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Ron January 11th 12 07:04 PM

Finding/Locating sewer line under basement floor
 
I own a property that has a cast iron sewer line that runs under the
basement floor, and I want to be able to mark out and locate where it runs
under the basement floor. I know that I could hire a company to come out
and do that, but I am wondering if there are any fairly cheap, creative, and
interesting/fun ways for me to try to locate the line myself.

For example, is there some kind of small signal generator that I could
attach to a sewer line snake and detect the signal from above with some type
of detector? -- maybe something that Radio Shack or some electronics store
might sell?

Or, are there relatively inexpensive underground pipe-locating devices that
I could rent somewhere and do the job?

Would a metal detector be able to detect a cast iron pipe under a concrete
floor (assuming that the pipe is not down very far below the floor?



Stormin Mormon[_7_] January 11th 12 07:18 PM

Finding/Locating sewer line under basement floor
 
You could buy about 50 pounds of radioactive waste from Japan (on ebay) and
put that in the drain. Use a geiger counter to follow the signal. That's
creative, fun, and memorable.

Toner tracer set like the phone guys use. On sale, at HF.
http://www.harborfreight.com/cable-tracker-94181.html

Have your mother in law yell into the toilet, and pretend to trace the line.
Keep saying "A little louder, dear"

DAGS: http://tinyurl.com/83atd7u

I'll think on this for a while, and some other zany ideas will come to mind.

Christopher A. Young
Learn more about Jesus
www.lds.org
..

"Ron" wrote in message ...
I own a property that has a cast iron sewer line that runs under the
basement floor, and I want to be able to mark out and locate where it runs
under the basement floor. I know that I could hire a company to come out
and do that, but I am wondering if there are any fairly cheap, creative, and
interesting/fun ways for me to try to locate the line myself.

For example, is there some kind of small signal generator that I could
attach to a sewer line snake and detect the signal from above with some type
of detector? -- maybe something that Radio Shack or some electronics store
might sell?

Or, are there relatively inexpensive underground pipe-locating devices that
I could rent somewhere and do the job?

Would a metal detector be able to detect a cast iron pipe under a concrete
floor (assuming that the pipe is not down very far below the floor?





Joe January 11th 12 07:54 PM

Finding/Locating sewer line under basement floor
 
On Jan 11, 12:04*pm, "Ron" wrote:
I own a property that has a cast iron sewer line that runs under the
basement floor, and I want to be able to mark out and locate where it runs
under the basement floor. *I know that I could hire a company to come out
and do that, but I am wondering if there are any fairly cheap, creative, and
interesting/fun ways for me to try to locate the line myself.

For example, is there some kind of small signal generator that I could
attach to a sewer line snake and detect the signal from above with some type
of detector? -- maybe something that Radio Shack or some electronics store
might sell?

Or, are there relatively inexpensive underground pipe-locating devices that
I could rent somewhere and do the job?

Would a metal detector be able to detect a cast iron pipe under a concrete
floor (assuming that the pipe is not down very far below the floor?


First try tracing it with a simple magnetic compass. If that is not as
effective as you need, rent a regular plumbers device. You could also
borrow (or buy) a metal detector which will do the job.

Joe

Limp Arbor January 11th 12 08:19 PM

Finding/Locating sewer line under basement floor
 
On Jan 11, 1:18*pm, "Stormin Mormon"
wrote:
You could buy about 50 pounds of radioactive waste from Japan (on ebay) and
put that in the drain. Use a geiger counter to follow the signal. That's
creative, fun, and memorable.

Toner tracer set like the phone guys use. On sale, at HF.
* *http://www.harborfreight.com/cable-tracker-94181.html

Have your mother in law yell into the toilet, and pretend to trace the line.
Keep saying "A little louder, dear"

DAGS:http://tinyurl.com/83atd7u

I'll think on this for a while, and some other zany ideas will come to mind.

Christopher A. Young
Learn more about Jesus
*www.lds.org
.

"Ron" wrote in ....

I own a property that has a cast iron sewer line that runs under the
basement floor, and I want to be able to mark out and locate where it runs
under the basement floor. *I know that I could hire a company to come out
and do that, but I am wondering if there are any fairly cheap, creative, and
interesting/fun ways for me to try to locate the line myself.

