What is under these houses
Homes around La Mirada Creek Park were built in large part during the decades when tract developers poured slab foundations and ran water lines through or under the concrete. Drains collect into a cast-iron building drain that leaves the house and becomes a clay or cast-iron lateral heading to the sewer main in the street.
Each of those components is now well past its first half-century. Some houses have had every line replaced; others still run on original pipe. The first step for any owner is finding out which kind of house they have.
Find out what your house has
- Look at exposed supply pipe.At the water heater, under sinks and at hose bibs: threaded gray pipe is galvanized, reddish pipe is copper, colored flexible tubing is likely PEX.
- Check the cleanout.The outside cleanout cap and the first visible pipe can hint at the lateral material.
- Ask for records.Past invoices, permits or camera videos tell you what has already been replaced.
- Run a meter test.A moving meter with everything off points to a leak worth finding before it grows.
Terms you will hear about older homes here
- Slab-on-grade
- A concrete foundation poured directly on the ground, with no crawlspace beneath.
- Lateral
- The sewer pipe from the house to the city main in the street.
- Reroute
- Replacing a leaking under-slab line by running a new one through the attic or walls.
- Cleanout
- A capped access point to the drain line, often outside near the foundation.
Who handles what
| Need | Contact |
|---|---|
| Plumbing permits and sewer connection questions | Check with the City of La Mirada |
| Water meter and street-side service | Water provider listed on your bill |
| Gas meter or gas odor | SoCalGas, or 911 if you smell gas |
| Verifying a plumber | cslb.ca.gov |
Common questions
Is it worth repiping before a leak?
If the house still has galvanized pipe or has had copper leaks, planning a repipe on your schedule is often easier than reacting to a slab leak.
How can I tell if my lateral is clay?
A camera inspection shows the material clearly; joints every few feet are typical of clay.
Does the park affect my plumbing?
Not directly. The age of the housing and nearby trees matter far more.
General information for La Mirada, not a quote or professional advice. In an emergency, call 911.