Many homes around Sunny Hills were built between the 1950s and the 1970s. Some still have original galvanized or copper supply lines, and many have cast-iron or clay sewer laterals running under mature trees. None of that is a reason to walk away, but it is worth knowing before you buy.
A general home inspection covers the visible plumbing. For an older house, many buyers also arrange a sewer camera inspection by a licensed plumber, since the lateral is buried and not visible.
What to look at during a tour
- Exposed pipe under sinks and at the water heater: gray galvanized, copper or plastic?
- Water color when a tap is first opened, especially hot.
- Water pressure at an upstairs or far fixture with another tap running.
- Stains under sinks, on ceilings or along baseboards.
- Water heater age label and seismic straps.
- Drain speed in tubs and showers.
- An outside sewer cleanout and any large trees near the sewer path.
Questions to ask the seller or agent
- Has the house been repiped, fully or partly? Are there records?
- Have there been slab leaks or main-line backups?
- Has the sewer lateral been inspected, cleared or repaired?
- How old is the water heater, and was it installed with a permit?
- Is there a water softener or other treatment equipment?
General inspection versus sewer camera
General home inspection
- Looks at visible plumbing, fixtures and the water heater.
- Notes leaks, pressure and obvious issues.
- Does not see inside buried sewer lines.
Sewer camera inspection
- A licensed plumber runs a camera through the lateral.
- Shows roots, cracks, sags and pipe material.
- Useful for older homes with mature trees.
Note what you find
| Area | What you saw | Follow up? |
|---|---|---|
| Supply pipe material | ||
| Water pressure | ||
| Water heater | ||
| Drains | ||
| Sewer lateral and trees |
Common questions
Is galvanized pipe a deal-breaker?
Not necessarily. It depends on condition, leak history and your plans. Factor possible future repiping into your thinking.
Who should do a sewer camera inspection?
A licensed plumber. Ask to see the footage and where any problem sections are.
Can permit history be checked?
Ask the City of Fullerton how to look up permit records for the property.
General information for Sunny Hills, not a quote or professional advice. In an emergency, call 911.