For example, is there some kind of small signal generator that I could
attach to a sewer line snake and detect the signal from above with some type
of detector? -- maybe something that Radio Shack or some electronics store
might sell?

Or, are there relatively inexpensive underground pipe-locating devices that
I could rent somewhere and do the job?

Would a metal detector be able to detect a cast iron pipe under a concrete
floor (assuming that the pipe is not down very far below the floor?


Simple:

"Many dowsers today use a pair of simple L-shaped metal rods. One rod
is held in each hand, with the short arm of the L held upright, and
the long arm pointing forward. When something is found, the rods cross
over one another making an "X" over the found object. If the object is
long and straight, such as a water pipe, the rods will point in
opposite directions, showing its orientation."

from:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dowsing

Pete C. January 11th 12 08:29 PM

Finding/Locating sewer line under basement floor
 

Ron wrote:

I own a property that has a cast iron sewer line that runs under the
basement floor, and I want to be able to mark out and locate where it runs
under the basement floor. I know that I could hire a company to come out
and do that, but I am wondering if there are any fairly cheap, creative, and
interesting/fun ways for me to try to locate the line myself.

For example, is there some kind of small signal generator that I could
attach to a sewer line snake and detect the signal from above with some type
of detector? -- maybe something that Radio Shack or some electronics store
might sell?

Or, are there relatively inexpensive underground pipe-locating devices that
I could rent somewhere and do the job?

Would a metal detector be able to detect a cast iron pipe under a concrete
floor (assuming that the pipe is not down very far below the floor?


Underground pipe/conduit/wire tracers can be rented from places like
United Rentals. They couple a signal from a transmitter onto the exposed
part of the line in question, normally with an inductive clamp
connection, and a separate handheld metal detector style receiver is
used to sweep the ground to locate the line. You sweep back and forth
over the line to find the peak signal which should be directly above the
line. If there is rebar / mesh in the slab if could make it more
difficult to pinpoint the line under it.

Ted[_14_] January 11th 12 10:32 PM

Finding/Locating sewer line under basement floor
 
On 1/11/2012 2:19 PM, Limp Arbor wrote:

Simple:

"Many dowsers today use a pair of simple L-shaped metal rods. One rod
is held in each hand, with the short arm of the L held upright, and
the long arm pointing forward. When something is found, the rods cross
over one another making an "X" over the found object. If the object is
long and straight, such as a water pipe, the rods will point in
opposite directions, showing its orientation."

from:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dowsing


LOL! Dowsers are as full of **** as a Christmas goose.

If you know someone that can successfully dowse, tell them they can make
a quick million at:

http://www.randi.org/library/dowsing/


HeyBub[_3_] January 11th 12 11:22 PM

Finding/Locating sewer line under basement floor
 
Limp Arbor wrote:
Simple:

"Many dowsers today use a pair of simple L-shaped metal rods. One rod
is held in each hand, with the short arm of the L held upright, and
the long arm pointing forward. When something is found, the rods cross
over one another making an "X" over the found object. If the object is
long and straight, such as a water pipe, the rods will point in
opposite directions, showing its orientation."

from:


I heard where one dowser tried to investigate a crop circle and his head
exploded.



Steve Barker[_6_] January 12th 12 12:17 AM

Finding/Locating sewer line under basement floor
 
On 1/11/2012 10:54 AM, Joe wrote:
On Jan 11, 12:04 pm, wrote:
I own a property that has a cast iron sewer line that runs under the
basement floor, and I want to be able to mark out and locate where it runs
under the basement floor. I know that I could hire a company to come out
and do that, but I am wondering if there are any fairly cheap, creative, and
interesting/fun ways for me to try to locate the line myself.

For example, is there some kind of small signal generator that I could
attach to a sewer line snake and detect the signal from above with some type
of detector? -- maybe something that Radio Shack or some electronics store
might sell?

Or, are there relatively inexpensive underground pipe-locating devices that
I could rent somewhere and do the job?

Would a metal detector be able to detect a cast iron pipe under a concrete
floor (assuming that the pipe is not down very far below the floor?


First try tracing it with a simple magnetic compass. If that is not as
effective as you need, rent a regular plumbers device. You could also
borrow (or buy) a metal detector which will do the job.

