How to detect pipe in walls using a pipe detector, stud finder, or plumber’s plan or following pipelines are the ways of seeing pipe in wall.
Finding the pipe location in the wall is significant so you won’t destroy the pipes running in the wall.
In 2015, I could have lost my life because I drilled into a gas line. From that day, I began to take safety precautions when drilling. I have learned my lesson.
I wrote this article because I would like to save lives and also protect you from damaging pipes.
Also, learn how to detect wire in walls.
What Are The Ways To Find Pipes In The Wall
We can locate a pipe in our wall manually or using a device, which I will explain in this article.
Below, I have put together a few tips for you on how to detect pipes in walls or how to check if there are pipes in the wall.
Use The Plans Of The Pipelines To Detect Pipes In The Wall
Detecting a pipe using the pipe plan is very easy, as manual methods exist to check for pipes in the wall.
If you are building a new home or renting or buying an apartment, you should create a pipe plan or request one from the seller.
Holding your pipe plan beside you when drilling a wall can help you so you won’t interrupt the existing pipe in your wall.
Especially for new houses, there is always one pattern: the pipe goes through our kitchen or bathroom.
When building a new building, if you have a plan in your hand, you shouldn’t do without it.
If there is no pipe plan, A quicker method than planning the routes is photographing the walls and ceilings in their raw state.
Use a scale to see how far the respective pipe is from the edge, etc.
I recommend creating such a plan if you have the opportunity.
Once the plaster is over the wall, you won’t be able to do it again. But you must use a detector if you haven’t created or received a plan.
Also, learn how to remove old paint from the wall (link)
Use A Line Detector To Find A Pipe In The Wall
With a line finder, you can locate lines under the wall, although the functions of such devices vary. Some detect an electrical voltage behind the wall.
To do this, you must switch the power on when searching. Other models find metal and react accordingly.
In addition to power lines, these can be used to find water and gas lines if they are metal.
Another option is to search for cables with a thermal imaging camera.
Since these are very expensive, it’s only worth it if you know someone who happens to have one and hides it or carries out the measurement together with you.
Use A Stud Finder To Detect Pipes In The Wall
We also recommend stud finders if you want to know how to find water pipes in walls.
A good and quality stud founder is one of the best tools to locate pipes in our wall.
A stud finder can detect other materials like wood, metal, and wire inside or behind The Wall.
Now, the question is how to use a stud finder to locate things on the wall.
Turn on the stud finder, switch to the scanning mode, and then move the stud scanner around your walls. If there are any studs or pipes, it will notify you.
To use any stud finder effectively, read the manufacturer’s instructions.
Use A Wall Scanner To Detect If There Are Pipes In The Wall
how to detect pipes in walls Will a wall scanner, turn on the wall scanner and move it around the wall to dictate pipe, wire, metal, or wood
Suppose any material is hiding inside the wall. In that case,
A wall scanner can detect anything hiding inside the wall. Even if items are plaster inside the wall, it will also find it out.
Why Is It Important To Find The Pipes In The Wall?
Before detecting pipes in walls, you must first know the importance of dictating pipes in the wall.
We find pipes in walls because of our safety and to avoid damaging the pipes that run through the wall when drilling or cracking.
Problems often arise due to the ignorance of not checking if pipes are in the wall, especially with old buildings.
Here are the essential things about the detecting pipe in the wall
We Detect Pipe In Walls To Avoid Drilling Into Pipe Or Gas Pipe
You should know how to check if there are pipes in the wall before drilling to avoid drilling pipes.
Be careful when drilling through walls because pipes and electric wires pass through walls.
Drilling into a gas pipe is dangerous because gas is flammable. If your light matches, your whole building can be on fire. Ensure to call the fire service when you are in such a condition.
To avoid drilling into a pipe or electric cable, click here to read how to drill through a wall safely [Link]
We Detect Pipes In The Wall To Avoid Damaging Or Drilling The Power Line
We must learn to find pipes in the walls to avoid drilling a power line because it is an acute danger to life.
