You may have access to as-built drawings or other documents showing where utility lines are located. You can also use indicators like above-ground utility boxes and meters. Use a Metal Detector: This can help detect some types of underground pipes and wires.
Find the Correct Underground Pipe Locator Tool
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. This is because the electromagnetic signals can only identify conductive materials.
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.
Turn on all faucets: Checking each faucet in your home will help you narrow down your search. The faucets that have little or no water pressure likely have a frozen pipe in their supply line. If every faucet is showing low water pressure, the frozen pipe may be near the water meter.
Pipes typically burst when exposed to extremely low temperatures for an extended period of time (anywhere from 1-3 days depending on temperature). This is especially true for pipes located on exterior walls. A frozen pipe is likely to burst when any water or liquid trapped within it freezes and begins to expand.
Frozen pipes will eventually thaw on their own, but it could take days or even weeks. If New York City is experiencing a brutal cold snap, the temperature could stay below freezing for many days. Meanwhile, the water in the pipes could be expanding.
The most common methods we use for utility tracking and pipe location is through Signal Generators. These send signals at various frequencies through conductive materials (Copper, Brass, Steel & all other metal ).
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.
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.
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.
Homeowners insurance typically covers losses resulting from a sudden malfunction, such as a pipe bursting unexpectedly. However, a homeowners policy won't cover slow, constant leaks or other plumbing problems resulting from neglect or improper maintenance.
In general, plumbing lines run either down from above or up from below to supply fixtures and appliances. There are exceptions, such as multiple fixtures in close proximity on the same wall and restrictive floor plan layout. In some scenarios, the plumbing lines may be run horizontally through the wall framing.
Your water line must be buried at least 12 inches below the frost line to meet local code requirements. However, a minimum depth of 6 inches below the frost line is often recommended for extra security against freezing.
Basically, a stud finder helps you locate studs which are the vertical beams that frame and support the house. Metal detectors These types of detectors help detect the metal pipes used in the pipeline system. It also helps in detecting the foil covering on the wiring and water pipes for insulation purposes.
Begin by looking in the most obvious places: under sinks, in the basement, or utility areas where pipes are often exposed. Follow these pipes as far as you can to get a general idea of the direction they're heading.
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.
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.
Electromagnetic (EM) locating is a widely used method for detecting metallic water lines. EM locators transmit an electromagnetic signal into the ground and detect the signal's interaction with underground metallic objects.
Using a cable locator (Leica DD100 Series), a surveyor can detect the buried cables' position by searching for the electromagnetic field. Locating electrical cables using a cable locator on its own will only allow the operator to detect utilities with a live current, like a street light cable during the night.
The job goes more quickly by pouring hot water or a mixture of vinegar, baking soda and salt water down the drain. Space heaters, hair dryers and heating pads are highly efficient tools for unfreezing a drain pipe. If a frozen drain line ruptures, turn off your home's main water supply.
Touching the pipes (if possible) can help you identify freezing as they will be especially cold to the touch and might have condensation on the outside. Physically check pipes for signs of freezing by looking for condensation, frost, ice, a slight expansion, or bulges in the pipes.
Thaw Frozen Pipes
Turn off the water immediately at the main shut off valve. Open the faucet so that water will flow through the pipe once the area is melted. This will help melt more ice.