The area at a glance
Downtown La Habra centers on La Habra Boulevard and the blocks around it, the older core of a city that grew quickly after World War II. Nearby residential streets include a range of house ages, from some of the earlier homes in the city to later infill, along with small apartment buildings and commercial properties.
Because buildings here vary so much in age and construction, the plumbing does too. One property may have original galvanized lines and a cast-iron drain, while the building next door was repiped years ago. Checking your own property's history matters more than any general rule.
Plumbing traits to expect
- Housing age
- Varied; many older homes and buildings. Check your property's year built in county records.
- Supply pipes
- Older galvanized steel or copper is common in buildings that have not been repiped
- Foundations
- Mostly slab-on-grade, with some older raised-floor homes
- Sewer laterals
- Older clay or cast iron in many properties
- Trees
- Mature street and yard trees can affect laterals
Who to contact
| Problem | First contact |
|---|---|
| Gas smell | Leave, then call 911 or SoCalGas from outside |
| Leak at the water meter or in the street | The water utility number on your bill |
| Sewer backup affecting several properties | The city's public works or sewer line |
| Leak or backup inside your property | A licensed plumber (check at cslb.ca.gov) |
| Leak in a rented unit or storefront | The landlord or property manager |
Homes versus commercial spaces
Homes
- Owner usually responsible for lines from the meter in
- Main shutoff often near the front hose bib
- One lateral serves the house
Storefronts and mixed use
- Lease decides who handles repairs
- Shutoffs may be in a back room or shared closet
- Lines may serve several tenants
Downtown preparedness
- Business tenants should know where their space's shutoff is and who holds the building keys after hours.
- Homeowners in older houses should test their main valve, since old gate valves can seize.
- Anyone with repeated slow drains should consider a camera inspection of the lateral.
- Keep the property manager's after-hours number with your emergency kit.
Common questions
Are downtown La Habra homes on slabs?
Many are, but some older homes may have raised floors with a crawl space. Look for vents along the foundation or ask a plumber.
Who is responsible for a leak in a shared commercial building?
It depends on the lease and the location of the leak. Notify the property manager right away.
Is my building's plumbing original?
Only an inspection or the property records can tell you. A plumber can usually identify pipe material quickly.
General information for La Habra, not a quote or professional advice. In an emergency, call 911.