How to follow water pipe?

[Michelle K linnane]

I was a little surprised at some of the answers from this post. I have found any kind of water lines and electric with a metal coat hanger, it is a 90 degree angle just like the tool showed. I normally use two. The are pointed out in front of me when I come to any type if pipe they go to the side showing you the flow. The best thing to do is practice where you know there
is pipe.


Come on Fellows I thought we had some good old boys on this SITE!!!!!

 

[gwjd]

are there people that live next door that have been there for ever maybe someone helped put the pipe in .... or herd about it ....

 

[ray66v]

Since some are mentioning, witching/dowsing/diving, you should know it has been debated several times on TBN in the past, to no good end.

Those with high blood pressure, or those who don't want to be frustrated, should avoid this topic. You could end up: :mur:

 

[ajmbonaire]

are there people that live next door that have been there for ever maybe someone helped put the pipe in .... or herd about it ....

We know someone lived there for a short period approx. 20 years ago. No neighbors at that time. We found remnants of a foundation and a power pole along with the fawcet I mentioned. As I was clearing the area I pushed up what I believe to be a bleeder line from a septic system, a four inch plactic pipe set in gravel. I have not found the septic tank as of yet. I am hoping to find a well on the property. This property is located in rural(really rural) area. So rural the county has no permit requirements for building etc.

 

[two_bit_score]

Can anyone tell me how to follow an underground water pipe? I found a faucet in the woods on 15 acres that has been idle for fifteen years or so. I dug down and started following the pipe but it became too difficult due to the dense undergrowth and trees that have grown up. I would like to determine where it terminates. I have seen no evidence of a well but that doesn't mean there isn't one. Any ideas? The pipe is PVC.

Wouldn't it normally go to a structure like a well house or dwelling? Any evidence of anything like that in the direction the pipe you could see was going?

 

[ajmbonaire]

Wouldn't it normally go to a structure like a well house or dwelling? Any evidence of anything like that in the direction the pipe you could see was going?

One would normally think it would. But, there is nothing in the direction the pipe is heading except more brush and trees. There is a creek approx. 1500 feet in that direction.

 

[JB4310]

Thanks for all the replys so quickly. After and doing a little research based on the suggestions I think I am going to introduce a loud buzzer in the end of the pipe and use a mechanics stethoscope to try and follow the sound. If it dosen't work we will try some of the other suggestions. It will be a few days before I try it but will report back with the results.

I think that would only work if the pipe was empty, no water in it, not sure though.
Buzz may not be the best to trace, something that is repetitive ticking clicking, banging etc.

As far as the dousing goes, I don't knock what works for others, but I have one of those modern dousing tools that looks like an antenna with a handle, and have not had definitive positive results.

JB.

 

[two_bit_score]

One would normally think it would. But, there is nothing in the direction the pipe is heading except more brush and trees. There is a creek approx. 1500 feet in that direction.

Well, do you think maybe they at one time had a pump in the creek and were pumping water to something near where the faucet was located?

I'd check out the creek to se f there is evidence of a cistern or old pump there?

 

[ajmbonaire]

Well, do you think maybe they at one time had a pump in the creek and were pumping water to something near where the faucet was located?

I'd check out the creek to se f there is evidence of a cistern or old pump there?

Yeah, we checked the creek and the area all the way to the faucet. Nothing obvious.

 

[RoMad]

since it is pvc you can easily adapt it to a pipe thread fitting then to a quick coupler for an air compressor hose. fill the tank on the air compressor where you have electricity, carry it to your place and connect the hose to the pipe. Then, hook it up and pressurize the pipe. I wouln't put more than 60 psi on it. If you are lucky you will hear the air coming out somewhere.
Another thought, if there is an old power pole you can trace any underground wires going to it and you should be able to find the one going to the well.
Good luck and don't forget to post back.