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How to Drill Into Drywall - Tips to Avoid Drilling Into Pipes & Wires

Many people are slightly leery of drilling into drywall. This is mainly because they’ve experienced (either personally or secondhand) the disastrous results that can occur when you accidentally hit a pipe or another essential fixture hidden behind a piece of drywall.

The key here is not to avoid the process but rather to know how to avoid drilling into wires, pipes, and other infrastructure. Read on to learn about how to avoid drilling into pipes, as well as other essential aspects of drilling into drywall.

Understanding Drywall Drilling Basics

The basics of drilling into drywall are fairly simple, but they bear repeating. Here’s a basic step-by-step guide to the process:

  1. Choose an appropriate drill bit and bit size for your application. For instance, if you are drilling a hole for a ¼” drywall anchor, you should use a ¼” drill bit as well.
  2. Mark the area where you will be drilling, ensuring that you have a clear and concise marked location. 
  3. Identify any potential hazards using visual assessment and tools like a stud finder. Be sure to avoid drilling in any locations where hitting a hazard is likely.
  4. Don’t try to drill quickly. Drill slowly and steadily to avoid drilling too deep or damaging the drywall.
  5. Consider using smaller-size pilot holes to make drilling the larger hole easier.

Common In-Wall Hazards (Wires, Pipes, and More)

When drilling into drywall, you may encounter several potential hazards.

The most common of these is electrical wiring since most of it is hidden within the walls to keep them safe and out of sight. Another common hazard is plumbing, which is also commonly hidden inside drywalling.

Natural gas pipelines for radiators, cooking apparatus, and water heating systems may also run within the walls. If drilled into, all of these hazards are potentially hazardous.

How to Drill Into Drywall Safely

While it may sound like a complex endeavor, knowing how to drill into drywall safely is fairly simple. Here are the main points:

  • Always look for potential hazards and obstructions using a stud finder and visual inspection. 
  • Bear in mind that wiring typically travels either vertically (which is most common in light switches) or horizontally (which is often the case with sockets and outlets) in line with an electrical object installation. It’s best to avoid drilling in a direct line to the top, bottom, or sides of an outlet or switch.
  • The same rule of thumb applies to plumbing fixtures and gas fixtures. However, this isn’t a foolproof rule as multiple installations may be close together in rooms with minimal space for running electrical, plumbing, and gas lines or in homes with constricting floor space.
  • Both residential and plumbing codes (post-2018) require builders to place steel plates around wires or pipes that pass through wall studs or are less than 1¼“ deep. Try to keep your holes to a maximum depth of around 1” or 1⅛” to avoid hitting wires or plates. If you encounter heavy resistance while drilling, you may have encountered one of these plates, and you should stop drilling immediately.

Tools to Use for Safe Drilling

When it comes to drilling into drywall, there are a few simple tools that can help. These tools can also be incredibly helpful if you want to avoid drilling into pipes or wires.

The first tools you’ll need are a tape measure or ruler and some masking tape. Typically, the sheetrock used for installing drywalling has a thickness of around ½ an inch. 

By measuring this depth on your drill bit and applying a masking tape “flag” as a marker, you can ensure that you consistently drill to a safe and even depth.

You also need to ensure that you use the correct drill bits for this application. Depending on the intended purpose, these may include masonry bits, twist bits, high-speed steel (HSS) bits, and brad-point bits.

Most experts agree that it’s best to use a standard drill bit with a 118-degree or 135-degree cutting angle rather than something more specialized like a Forstner or a spade bit.  

It’s also well worth investing in a stud finder. While this is by no means a perfect tool, and it may not pick up on every pipe or wire installed in the wall, it will give you an indication in most cases. This will help you to avoid drilling into essential infrastructure.

Best Practices for Avoiding Hazards

When drilling into drywall, there are a few general practices you can apply to help you ensure that the process goes as safely as possible:

  • Before drilling any holes, ensure that the water and gas in your home are disconnected or shut off. That way, any unfortunate accidents are less likely to result in major problems.
  • Turn off the electrical breakers in the area where you’ll be drilling. This will prevent electrocution if you happen to hit an electrical wire.
  • Wear protective gear, remove any loose clothing, and ensure that long hair is safely tied up.
  • Use a sharp drill bit of the appropriate type to ensure the drilling process goes smoothly.
  • Try not to drill in the immediate vicinity of any outlets, switches, or plumbing fixtures to help minimize the likelihood of hitting pipes or wires.
  • Try not to drill any deeper than absolutely necessary. As mentioned earlier, this generally means drilling to a depth of around ½”.
  • Use your stud finder, and visual inspection, to check both sides of the wall before you start drilling. Doing so will minimize the risk of not noticing a possible hazard.

Conclusion: Safety First in Drywall Drilling

Drilling into drywall is possible and often necessary. As long as you know how to avoid electrical wires when drilling, you’re off to a great start. This article has provided all the essential information you need to help you safely and successfully drill holes into drywall.

Remember to use the listed tools and information to help you determine the location of pipes and wires, and you can easily install your drywall anchors and other fasteners.

To find the best fasteners for your drilling projects, visit our shop and browse through our extensive offer!

FAQs

Can you drill into drywall?

Yes, you can drill into drywall, and many DIY projects will require you to do so. The key here is to learn how to practice safe drywall drilling so you can avoid drilling into pipes, wires, and other infrastructure. Remember to use the appropriate drill bit when drilling into this kind of wall.

Can you drill above an outlet? 

Yes, you can drill above an outlet since most electrical wiring for outlets runs horizontally. However, you should use a tool like a stud finder to confirm that this is the case in the wall you want to drill in. It’s also a good idea to familiarize yourself with your home’s electrical layout so you can drill in the safest possible way.

Can I use a normal drill for drywall?

Yes, you can use a normal drill when drilling into drywall. However, you should ensure that you use appropriate drill bits. These include twist bits, spade bits, and masonry bits. The key is to determine which bit type will best suit your intended purpose.

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