Another great tool to keep on hand is a stud finder. Many of the stud finders on the market today are sensitive enough to register not only the framing lumber behind the drywall but also the signature of electrical wiring and even some plumbing.
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. Taking these precautions can help you drill safely.
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.
Long story short, take a cursory look at outlets around your area and visualize what's above and below it. If you can't draw a straight line to either outlets or water sources (sinks/toilets/showers), you should be just fine. Take it a step further with a stud finder if you want.
Use a Wire Tracer or Utility Locator: This is a device designed to locate underground wires and pipes. While some models are designed for professional use and can be quite expensive, there are simpler models that may be adequate for smaller tasks.
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.
If your meter is inside, then the line should be near it on the same wall. If you couldn't find your meter, look for the service line by checking your basement or first floor, looking first along the exterior walls particularly on the side of the building facing the street.
“One common rule is to avoid drilling around light switches and sockets, as the electrical wires can go horizontally and vertically around these fixtures,” Williams explains. “You can also get an idea of where wires and pipes run by looking in the attic and basement to see where they go up or down through framing.”
To detect pipes or wiring behind drywall, use a stud finder with live wire detection or a multi-function detector.
If you suspect that an electric cable has been hit, it is absolutely necessary to repair it. You should immediately ensure that the power is switched off before touching anything. In the worst case, if the protective earth conductor has been damaged you otherwise run the risk of a fatal electric shock.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
To avoid breaking the stud or allowing the drill to slip, choose a medium speed setting. Drill to the appropriate depth, which should be somewhat longer than the length of the screw. Wrap a piece of tape around the drill bit at the specified depth as a visual guide to prevent over-drilling.
Pipe Detectors. Pipe detectors are handheld electronic devices used to detect pipes inside walls. Discovering hidden pipes can benefit various types of building work and home improvement. For example, helping you avoid drilling holes, driving screws or hammering nails into a concealed pipe or electrical conduit.
Use stud, cable, and joist detectors to locate hidden joists, power cables and pipes up to 38mm deep - such as the Draper 3 in 1 detector or Zircon E50 stud sensor and detector.
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.
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.
Always maintain a safe distance from the outlet box and detected wires. Q: Can I drill above or below an outlet? A: Yes, but exercise caution. Electrical wires often run vertically from outlets, so it's crucial to detect and avoid them.
Things You Should Know
Nail a sturdy masonry nail into concrete by repeatedly hitting it with a mash hammer—strike carefully and directly to avoid bending the nail. For safety, wear a face mask and safety glasses and gently fasten masonry nails into the wall before you begin hammering with full force.
You can use a magnet to determine if you have galvanized pipes, because it will stick. A magnet will not stick to copper or lead. Copper pipe: where you scratched will be a shiny orange color, like a new penny. Lead pipe: where you scratched will be a shiny silver color and will be easy to scratch.
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.
Ground penetrating radar (GPR) allows them to locate both metallic and non-metallic objects including PVC pipes deep within the ground without causing damage.