Get a wall scanner / stud finder. Not expensive. Far cheaper than putting a screw or a drill bit through a water pipe or worse a live electrical cable.
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.
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. Most of these detectors not only detect the exact location of the pipe but also calculate the depth of it in the wall.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Get a Moisture Meter
One of the tools that can help you locate leaks inside walls is a moisture meter. This instrument is used to measure the moisture content in materials. A normal reading for drywall, concrete, and other masonry components would be less than one percent.
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.
“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).
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.
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.
A stud finder equipped with live wire detection features is an easy way to identify the presence of electrical wiring in the wall, allowing you to steer clear of potential dangers and drill safely.
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.
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.
Today, the best tool for the job is ground penetrating radar (GPR) as it accurately maps metal and PVC pipes.
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.
It's composed of gypsum plaster sandwiched between two layers of paper, creating a smooth surface that's easy to paint or finish. Behind this drywall, you'll find the structural elements of your home—studs. Traditionally, studs were made of wood, but in modern construction, metal studs are increasingly common.
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.
Again, plumbing professionals will usually provide their own camera to locate the leak. Once your plumbers find the location of the leak, they'll get to work fixing it. They may need to cut into drywall to repair the issue.
Cut into your drywall to find the source of a leak.
Use a utility knife to score a line about 10 inches (25 cm) long into your drywall at the location where you see visible signs of a water leak (mold, discolored drywall, etc.). Then, using a drywall saw, cut along the line you just scored.
Take extra care in bathrooms and kitchens
Don't continue drilling if you believe there is a pipe in that area, as you risk leakage and damage to your home. In homes with attics, you can usually trace where some of the piping starts to know some areas to avoid drilling.
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.
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.