Joe


metal detector also find that rebar in the floor.

--
Steve Barker
remove the "not" from my address to email

The Daring Dufas[_7_] January 12th 12 12:41 AM

Finding/Locating sewer line under basement floor
 
On 1/11/2012 4:22 PM, HeyBub wrote:
Limp Arbor wrote:
Simple:

"Many dowsers today use a pair of simple L-shaped metal rods. One rod
is held in each hand, with the short arm of the L held upright, and
the long arm pointing forward. When something is found, the rods cross
over one another making an "X" over the found object. If the object is
long and straight, such as a water pipe, the rods will point in
opposite directions, showing its orientation."

from:


I heard where one dowser tried to investigate a crop circle and his head
exploded.


Sniper with a .50 caliber Barrett M107 at least a mile away.

TDD


Red Green January 12th 12 12:54 AM

Finding/Locating sewer line under basement floor
 
"Stormin Mormon" wrote in
:

You could buy about 50 pounds of radioactive waste from Japan (on
ebay) and put that in the drain. Use a geiger counter to follow the
signal. That's creative, fun, and memorable.

Toner tracer set like the phone guys use. On sale, at HF.
http://www.harborfreight.com/cable-tracker-94181.html

Have your mother in law yell into the toilet, and pretend to trace the
line. Keep saying "A little louder, dear"

DAGS: http://tinyurl.com/83atd7u

I'll think on this for a while, and some other zany ideas will come to
mind.

Christopher A. Young
Learn more about Jesus
www.lds.org
.

"Ron" wrote in message
... I own a property that has a cast
iron sewer line that runs under the basement floor, and I want to be
able to mark out and locate where it runs under the basement floor. I
know that I could hire a company to come out and do that, but I am
wondering if there are any fairly cheap, creative, and interesting/fun
ways for me to try to locate the line myself.

For example, is there some kind of small signal generator that I could
attach to a sewer line snake and detect the signal from above with
some type of detector? -- maybe something that Radio Shack or some
electronics store might sell?

Or, are there relatively inexpensive underground pipe-locating devices
that I could rent somewhere and do the job?

Would a metal detector be able to detect a cast iron pipe under a
concrete floor (assuming that the pipe is not down very far below the
floor?





How about flush a fish down the toilet and use a fish finder?

Ron January 12th 12 12:57 AM

Finding/Locating sewer line under basement floor
 
Joe wrote:
On Jan 11, 12:04 pm, "Ron" wrote:
I own a property that has a cast iron sewer line that runs under the
basement floor, and I want to be able to mark out and locate where
it runs under the basement floor. I know that I could hire a company
to come out and do that, but I am wondering if there are any fairly
cheap, creative, and interesting/fun ways for me to try to locate
the line myself.

For example, is there some kind of small signal generator that I
could attach to a sewer line snake and detect the signal from above
with some type of detector? -- maybe something that Radio Shack or
some electronics store might sell?

Or, are there relatively inexpensive underground pipe-locating
devices that I could rent somewhere and do the job?

Would a metal detector be able to detect a cast iron pipe under a
concrete floor (assuming that the pipe is not down very far below
the floor?


First try tracing it with a simple magnetic compass.


Thanks, but I am not sure how a "magnetic compass" would work.

If that is not as
effective as you need, rent a regular plumbers device.


I am also not sure where I would rent whatever a regular plumbers device is.

You could also
borrow (or buy) a metal detector which will do the job.


That may work. I wonder if anyone here has ever tried that since I have no
experience with using any metal detectors. Maybe I'll try searching to see
if the are metal detector websites and/or forums where I can get more info
on how well a metal detector may work for this.



bob haller January 12th 12 01:41 AM

Finding/Locating sewer line under basement floor
 
On Jan 11, 1:04*pm, "Ron" wrote:
I own a property that has a cast iron sewer line that runs under the
basement floor, and I want to be able to mark out and locate where it runs
under the basement floor. *I know that I


the underground line is likely terracota pipe. it may not be metal
once it goes underground

hr(bob) [email protected] January 12th 12 01:51 AM

Finding/Locating sewer line under basement floor
 
On Jan 11, 12:04*pm, "Ron" wrote:
I own a property that has a cast iron sewer line that runs under the
basement floor, and I want to be able to mark out and locate where it runs
under the basement floor. *I know that I could hire a company to come out
and do that, but I am wondering if there are any fairly cheap, creative, and
interesting/fun ways for me to try to locate the line myself.

