I need to install a water line for a new fridge, and would like to know what is on the other side prior to drilling a hole in the floor – is there any tool which would let me place a "marker" or a "beacon" where I intend to drill the hole, then go into my basement, and find where it would end up on the other side if I were to drill there?
edit: I have done my best to measure/map it, unfortunately I don't think it's very accurate since I don't have a good point of reference on both levels. I was hoping for something other than drilling a pilot hole, because there is an air vent that runs in that general area, and I don't want to poke a hole in it
Best Answer
The most common technique (other than careful measuring and mapping) is to drill a very small pilot hole through the flooring alongside the baseboard. The hole can be less than 1/8 and you can run a straightened clothes hanger through the hole to find it in the basement.
The hole would probably be behind or under the appliance, if the location were good, or it could be filled with wood putty or something similar if it shows.