How to Avoid Drilling into Pipes in 5 Easy Steps

Drilling into walls can be intimidating—especially with the risk of hitting a hidden water pipe. A single mistake could lead to flooding, costly repairs, and a whole lot of stress. But here’s the good news: with the right tools and techniques, you can safely drill without damaging your home’s plumbing.

I learned this lesson the hard way while mounting shelves in a bathroom. I hit a water pipe and ended up with a geyser spraying across the room! Since then, I’ve perfected a process to drill with confidence, and I’m here to share it with you.

Whether you’re hanging a mirror or installing cabinets, this guide will walk you through how to avoid drilling into pipes in just five steps.

5 Steps to Avoid Drilling into Pipes

Step	Action	Key Tools	Pro Tip
1	Inspect your wall’s location to identify plumbing risks.	N/A	Avoid walls backing onto kitchens or bathrooms.
2	Use a pipe and metal detector to scan for hidden pipes.	Pipe and metal detector	Move the detector slowly for accurate results.
3	Avoid drilling near plumbing fixtures like sinks or showers.	N/A	Use adhesive strips for mounting near fixtures.
4	Limit your drill depth to avoid deeper pipes.	Drill with depth gauge or marked bit	Set the drill depth to no more than 1 inch.
5	Strategically plan your drill spots for safer positioning.	Floor plan and ruler	Use an endoscopic camera to check high-risk areas.

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Step 1: Inspect Your Wall’s Location

Knowing where pipes are typically located is the first and most important step to avoiding them. Plumbing pipes are commonly installed in walls near kitchens, bathrooms, and utility spaces. These walls often contain both water supply lines and drainage pipes, making them high-risk areas for drilling.

How to do it:

1. Check if the wall you plan to drill is adjacent to a bathroom or kitchen.
2. Look for visible signs of plumbing, such as faucets, showerheads, or water access panels.
3. Avoid drilling near these areas to minimize risk.

Pro Tip: Pipes are often placed vertically or horizontally near sinks and showers, so keep at least 6–12 inches away from these fixtures.

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Step 2: Use a Pipe and Metal Detector

A pipe and metal detector is a must-have tool for safe drilling. These devices can help you locate metal and non-metal pipes hidden behind walls, ensuring that you don’t accidentally puncture one. They are easy to use and widely available at hardware stores.

How to do it:

1. Choose a detector that can locate both metal and non-metal pipes.
2. Slowly scan the wall where you plan to drill, following the tool’s instructions.
3. Mark any areas where the detector indicates the presence of pipes.

Common Pitfall: Don’t rush the scan. Move the detector slowly to get accurate results.

Pro Tip: Practice using the detector on a known surface, such as a wall with visible pipes, to familiarize yourself with its signals.

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Step 3: Avoid Wall Areas Around Plumbing Fixtures

Plumbing fixtures like sinks, toilets, and bathtubs have pipes running behind them. These pipes can extend several feet in various directions, making the surrounding walls especially risky for drilling.

How to do it:

1. Identify walls near sinks, bathtubs, toilets, or washing machines.
2. Avoid drilling directly behind these fixtures or in their immediate vicinity.

Pro Tip: If you need to mount something near these areas, use adhesive strips, suction-based hooks, or other non-invasive methods instead of drilling.

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Step 4: Drill with Depth Control

Even after careful inspection, it’s crucial to control your drill depth. Pipes are often installed deeper within the wall, and keeping your drill shallow can prevent accidental punctures.

How to do it:

1. Measure the thickness of your wall and mark your drill bit with tape to limit the depth.
2. A depth of no more than 1 inch is usually safe for most walls.

Pro Tip: Some drills come with depth gauges that let you set a maximum drilling distance. If you frequently drill, investing in one of these can be a great safety upgrade.

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Step 5: Plan Your Drill Spot Strategically

Sometimes, drilling directly into a risky area is unavoidable—like when mounting fixtures in bathrooms or kitchens. In these cases, planning the exact drill spot can reduce the chances of hitting pipes.

How to do it:

1. Choose a spot away from plumbing hot zones, such as walls directly behind or under sinks and bathtubs.
2. If you must drill in a high-risk area, use tools like an endoscopic camera to inspect the inside of the wall before drilling.
3. When in doubt, adjust the mounting position to a safer spot.

Pro Tip: Many wall-mounted items can be secured with adhesive strips, magnetic mounts, or tension-based systems, eliminating the need to drill entirely.

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Final Thoughts

Avoiding hidden pipes doesn’t have to be stressful. With the right preparation and tools, you can drill safely and confidently.

To summarize:

1. Inspect the wall’s location for signs of plumbing.
2. Use a pipe and metal detector to identify hidden hazards.
3. Avoid drilling near plumbing fixtures.
4. Limit your drill depth to stay within the safe zone.
5. Strategically plan your drill spot for maximum safety.