For example, is there some kind of small signal generator that I could
attach to a sewer line snake and detect the signal from above with some type
of detector? -- maybe something that Radio Shack or some electronics store
might sell?

Or, are there relatively inexpensive underground pipe-locating devices that
I could rent somewhere and do the job?

Would a metal detector be able to detect a cast iron pipe under a concrete
floor (assuming that the pipe is not down very far below the floor?


You might try an electronic stud finder at the sensitive setting, it
depends on how deep the pipe is buried under the concrete. Worth
trying.

The Daring Dufas[_7_] January 12th 12 03:11 AM

Finding/Locating sewer line under basement floor
 
On 1/11/2012 6:51 PM, hr(bob) wrote:
On Jan 11, 12:04 pm, wrote:
I own a property that has a cast iron sewer line that runs under the
basement floor, and I want to be able to mark out and locate where it runs
under the basement floor. I know that I could hire a company to come out
and do that, but I am wondering if there are any fairly cheap, creative, and
interesting/fun ways for me to try to locate the line myself.

For example, is there some kind of small signal generator that I could
attach to a sewer line snake and detect the signal from above with some type
of detector? -- maybe something that Radio Shack or some electronics store
might sell?

Or, are there relatively inexpensive underground pipe-locating devices that
I could rent somewhere and do the job?

Would a metal detector be able to detect a cast iron pipe under a concrete
floor (assuming that the pipe is not down very far below the floor?


You might try an electronic stud finder at the sensitive setting, it
depends on how deep the pipe is buried under the concrete. Worth
trying.


A small RF transmitter attached to a fish tape could work. I've used
small pocket AM/FM radios set on AM to find live wires in walls before.
A small AM transmitter that put out a warbling signal could be used.
Might be a fun little project? ^_^

TDD

HeyBub[_3_] January 12th 12 12:36 PM

Finding/Locating sewer line under basement floor
 
The Daring Dufas wrote:
On 1/11/2012 4:22 PM, HeyBub wrote:
Limp Arbor wrote:
Simple:

"Many dowsers today use a pair of simple L-shaped metal rods. One
rod is held in each hand, with the short arm of the L held upright,
and the long arm pointing forward. When something is found, the
rods cross over one another making an "X" over the found object. If
the object is long and straight, such as a water pipe, the rods
will point in opposite directions, showing its orientation."

from:


I heard where one dowser tried to investigate a crop circle and his
head exploded.


Sniper with a .50 caliber Barrett M107 at least a mile away.


Oooh! Didn't think of that! It has much to commend it.



Robert Macy[_2_] January 12th 12 03:21 PM

Finding/Locating sewer line under basement floor
 
On Jan 11, 2:32*pm, Ted tedjackson@compuserve.... wrote:
On 1/11/2012 2:19 PM, Limp Arbor wrote:

Simple:


"Many dowsers today use a pair of simple L-shaped metal rods. One rod
is held in each hand, with the short arm of the L held upright, and
the long arm pointing forward. When something is found, the rods cross
over one another making an "X" over the found object. If the object is
long and straight, such as a water pipe, the rods will point in
opposite directions, showing its orientation."


from:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dowsing


LOL! Dowsers are as full of **** as a Christmas goose.

If you know someone that can successfully dowse, tell them they can make
a quick million at:

http://www.randi.org/library/dowsing/


Don't know about 'dowser', but my father used to use those L shaped
thingies to find buried wires/cables/pipes BEFORE he would start any
construction. He could never count on the company's/county's records.
During mid school age after finding them hanging in our garage and
receiving a demonstration of how to use them from my father, I used
the L thingies to map everything I could find in our back yard. I
found all the pipes, even the underground stream that fed our well.
Just a child's project resulting in a map drawn to scale, Father very
impressed.

Explanation for why the L thingies work? Don't know, don't care. They
work. The wires definitely 'feel' like they're tugging at each other
when they cross. Possibly, and I am coming to more believe this, a
human being has more capabilities than thought, and distracting the
mind with weird items 'releases' those abilities, removes
distractions, disbelief, if you will. Always keep in mind that
science DESCRIBES our observations. Science does not DEFINE our
observations.


