What lies under the neighborhoods
The residential tracts reached from La Palma Avenue mostly date from the city's main building years. Under each house, a supply line runs from the meter near the street to the main shutoff, then branches out through the slab or overhead to fixtures. Drain lines collect below the floor and leave through a single lateral toward the public sewer.
On streets with mature parkway trees, that lateral often passes near large root systems. Roots do not break sound pipe, but they find older joints that have loosened over the decades.
Terms you will hear for these homes
- Lateral
- The private sewer pipe from your house to the public sewer main.
- Cleanout
- A capped access pipe in the yard used to clear and inspect the lateral.
- Parkway
- The strip between the sidewalk and the street, often planted with trees.
- Main shutoff
- The valve that stops water to the whole house, near where the supply line enters.
- Reroute
- Replacing a leaking under-slab line with a new one run through walls or the attic.
Seasonal checks for homes here
- Watch for slow drains after periods of heavy root growth in spring.
- Check irrigation for leaks before the warm months.
- Look at the water heater straps and relief line once a year.
- Run a meter test if the water bill rises without explanation.
Agencies and contacts
| Topic | Contact |
|---|---|
| Gas emergency | Leave; 911 or SoCalGas from outside |
| Water service, meter and street-side leaks | The water provider on your bill |
| Building permits | City of La Palma |
| Sewer lateral responsibility and parkway trees | City of La Palma |
| Contractor license check | cslb.ca.gov |
Questions to ask
- Is the problem in my portion of the lateral or the public sewer?
- Would lining the lateral prevent root re-entry?
- Is my water heater installation up to current code?
Common questions
Does busy street traffic affect my plumbing?
Not typically. Your plumbing concerns are driven by your home's age, materials and trees near your lateral.
Can I plant a tree over my lateral?
It is best to know where the lateral runs before planting. A plumber can trace it.
Who do I call about the public sewer main?
Contact the City of La Palma.
General information for La Palma, not a quote or professional advice. In an emergency, call 911.