The houses
The historic district spreads out from the Plaza in a grid of tree-lined streets. Many houses are bungalows, cottages and Victorians from the late 1800s through the early twentieth century, with later homes and remodels mixed in.
That age range means plumbing varies house to house. One home may have been fully repiped; the next may still rely on galvanized supply, cast-iron drains and the original clay lateral to the street.
Typical conditions
- Foundations
- Many raised foundations with crawlspaces
- Supply pipe
- Galvanized steel is common where not yet replaced
- Drains
- Cast iron under floors and in stacks
- Sewer laterals
- Often vitrified clay under front yards
- Trees
- Mature street and yard trees near laterals
- Water
- City of Orange water utility; hard water
Worth checking in a district home
Who to contact
| Question | Contact |
|---|---|
| Water service, meter, billing | City of Orange water utility |
| Gas odor or gas service | SoCalGas (call from outside if you smell gas) |
| Plumbing permits and historic review | City of Orange |
| Contractor license check | cslb.ca.gov |
Questions to ask a plumber here
- Can most of the work be done through the crawlspace?
- How will you protect original plaster, trim and floors?
- Will any part of the work be visible from the street?
Common questions
Are all homes in the district on raised foundations?
Many are, but not all. Later homes and additions may sit on slabs. Check your own house.
Do historic rules apply to replacing pipes inside?
Usually interior work is not the concern. Ask the City of Orange if any exterior changes are planned.
Who provides water here?
The City of Orange water utility.
General information for Old Towne Orange, not a quote or professional advice. In an emergency, call 911.