Robert Macy[_2_] January 12th 12 04:02 PM

Finding/Locating sewer line under basement floor
 
On Jan 11, 4:57*pm, "Ron" wrote:
Joe wrote:
On Jan 11, 12:04 pm, "Ron" wrote:
I own a property that has a cast iron sewer line that runs under the
basement floor, and I want to be able to mark out and locate where
it runs under the basement floor. I know that I could hire a company
to come out and do that, but I am wondering if there are any fairly
cheap, creative, and interesting/fun ways for me to try to locate
the line myself.


For example, is there some kind of small signal generator that I
could attach to a sewer line snake and detect the signal from above
with some type of detector? -- maybe something that Radio Shack or
some electronics store might sell?


Or, are there relatively inexpensive underground pipe-locating
devices that I could rent somewhere and do the job?


Would a metal detector be able to detect a cast iron pipe under a
concrete floor (assuming that the pipe is not down very far below
the floor?


First try tracing it with a simple magnetic compass.


Thanks, but I am not sure how a "magnetic compass" would work.

If that is not as
effective as you need, rent a regular plumbers device.


I am also not sure where I would rent whatever a regular plumbers device is.

You could also
borrow (or buy) a metal detector which will do the job.


That may work. *I wonder if anyone here has ever tried that since I have no
experience with using any metal detectors. *Maybe I'll try searching to see
if the are metal detector websites and/or forums where I can get more info
on how well a metal detector may work for this.


Metal Detector? White out of Washington

Stay away from 'toys'

The Daring Dufas[_7_] January 12th 12 04:07 PM

Finding/Locating sewer line under basement floor
 
On 1/12/2012 5:36 AM, HeyBub wrote:
The Daring Dufas wrote:
On 1/11/2012 4:22 PM, HeyBub wrote:
Limp Arbor wrote:
Simple:

"Many dowsers today use a pair of simple L-shaped metal rods. One
rod is held in each hand, with the short arm of the L held upright,
and the long arm pointing forward. When something is found, the
rods cross over one another making an "X" over the found object. If
the object is long and straight, such as a water pipe, the rods
will point in opposite directions, showing its orientation."

from:

I heard where one dowser tried to investigate a crop circle and his
head exploded.


Sniper with a .50 caliber Barrett M107 at least a mile away.


Oooh! Didn't think of that! It has much to commend it.



Sorry, I was fantasizing again. ^_^

TDD

Baron[_3_] January 12th 12 06:35 PM

Finding/Locating sewer line under basement floor
 

"Ron" wrote in message
...
I own a property that has a cast iron sewer line that runs under the
basement floor, and I want to be able to mark out and locate where it runs
under the basement floor. I know that I could hire a company to come out
and do that, but I am wondering if there are any fairly cheap, creative,
and
interesting/fun ways for me to try to locate the line myself.

For example, is there some kind of small signal generator that I could
attach to a sewer line snake and detect the signal from above with some
type
of detector? -- maybe something that Radio Shack or some electronics store
might sell?

Or, are there relatively inexpensive underground pipe-locating devices
that
I could rent somewhere and do the job?

Would a metal detector be able to detect a cast iron pipe under a concrete
floor (assuming that the pipe is not down very far below the floor?



I had a problem with my sewer line where the line had to be located
under a concrete garage floor. A plumber used a piece of wood placed
between his ear and floor to help amplify the sound. He then had his
partner tap in various places on the floor and also run some water down a
drain. Apparently, between those two tests, he was able to locate the pipe
confidently but not perfectly. He also ran a snake down a clearout and
measured how much was being fed as well as detecting any noise. I suspect
you can use a stethoscope instead of a piece of wood.

Good Luck.



Ron January 12th 12 10:56 PM

Finding/Locating sewer line under basement floor
 
Baron wrote:
"Ron" wrote in message
...
I own a property that has a cast iron sewer line that runs under the
basement floor, and I want to be able to mark out and locate where
it runs under the basement floor. I know that I could hire a
company to come out and do that, but I am wondering if there are any
fairly cheap, creative, and
interesting/fun ways for me to try to locate the line myself.

