Inspect both sides of the wall/floor and map outlets, valves, fixtures and likely routes.
Home system
Hidden services before drilling or demolition
Reduce the risk of hitting electricity, water, drainage, gas or ducts before drilling, fastening, sawing or opening.
Checked: 2026-08-21
Stud/wire detector and small exploratory opening can reduce uncertainty but do not guarantee no service.
Deep cut, service wall, gas, panel, plumbing stack or uncertain route: stop and obtain professional locating.
Useful tools and measurements
- Appropriate multi-scanner
- Inspection camera if a safe opening exists
- Plans/photos from prior work
- Drill depth stop where appropriate
Having a tool does not make regulated work DIY.
What the professional checks
- Map known services and use appropriate locating methods
- De-energize/isolate systems where required
- Create a controlled opening instead of blind cutting
Sources and limits
Requirements vary with the building, jurisdiction, code edition and exact scope. This triage does not replace plans, calculations, permits, inspections or required professionals.
Manage the project through closeout
V16
Advanced diagnostics to cross-check
V16 connects water, soil, climate, safety, materials and seasonal use to existing projects.
Hidden systems and critical interfaces
These checks target costly problems that often appear only after opening assemblies, conversions or changes of use.
V31
Commissioning and everyday safety
V31 helps verify systems after work and document the values that make a home safer to operate.