and street side.
General information for Fullerton, not a quote or professional advice. In an emergency, call 911.