For example, is there some kind of small signal generator that I
could attach to a sewer line snake and detect the signal from above
with some type
of detector? -- maybe something that Radio Shack or some electronics
store might sell?

Or, are there relatively inexpensive underground pipe-locating
devices that
I could rent somewhere and do the job?

Would a metal detector be able to detect a cast iron pipe under a
concrete floor (assuming that the pipe is not down very far below
the floor?


I had a problem with my sewer line where the line had to be located
under a concrete garage floor. A plumber used a piece of wood placed
between his ear and floor to help amplify the sound. He then had his
partner tap in various places on the floor and also run some water
down a drain. Apparently, between those two tests, he was able to
locate the pipe confidently but not perfectly. He also ran a snake
down a clearout and measured how much was being fed as well as
detecting any noise. I suspect you can use a stethoscope instead of
a piece of wood.
Good Luck.


I'll have to try the stethoscope idea. I can't picture it actually working
too well, but I happen to have a stethoscope, so I'll try it and post back
how well it worked out.



Ron January 13th 12 07:29 PM

Finding/Locating sewer line under basement floor
 
wrote:
On Wed, 11 Jan 2012 15:17:41 -0800, Steve Barker
wrote:


First try tracing it with a simple magnetic compass. If that is not
as effective as you need, rent a regular plumbers device. You could
also borrow (or buy) a metal detector which will do the job.

Joe


metal detector also find that rebar in the floor.


Basement floors dont usually have rebar. A "quality" metal detector
would probably find a cast iron pipe, but I highly doubt it's cast
iron under the floor. Normally the cast iron stack enters the floor,
but under that are clay tile pipes or in newer buildings, plastic
pipe.

Normally there is a cleanout where the sewer line leaves the building.
Then there is a main stack in the building, and possibly one or more
other entry points for drains. Another thing is a basement floor
drain. The pipes are normally a straight line from the main stack to
the cleanout at the exit from the building, or from the floor drain to
that cleanout. Unless the builder was drunk, or the home has has
major renovations. the run of the pipes should be pretty obvious.


Thanks. I haven't had a chance yet to go to the property and follow up on
some of the other suggestions. As far as figuring out where the underground
sewer "should" be, or probably is, that is a little more complicated in this
property. In most cases, I would be able to do what you said -- look for a
curb vent, look for where the stack is, look fo a cleanout on the outside of
the house, etc. However, this is a huge twin home (semi-detached, meaning
two houses attched side-by-side) that was moved to that location a long time
ago. The front yard is a hill and there is no cleanout there. Near the
sidewalk and curb I have not been able to find any curb vent anywhere --
there may be one, but I haven't been able to find it yet, and I have been
looking -- so I can't guess from there where the sewer line goes into the
house. The only stack in the house for the one bathroom that exists is in
one back corner of the house, near the party wall between the two houses.
Then the sewer line runs at about a 45 degree angle to a floor drain. The
question then becomes, "where does the sewer line go from there" -- either
straight out through the front of the house toward the street, or continue
at an angle and out through the side of the house and then to the street, or
something like that.

Other old houses in the area of similar age have cast iron sewr lines going
out to the street. Whether this one has that or has terra cotta I don't
know.



gregz January 15th 12 02:59 AM

Finding/Locating sewer line under basement floor
 
bob haller wrote:
On Jan 11, 1:04 pm, "Ron" wrote:
I own a property that has a cast iron sewer line that runs under the
basement floor, and I want to be able to mark out and locate where it runs
under the basement floor. I know that I


the underground line is likely terracota pipe. it may not be metal
once it goes underground


A metal snake should show up with a metal detector, use steel not
stainless. I tried to see if my pipe bends anywhere by using a camera.
After a lot of fooling around, I gave up looking at the whole pipe. I had
problems with my feed method and camera position. Saw hairs, webs, a worm,
and a creapy crawler. I was also looking for roots, but didn't see any as
far as I got.


