Could a stud finder mistake a 3" pvc drain pipe for a wood stud?

Answer 1

Some 'stud finders' operate by finding the metal nails or screws, others work by measuring the change in the sonic 'echo'. If you have the former, then it would only mistake the pvc for a stud, if there was a metal strap holding it in place.
If you have one of the newer models, that operate by sound waves, then yes, you could get a false reading. Most of these units tell you to mark the wall in pencil, where you first notice the change in the reading, and again when you notice the second change. This gives you the 'outside' edges of the stud.

I hope you didnt cut into the wall hehehe -- but if you did, you can pull the sheetrock (or other wall cover) away from it, and make a repair, then patch, prime, and paint the wall. A bit more work, but not a lost cause :)

Have Fun

Answer 2

Yes it can. It operates on a simple echolocation principle. It's just looking for something against the back of the drywall. The best thing to do is measure your "Hits" on studs as you go left to right on the wall. Studs should be 16" on center from each other. If you mark off 2 or 3, you'll know if it's a stud or not because it would be in the wrong location.

Jim

Answer 3

The wooden stud are usually at about 16" apart. And the studs are 3" w. You can start countiing from the corner of your wall. Now a pipe don't have the same sound nor it is a stud!

Answer 4

First, positioned the area heater blowing on the pipe, yet no longer too close to to it. 2 ft could desire to do. Or in case you have a small 60 watt lamp (non CFL) you are able to positioned this very close to to the pipe to maintain it from freezing lower back. next get some sidewalk salt, rock salt, or perhaps table salt could artwork and pour it down the drain. no longer adequate to clog the drain yet adequate to dilute interior the water and make it VERY salty. If left for an hour this could desire to ruin up the ice. between the excellent issues to apply could be sulfuric acid. The stuff utilized by skill of professional's for drain establishing. it is risky, even though it reacts with water and reasons warmth, it is what you like.

Answer 5

Absolutely. Stud finders can find anything behind a wall. Hold your stud finder up to a piece loose drywall and put different object behind it. It will find anything with density.

Answer 6

No, Not if it is used properly. Maybe it is faulty if it found a PVC drain pipe.

Answer 7

no they have had recalls on some stud dectors so check that out first