A homeowner can buy or rent a device at a hardware store. The detector will flash a certain indicator light or make a specific sound when it finds a pipe (rather than studs or electrical wiring). When using it, mark the points on the wall where pipes are found, so you can trace their path.
Today, the best tool for the job is ground penetrating radar (GPR) as it accurately maps metal and PVC pipes.
The easiest way to find underground pipes is by using RTK-enabled devices. These devices can pinpoint the location of several types of pipes, from water to oil pipes, with centimeter-level precision.
An electric stud finder detects a ferrous object—a black pipe—in our test wall. Magnetic stud finders are good to use for tasks like hanging pictures and bathroom mirrors. Some electric stud finders also identify metal pipes and electrical wires.
Stud finders equipped with AC detection are indispensable tools for homeowners keen on pinpointing the exact locations of plumbing lines in their walls. The AC detection capability enhances the tool's ability to sense nearby electrical currents, which often run parallel to plumbing routes.
Most stud finders today are highly accurate. However, if you're searching for a stud behind drywall, you can confirm the accuracy of your finding by pounding on the wall with the palm of your hand or a fist.
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.
Remember to always call 811 or your local One-Call center to have pipelines located and marked before digging.
Because none of us has X–ray vision, we recommend using a digital detection device such as the UniversalDetect to locate the pipes. If you're looking for metallic water pipes, for example, select the right mode on the UniversalDetect and move it over the area where you want to drill the hole.
The main water supply source is typically in the basement or near a lower exterior wall. It branches into pipes that run through walls, ceilings, and floors, serving every plumbing fixture, faucet, and appliance. Pipes are essentially everywhere, branching into numerous sections.
Blueprints and Plumbing Diagrams
Homeowners can often find these in a property's original building plans or request them from the local building department. Online resources and home improvement sites like It Is House also provide information on accessing or creating a plumbing diagram.
Existing hand-dug wells will reveal groundwater depth and give insight into subsurface soil properties. Sand or gravel areas in the bottom of valleys will often be home to groundwater. These layers can be covered by clay or silt, so it's prudent to check these areas thoroughly.
Locating Tracer Wire
Ideally, the tracer wire itself will have been grounded during installation, but that is not always the case. In the case of an ungrounded tracer wire, use a higher frequency to energize the wire. Tracer wire can be located using RIDGID® SeekTech® or NaviTrack® locating transmitters and receivers.
It comes straight into your house from the water mains. The water from this tap is usually moving and flowing and has not been stagnant (still or stationary).
There are several types to choose from: Electromagnetic Conductivity (EM), Ground Penetrating Radar (GPR), and Acoustic Methods. The two major methods used today are EM and GPR. The EM method of utility tracking is primarily used for electrical lines, but it can be used to track metal pipes as well.
For instance, in the United States, you must call 811 to inform them of your project so they can provide a map of underground utilities on your site or even come and map out the location of these utilities for you.
Yes, stud finders are designed to find any obstruction in the wall including the water pipes. You can rely on a new model of a stud finder to help you detect water pipes for use around the house. Stud finders are quite affordable and reliable too when it comes to plumber work.
811 is the national call-before-you-dig phone number. Anyone who plans to dig should call 811 or go to their state 811 center's website before digging to request that the approximate location of buried utilities be marked with paint or flags so that you don't unintentionally dig into an underground utility line.
You may wonder: How far apart are the studs in my home? They're always spaced either 16 or 24 inches on center (measured from center to center) along the wall and run between the floor and ceiling. Drywall or lath (for plaster walls) attaches to the edge of the studs.
If you just want a basic stud finder that is easy to use, then we highly recommend the StudPop Original Magnetic Stud Finder. This is a simple device with a center trigger that "pops up" when the magnet slides over a hidden metallic object, so we found it easier to use than the CH Hanson 03040 (our best magnetic pick).