Greg

gregz January 15th 12 09:44 PM

Finding/Locating sewer line under basement floor
 
gregz wrote:
bob haller wrote:
On Jan 11, 1:04 pm, "Ron" wrote:
I own a property that has a cast iron sewer line that runs under the
basement floor, and I want to be able to mark out and locate where it runs
under the basement floor. I know that I


the underground line is likely terracota pipe. it may not be metal
once it goes underground


A metal snake should show up with a metal detector, use steel not
stainless. I tried to see if my pipe bends anywhere by using a camera.
After a lot of fooling around, I gave up looking at the whole pipe. I had
problems with my feed method and camera position. Saw hairs, webs, a worm,
and a creapy crawler. I was also looking for roots, but didn't see any as
far as I got.


Greg


I just gave myself an idea. Got to borrow the metal detector!!

Greg

[email protected] July 15th 13 02:30 AM

Finding/Locating sewer line under basement floor
 
On Wednesday, January 11, 2012 1:04:38 PM UTC-5, Ron wrote:
I own a property that has a cast iron sewer line that runs under the

basement floor, and I want to be able to mark out and locate where it runs

under the basement floor. I know that I could hire a company to come out

and do that, but I am wondering if there are any fairly cheap, creative, and

interesting/fun ways for me to try to locate the line myself.



For example, is there some kind of small signal generator that I could

attach to a sewer line snake and detect the signal from above with some type

of detector? -- maybe something that Radio Shack or some electronics store

might sell?



Or, are there relatively inexpensive underground pipe-locating devices that

I could rent somewhere and do the job?



Would a metal detector be able to detect a cast iron pipe under a concrete

floor (assuming that the pipe is not down very far below the floor?



harryagain July 15th 13 09:16 PM

Finding/Locating sewer line under basement floor
 

wrote in message
...
On Wednesday, January 11, 2012 1:04:38 PM UTC-5, Ron wrote:
I own a property that has a cast iron sewer line that runs under the

basement floor, and I want to be able to mark out and locate where it
runs

under the basement floor. I know that I could hire a company to come out

and do that, but I am wondering if there are any fairly cheap, creative,
and

interesting/fun ways for me to try to locate the line myself.



For example, is there some kind of small signal generator that I could

attach to a sewer line snake and detect the signal from above with some
type

of detector?


Yes there are. Go down to your local tool hire shop.



mike[_22_] July 15th 13 09:39 PM

Finding/Locating sewer line under basement floor
 
On 7/15/2013 12:16 PM, harryagain wrote:
wrote in message
...
On Wednesday, January 11, 2012 1:04:38 PM UTC-5, Ron wrote:
I own a property that has a cast iron sewer line that runs under the

basement floor, and I want to be able to mark out and locate where it
runs

under the basement floor. I know that I could hire a company to come out

and do that, but I am wondering if there are any fairly cheap, creative,
and

interesting/fun ways for me to try to locate the line myself.



For example, is there some kind of small signal generator that I could

attach to a sewer line snake and detect the signal from above with some
type

of detector?


Yes there are. Go down to your local tool hire shop.


If it's not too deep, a metal detector.

The pipe locator guys inject a signal on the pipe
and detect it from above.

I built a crude one.
used a function generator at 6.5kHz to inject a signal between
the pipe and ground. That just happened to be the peak sensitivity
of the receiver.

Sensed it with a coil wound on a vertical ferrite stick.
Plugged that into the microphone input of a computer.
Used a sound card scope to detect it.
I used a pda and a spectrum analysis program, but any
old computer should work.



[email protected] June 12th 15 03:41 PM

Finding/Locating sewer line under basement floor
 
Dowsing works, don't knock it because you suck at it.


Ed Pawlowski June 12th 15 04:16 PM

Finding/Locating sewer line under basement floor
 
On 6/12/2015 9:41 AM, wrote:
Dowsing works, don't knock it because you suck at it.


There are a couple of pipe consultants if you live near New York. They
can find a pipe, open it, and even crawl through it to be sure no clogs.

Uncle Monster[_2_] June 12th 15 05:00 PM

Finding/Locating sewer line under basement floor
 
On Friday, June 12, 2015 at 8:41:39 AM UTC-5, wrote:
Dowsing works, don't knock it because you suck at it.


I'm sure the OP may have found the pipe in the 3 years since he made the post. ^_^

[8~{} Uncle Time Traveling Monster

Oren[_2_] June 12th 15 05:05 PM

Finding/Locating sewer line under basement floor
 
On Fri, 12 Jun 2015 10:16:46 -0400, Ed Pawlowski wrote:

There are a couple of pipe consultants if you live near New York. They
can find a pipe, open it, and even crawl through it to be sure no clogs.


