The oldest part of a newer city
Most of Yorba Linda was built out from the 1960s onward, but Old Town, around Main Street near Yorba Linda Boulevard, is the city's original center. The streets around it hold a mix of older houses, midcentury homes and newer infill and townhomes.
Because of that mix, there is no single typical plumbing profile. An older home may have galvanized supply lines, a cast-iron or clay lateral and a raised foundation; a home built in recent decades nearby may have copper or PEX supply and plastic drains on a slab. The first step with any problem is identifying what you have.
What you might find by home age
| Home age | Common supply pipe | Common drain or lateral | Foundation |
|---|---|---|---|
| Older homes | Galvanized, or later copper repipe | Cast iron or clay | Raised or slab |
| 1960s to 70s homes | Copper or galvanized | Cast iron or clay | Usually slab |
| Recent homes and townhomes | Copper or PEX | Plastic | Slab |
Local notes
- Water provider
- Much of Yorba Linda is served by a water district rather than the city; check your bill.
- Gas
- SoCalGas; for a gas smell leave and call 911 or SoCalGas from outside.
- Water
- Hard water; scale affects heaters and fixtures.
- Trees
- Mature trees on older lots can reach laterals.
Identify your system in ten minutes
- At the water heater.Look at the pipes above it: gray threaded steel, copper, or colored plastic tubing.
- Under a sink.Check the drain: black plastic, white plastic or metal.
- Outside.Look for a sewer cleanout near the foundation and note its material.
- Foundation.A crawlspace vent or access hatch means a raised foundation.
Before calling a plumber
- Note your home's approximate age and any known repipes
- Have your water bill handy for the provider's name
- Know where the main shutoff and cleanout are
- Check the plumber's license at cslb.ca.gov
- Ask whether permits apply; check with the City of Yorba Linda
Common questions
Who provides water in Yorba Linda?
Much of the city is served by a water district. Your bill shows your provider and how to contact it.
Are Old Town homes on raised foundations?
Some older homes are; many newer ones are on slabs. Look for a crawlspace access.
Do I need a camera inspection?
If the lateral is old or has backed up, it is a sensible step, especially with mature trees nearby.
General information for North Orange County, not a quote or professional advice. In an emergency, call 911.