If you don’t know where the power lines are and drill into an active one, you could pay with your life. So, learn how to detect water pipes in walls.
As drastic as this sounds, you must be aware of this danger. If you are building a new house, plan each power line for later use.
It is also essential to locate the pipe in an old building when you Move into it.
Click here to read how to drill a wall for cable to pass
We Find Pipes In The Walls To Avoid Damaging Underfloor Heating
Previously rarely used, it is now fashionable to install underfloor heating.
They are often the target of uncontrolled drilling during construction.
When you drill into underfloor heating, there is no danger to life, but a high risk of property damage is possible.
We Find Water Pipes In Walls If They Are Pipe Leakage.
If you are a plumber or a DIY person who wants to fix a leaking pipe in your wall, you should know how to detect water pipes in walls.
If you are unsure about detecting a leaking water pipe, click here now to read how to find a leaking pipe in the wall. [Link]
Leaking pipes can make the wall wet, resulting in inconvenience in the house or peeling wall paint.
When the paint in the house gets old, you have to peel it off and paint it new.
I have an article showing you how to remove old paint from walls. If you are interested, click here to read how to remove old paint from the wall. [Link]
We Detect Pipes In Walls To Avoid Breaking Water Pipe
The same applies to water pipes, so you must learn how to detect water pipes in walls before drilling or renovation.
If you mistakenly break or drill into a water pipe, the water can shoot out of the pipe at high pressure and split all over your house.
When there is water leakage, your tank at home can quickly run down, and all the water can damage your property, such as pictures, upholstery, bed, etc.
You should, therefore, always know where the main tap is.
Life is also dangerous if the water pipe is close to an electrical line or system, thus energizing the entire wall. Therefore, extreme caution.
What Will Happen If I Don’t Detect A Wall Before Drilling Or Hammering
If you do not dictate your work before drilling, you risk your life or property, or you will damage electric wires and pipelines that run through the wall.
Damaging a water pipeline can lead to water leakage, damaging your property, especially the bed, pictures, documents, and electrical appliances.
When water splits into an electric socket, it can damage the circuit or lead to electric shock.
Drilling into electric wire can lead to electric shock when there is electric flow at that moment. Or causing malfunction.
Please ensure to take precautions before drilling a wall. I have an article that will teach you about drilling precautions to keep yourself safe.
Click here now to read our drilling precautions. [Link]
What Should I Do If I Drill My Pipe Or Cable
Knowing how to find plastic water pipes in walls before drilling is essential. Still, if the pipe is already damaged, you should react correctly.
Here are my tips for you: If you come across a water pipe, leave everything there and turn off the main tap.
But you need to know where the pipe is. So, find out where this necessary valve is before drilling.
If you encounter a power line that is not in use, life is not immediately dangerous. Still, if the cable is disconnected, you will likely have to pull it in and re-lay it.
Get the advice of an electrician, and it is best not to carry out any experiments if you are not an expert. Always learn how to detect PVC pipes in walls or how to detect water pipes in walls.
In my opinion, the worst is when you hit a power line that was in service. There is an acute danger to life here.
Therefore, It is essential to turn off the power in the room where you are drilling and get it for the drill from another circuit. Alternative: cordless drill!
If you don’t know the best drilling machine, I have a complete buying guide and types of drilling machines.
Click here to read now about the types and buying guide of drilling machines.
Tip: In any case, have the damage repaired by a specialist company afterward.
If you do this yourself and there is further water damage later due to the improper repair, you could be liable, and the insurance companies will be out of the deal.
Conclusion
Now you know how to detect pipes in walls or tell if there are pipes in the wall.
The reason for finding pipes in the wall is to avoid damaging them when drilling, breaking, or repairing them.
Remember to use a pipe detector for your wall or a line finder since they are more reliable than other methods.
Some pipe detectors are link to the phone through a mobile app. The phone serves as a screen to display the pipe.
Also, read my Bosch GSB 24-2 review
