Many of the homes in Hacienda Heights were built during the suburban expansion of Los Angeles County in the mid-20th century. This period saw a significant increase in single-family homes to accommodate the post-war population boom.

Homes built before the 1970s often used cast iron for main sewer lines and sometimes for indoor drain lines. Cast iron is durable, but over decades, it can rust and deteriorate, leading to potential blockages or leaks.