Detectors

[The Medway Handyman]

I known this has been done to death in the past, but can anyone recommend a pipe/cable detector that actually works?

Common sense & a little knowledge are the best detectors of course, but we have new builds going up around here like you wouldn't believe.

Apart from the fun & games of fixing to dot'n'dab walls, the peril of plastic pipework is growing.

Quite common in downstairs cloakrooms is to plumb in the sink with small diameter plastic pipes - which go up centrally above the basin - just where you might put in a screw to fix a mirror.

Another favourite trick is to run the small diameter plastic pipes for a radiator up one side of a window - just where you might want to fix a curtain pole bracket.

These pipes are 'allegedly' supposed to be covered by metallic tape - which doesn't always show up.

I had a Lidl/Aldi detector that worked well, but has died. The B&D one I used for confirmation isn't that good.

So, any suggestions for a detector that actually works?

[John Rumm]

Zircon Triscanner pro or similar works well for me... although even that can't cope with foil backed plasterboard.

[Brian Gaff]

I know some water pipes can be heard if you turn on a tap by using a stethascope. At least they use no batteries!

Brian

[Owain]

Something radioactive dropped in the loft tank and a geiger counter?

Owain

[Rick]

I have one ... and works no problem. Zircon Triscanner Pro SL

I have deep studs it finds studs & cable no problem, also rebar in concrete.

If it were for a deep pipe water pipe in garden / road then I would just use a diving rod ..

[The Medway Handyman]

Thanks Rick. Seems to be an old model, I'll try & find the equivalent.

[ARWadsworth]

And how will that help when drivel has fitted two combi boilers:-)?

[John Rumm]

With his pipework they won't work anyway!

[Andy Wade]

The Bosch range looks good on paper, but I've no experience. Bosch stuff's usually OK though.

[Bill Wright]

I have a Bosch one and it's very good.

Bill

[Bill Wright]

I've got one and it's the best I've had. And I've had a few over the years.

Bill

[Andy Wade]

Which model? The GMS 120 looks nice - but should be for 95 quid! I've got a Zircon Triscanner Pro (as recommended by the late Mr. Hall), but I find its indications a bit confusing at times.

[Man at B&Q]

"Inexpensive handheld terahertz cameras could be used to ... find where the studs, wires and pipes are in walls,"

MBQ

[sm_jamieson]

Oh no where we go ... (assuming you mean a divining rod) Simon.