Natwerk Designs

Do I have to worry about hitting pipes when hanging pictures?

I'm hanging some small pictures in my kitchen. I'm using 2 - 3 inch nails. Do I have to worry about hitting the pipes? How far are pipes from the drywall usually? Thanks for your help.

Public Comments

1. A house is typically framed using 2 x 4's so the wall behind the drywall is only 3 1/2" thick. Most copper water lines run up the center of the 2 x 4. The location of those lines is generally in the vicinity of the sink though. You should be safe on any other walls but I would use picture hangers with a 1" or so nail. Depending on the size of the picture, use two about six to eight inches apart. That will keep the picture from shifting to one side or the other.
2. I'd be more concerned about hitting an electrical line, than a pipe. You don't need 2-3 inch nails to hang a picture. Just use 1 inch nail or purchase picture hangers to do the job. As an aside water lines typically run under the floor joist and come up to the plumbing fixture, They usually don't run through the walls, like the wiring does.
3. Buy a stud finder. Put up picture with a 1" nail (with head) is plenty long.
4. not unless your in a bathroom and are hanging them near the floor. Why are you using such long nails?. short brads will work just as well.