LOL

Willy[_5_] June 12th 15 05:47 PM

Finding/Locating sewer line under basement floor
 
On 06/12/2015 09:41 AM, wrote:
Dowsing works, don't knock it because you suck at it.


Prove it or fut the shuck up!

http://web.randi.org/the-million-dollar-challenge.html

Phil Kangas[_4_] June 12th 15 07:52 PM

Finding/Locating sewer line under basement floor
 

"Willy" wrote in message
...
On 06/12/2015 09:41 AM,
wrote:
Dowsing works, don't knock it because you suck
at it.


Prove it or fut the shuck up!

http://web.randi.org/the-million-dollar-challenge.html


I believe it works by detecting the magnetic field
of the thing you're looking for. There is a phone
line from my house to the shop and dowsing will
find it easily. There is also an electrical line
from
the shop to the sauna and that is also easy to
detect. Dowsing for a water source is
unpredictable
in my opinion. Those that claim success I think
are paying educated attention to the geology of
the area in question.
The reason I believe it to be a magnetic thing is
because I use a 1/16 steel TIG rod. Alum brass
or SSTL doesn't have the same action.




Robert Green June 14th 15 02:14 AM

Finding/Locating sewer line under basement floor
 
"Phil Kangas" wrote in message

stuff snipped

I believe it works by detecting the magnetic field
of the thing you're looking for. There is a phone
line from my house to the shop and dowsing will
find it easily. There is also an electrical line
from
the shop to the sauna and that is also easy to
detect.


Could it be that they are easy to detect because you already know that they
are there? Every test of "cold dowsing" where the dowser has no idea of
what they are looking for ends pretty poorly.

Dowsing is considered to be a pseudoscience.

A 1948 study tested 58 dowsers' ability to detect water. None of them was
more reliable than chance. A 1979 review examined many controlled studies of
dowsing for water, and found that none of them showed better than chance
results. A 2006 study of grave dowsing in Iowa reviewed 14 published studies
and determined that none of them correctly predicted the location of human
burials, and simple scientific experiments demonstrated that the fundamental
principles commonly used to explain grave dowsing were incorrect.

A randomized double-blind trial in 2012 was carried out to determine whether
homeopaths were able to distinguish between Bryonia and placebo by use of a
dowsing method. The results were negative.

James Randi offered a US$10,000 prize to any successful dowser. The
three-day test of some 30 dowsers involved plastic pipes through which water
flow could be controlled and directed. The pipes were buried 50 centimeters
(19.7 in) under a level field, the position of each marked on the surface
with a colored strip. The dowsers had to tell whether water was running
through each pipe. All the dowsers signed a statement agreeing this was a
fair test of their abilities and that they expected a 100 percent success
rate. However, the results were no better than chance, thus no one was
awarded the prize.

A 1986 article in Nature included dowsing in a list of "effects which until
recently were claimed to be paranormal but which can now be explained from
within orthodox science."Specifically, dowsing could be explained in terms
of sensory cues, expectancy effects and probability. Skeptics and some
supporters believe that dowsing apparatus has no power of its own but merely
amplifies slight movements of the hands caused by a phenomenon known as the
ideomotor effect: people's subconscious minds may influence their bodies
without their consciously deciding to take action. This would make the
dowsing rods a conduit for the diviner's subconscious knowledge or
perception; but also susceptible to confirmation bias.

(This last paragraph explains what I said about knowing where the object was
already. It's easy to find a wire or pipe that you have a fairly good
reason to believe is already there - like a connection to an outbuilding.)

Source

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dowsing

--
Bobby G.



Tekkie® June 16th 15 10:50 PM

Finding/Locating sewer line under basement floor Good eating
 
Ed Pawlowski posted for all of us...



On 6/12/2015 9:41 AM, wrote:
Dowsing works, don't knock it because you suck at it.


There are a couple of pipe consultants if you live near New York. They
can find a pipe, open it, and even crawl through it to be sure no clogs.


If it's green it may not be a pickle...

--
Tekkie *Please post a follow-up*


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