Three ways to find loose pipes behind drywall

Water hammer is often caused by loose hot and cold water pipes.

Determining the location of those loose pipes in a stud wall can be challenging, but here are three methods that can help.

One method is to use a stud finder. A stud finder is a tool that can detect the location of studs, or the framing members, behind the drywall. Pipes are often run along the studs, so by finding the location of the studs, you can also determine the likely location of the pipes.

Another method is to tap on the wall and listen for a dull or hollow sound. Loose pipes will often make a rattling noise when they are tapped, whereas tight pipes will produce a solid sound. This method can be useful for locating the general area where the loose pipe is located.

A third method is to use a number of pipe location tools which are specifically designed to detect the location of pipes within walls. This collection of tools includes an electronic charge running through the pipe that emits a signal that is picked up by a sensor that’s run along the surface of the wall, which can help to locate the position of pipes with reasonable accuracy. Some listening devices can also help.

It’s important to note that it might be difficult to locate the exact spot where the pipe is loose, it’s recommended to hire a professional plumber to help you locate the problem and fix it.

Roll your toilet paper from the top

All of us use the bathroom. And occasionally we want to know what’s going on in other peoples bathrooms.

Bathrooms and toilets are our workplace, and the observations made from bathrooms often go unrecorded. But today, I reckon its time to share some of those observations.

A common theme is how home owners dispense their toilet rolls on the toilet roll holder. (Click here to read about the Australian patent on toilet roll holders.) Some pull their toilet paper from the back of the roll. While others pull from the top. So we carried out a little survey

Here are the top five reasons why people prefer toilet paper to roll from the top:

1. Ease of Use: When the toilet paper is positioned with the loose end hanging over the top, it is easier to locate and grab the end of the roll. This makes it more convenient and efficient to tear off the desired amount of toilet paper without any hassle.
2. Reduced Risk of Touching the Wall: Rolling the toilet paper from the top helps to minimize the chances of accidentally touching the wall behind it. This is especially important in public restrooms where hygiene is crucial, as touching the wall can transfer germs and bacteria.
3. Neat Appearance: Rolling the toilet paper from the top provides a neater and more visually appealing look. The loose end of the roll is neatly presented, making it easier to grab and tear off without causing the roll to unravel or become messy.
4. Prevents Unwanted Unraveling: Placing the loose end at the top prevents the roll from unintentionally unraveling. If the end hangs down the back of the roll, it can sometimes get caught on nearby objects or surfaces, causing the paper to unwind and waste.
5. Intuitive Orientation: Rolling the toilet paper from the top is considered more intuitive for most people. When reaching for toilet paper, it is more natural to pull it down from the top rather than from behind the roll. This orientation aligns with our instinctive hand movements and provides a smoother user experience.

While your personal preferences may vary, these reasons highlight the practical and aesthetic advantages of rolling toilet paper from the top.

If this post has got you thinking about toilet paper, why not choose Who Gives a Crap for your next shipment. Who Gives a Crap donates half of their profits to developing countries that don’t have plumbing, sewers and the toilets that we take for granted.

Five ways to find water hammer in a stud wall.

In an earlier post we asked, “Do Hot and cold water pipes get water hammer?” Determining the location of loose pipes that cause water hammer in a stud wall can be challenging, as the pipes are typically hidden behind drywall or other wall coverings. However, there are several methods that can be used to locate the problem area:

1. Sound: One of the most common ways to locate loose pipes is by listening for the sound of water hammer. This is the banging or knocking sound that occurs when a valve or faucet is quickly closed.
2. Visual Inspection: If possible, removing a section of drywall or other wall covering in the area where the sound is heard can reveal the location of the pipes. You can also look for signs of water damage or staining on the wall or ceiling.
3. Using a stud finder: A stud finder can be used to locate the studs behind the drywall, which will give you an idea of where the pipes are located.
4. Tracer wire: If you have access to the attic or crawl space, you can trace the pipes with a tracer wire, which is a wire that is attached to the pipe and can be followed through the wall.
5. Hiring a plumber: If you are unable to locate the problem area or are unsure about the best course of action, it is recommended to consult a plumber, who will have the knowledge and tools to locate the loose pipes and make necessary repairs.