How to follow water pipe?

[ajmbonaire]

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.

I don't know either. I guess we will soon find out. I do know if it is empty the sound will travel through the pipe. If it has water in it I don't know. but I have been of the opinion that sound travels better through water than through air. (?)

 

[earljr59]

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!!!!!

I am a firm believer in this method. A long gone plumber friend taught me this many years ago.I keep a pair on the backhoe and people are amazed when I show them how it works. And happy when it works in their own hands,or their childrens. And copper or nice ones you can buy work just fine as well.

 

[ajmbonaire]

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.

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.

Wow! Why didn't I think of that? I hope the wires are still there.

 

[MacLawn]

I'm tellin' ye, ole riptides is right! Two #12 or so copper wires about 18" or so long bent at 90º angles and held loosely in your hands - it will find a water line! Now, granted, the pipe might just have to have water in it to work, not sure, but the wires will turn inward on their own when you cross a pipe! Try it on any known water line...

 

[LBrown59]

I found a faucet in the woods on 15 acres that has been idle for fifteen years or so.

What's been idle for years?
The faucet or the land?

 

[ajmbonaire]

What's been idle for years?
The faucet or the land?

Both.

 

[xtn]

I'm confused about the divining technique. One poster said the rods will cross. Another said they will go parallel to the flow. Aren't those statements contradictory? What is the science behind the whole thing?

 

[RippySkippy]

I'm confused about the divining technique. One poster said the rods will cross. Another said they will go parallel to the flow. Aren't those statements contradictory? What is the science behind the whole thing?

My experience is that they move from being in front of you to crossing. I usually make a mark in the ground, come at it from a couple of different directions, and when I'm comfortable with the consistency in crossing, place a flag. move down and do it again. Don't have a clue about the science...I would like to know tho!

RE the speculation of having the water line full or empty -- I've found it makes no difference...it will locate any underground object.

I know I'll never convince the non-believers and that's not my goal...I know it works for me, and it's gotten me and a couple of neighbors out of a pinch before, regardless of whether it works or not...well.....


By the way...if you have access to the end of the pipe...why not push a 12-3 into the line? I don't know how many feet could be pushed at one time...but it could get you headed in the right direction....

 

[two_bit_score]

[/B]By the way...if you have access to the end of the pipe...why not push a 12-3 into the line? I don't know how many feet could be pushed at one time...but it could get you headed in the right direction....[/B]

Sounds like a plan to me.

 

[earljr59]

Recently we traced a sewer drain across a field ,and flagged it with the method used by RippyPippy.It worked perfect.The wires crossed everytime , and when finished had a flagline into a woods.And our expensive locators were on the tailgate of the truck.Plastic pipe,so they were of no help.