Yes,
Electronic Pipe Detector: Pipe detectors and wall scanners provide a safe and accurate method to find any obstructions in the wall. Some scanners can find pipes, wires, and cables. A homeowner can buy or rent a device at a hardware store.
Peeling or blistering on paint or wallpaper, as well as mold forming on the walls, are other signs that some type of leak could be lurking in the shadows. If you stay vigilant for these signs, you'll identify potential problems sooner, and sooner is better when it comes to a leak!
To detect pipes or wiring behind drywall, use a stud finder with live wire detection or a multi-function detector.
Using an Electrical Circuit Tracer
Follow the manufacturer's instructions for using the electrical circuit tracer, and move the receiver along the wall surface to follow the path of the wires. The tracer will emit an audible or visual signal when it detects the wire, helping you identify its location accurately.
A moisture meter is one of the most effective tools for detecting a water leak in a home. This device measures the moisture levels in walls, floors, and ceilings. A normal drywall, concrete, and other materials reading should be less than one percent. Anything higher than that may be a sign of a water leak.
Use your detection tool to scan the wall or ceiling thoroughly and mark the safe drilling spots with a pencil. Know the warning signs: Electrical wires usually run along the sides of studs and often vertically from outlets or horizontally at the same height as outlets.
There are generally two types of stud finders: magnetic and electronic. Magnetic stud finders use a magnet to detect metal studs and other materials, including pipes, behind a wall. Electronic stud finders are able to sense a wider range of materials behind a wall, including wiring and PVC pipes.
Holes should not be drilled directly above, below, or to the side of any electrical switches or outlets. Per the 2018 International Residential Code, electrical wires should be set back no less than 1-1/4 inches from the edge of the framing lumber.
Once the location of the leak is determined, the plumber will probably cut through the drywall to reach the affected pipe. In some cases, one section of pipe is replaced, and in other cases, a larger portion of the plumbing system may be fixed.
On average, pipe leak repairs cost $500, though prices can run between $250 and $850 depending on the type and location of the leak and the type of pipe.
Homeowners insurance may cover sudden damage due to a burst pipe or leaking pipe, assuming the failure was unexpected, and pay to repair or replace damaged items. This can include walls, floors, carpeting, furnishings, and electronic equipment.
Water pipe detector
Also known as a pipe locator, this tool can sense metal pipes and some can even detect plastic piping. A good quality pipe detector can save you from many headaches and unnecessary holes in the walls.
Signs of Water Leaks in Walls
Peeling paint or wallpaper on your wall. A warped or stained wall. A buckle, crack, or water stain on drywall ceiling or your floor. Pools of water on the floor near walls or drips from the ceiling.
Put some tape on a 6mm drill bit at 12mm depth. Only drill that far - it's normally 12.5mm thick (could be 25 if doubled). Have a poke in the hole with a small screwdriver and 'feel' for anything there. Then use Fischer Duopower 6x30mm wall plugs - they will be fine for a mirror.
Drywall is attached flush to the studs, so the stud's depth depends on the thickness of the drywall. The most common drywall for interior walls is ½ inch thick. You may also encounter thicker ⅝ inch drywall, which is sometimes used for ceilings or with rooms that require soundproofing.
To avoid drilling through a water pipe or electrical conduit, use a stud finder with wire-sensing capabilities. Additionally, look for visible signs of piping or conduits on the surface of the wall or ceiling.
In addition, pipes, wiring and ductwork can be found in your walls. To make sure you've found a stud and not something else, check to see if it runs vertically by finding multiple points on it. Then, see if you can find the next stud.
Investing in professional equipment, such as a cable avoidance tool, is the safest option to avoid wires. However, if you don't have access to this, most wiring runs horizontally 6 inches or 12 inches above the receptacle, so avoid these areas. If it is possible, only drill shallow holes.
“A stud finder is a convenient hand-held tool that makes locating studs hidden behind drywall a quick and easy task.” To find a stud, simply power on your device and move it horizontally until it indicates a stud. Mark the stud location in pencil, and keep moving along the wall to find more studs (if necessary).
You'll likely know if you drill into a water pipe in your home. If the sound of a screw cutting into something other than wood and plaster doesn't tip you off, the leaking water will. Depending on the hole's size, the water will burble out or stream-line out.
Wall scanners and digital detectors represent the cutting edge in home diagnostic tools. These devices, typically featuring screen displays, project a visual map of what lies behind the veil of your wall. Besides showing the skeletal stud structure, they can accurately locate plumbing and electrical conduits.
To detect pipes or wiring behind drywall, use a stud finder with live wire detection or a multi-function detector. Avoid drilling near electrical outlets and switch plates as wiring is likely in those areas.
Thermal imaging can be used to detect moisture in ceilings, flat roofs, behind walls and under floors. Using thermal imaging cameras is an effective way to look at large areas quickly, and causes minimum disruption and no damage to your property.