Older homes, mixed updates
Many homes on the side streets off Walker Street have had decades of incremental work. A typical example might have an original slab, a water heater replaced several times, some sinks with new stops and others with original ones, and a section of rerouted pipe from an old slab leak.
That patchwork is normal. The useful step is to know which parts of your home are original, because those are the ones most likely to need attention next.
Galvanized or copper: what you might have
Galvanized steel
- Gray, threaded joints, a magnet sticks.
- Rusts and narrows from the inside.
- Causes low pressure and brown water.
- Usually replaced over time.
Copper
- Brown or green, soldered joints.
- Can develop pinhole leaks over time.
- Under-slab copper can leak at hot lines.
- Often lasts a long time in good conditions.
Under the slab and out to the street
| Part | Typical original material | Common issue |
|---|---|---|
| Drain lines under the slab | Cast iron | Scale, cracks, slow drains |
| Sewer lateral | Clay or cast iron | Roots at joints, offsets, sags |
| Water supply under the slab | Copper or galvanized | Slab leaks, corrosion |
Safety items to confirm
- The water heater is strapped against earthquakes.
- Gas appliance connectors are modern coated types.
- Everyone knows where the main water shutoff is.
- Everyone knows to leave and call 911 or SoCalGas from outside if they smell gas.
Contacts
- Permits
- City of La Palma
- Sewer lateral questions
- City of La Palma
- Water and meter
- Your water provider, listed on your bill
- Gas
- SoCalGas
Questions for a plumber
- Which parts of my plumbing are original?
- Is my under-slab cast iron in reasonable shape?
- Should I plan for repiping, or monitor for now?
Common questions
Can a home have both galvanized and copper?
Yes. Partial replacements are common. Where they meet, proper fittings help prevent accelerated corrosion.
Do cast-iron drains under the slab need replacing?
Not automatically. A camera inspection shows their condition. Lining or replacement is considered when there is significant damage.
Is a seismic gas shutoff valve required?
Check with the City of La Palma for current requirements.
General information for La Palma, not a quote or professional advice. In an emergency, call 911.