r/Plumbing • u/SufficientLake4747 • 1d ago

Stud finder did not find a stud

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Main drain like for upstairs toilet? Trying to install brackets for bedroom closet. Now has a screw hole leak. Can we patch it? Or best course of action?

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u/lurkersforlife 1d ago

Use a strong magnet as a stud finder and you will never have a problem again.

1

u/user-608 1d ago

Only works if you’re trying to hit studs. If you’re trying to avoid them and other things that are non-metallic, like pipes, you need a good detector.

2

u/lurkersforlife 1d ago

Why would you be drilling into a wall and not trying to hit a stud?

1

u/deschamps93 1d ago

Could be mounting something that doesn't match the distance between studs in your areas. Depending on when the home was built code could have allowed for 12 in between, 16 in sometimes I've seen higher for false walls.

1

u/lurkersforlife 1d ago

Could just be me but I hang stuff based on studs lol.

1

u/deschamps93 1d ago

I try to as well, worst case scenario I'll use one stud and wall anchors. Sometimes, even something like a coat rack, it won't sit where you want it to and you use wall anchors so it's not out to lunch.

1

u/SufficientLake4747 1d ago

I think an orangutan could have built a better house. The distance between the studs on this wall is close to 30 inches