Expert: Sharon McCarthy - 11/17/2009

Question
QUESTION: how can we know in pipe of water where is the water route
without destroy pipe

ANSWER: Dear Mohammed,

  Is this a pipe outside or inside the house? And you don't know where the pipe begins? This is hard for me to visualize from your question. I'm assuming you found a water pipe and you don't know which direction the water flows. Is that right? Can you tell me what material the pipe is made of? Like is it copper or plastic or galvanized?

  I might be able to help you better if you could give me a few more details. Please write back, OK? Sharon

---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION:  Is this a pipe outside or inside the house? it's in the kitchen.
I'm assuming you found a water pipe and you don't know which direction the water flows. Is that right? yes
Can you tell me what material the pipe is made of? Like is it copper or plastic or galvanized? no difference it's water pipe


Answer
Dear Mohammed,

  It's been a while since you wrote the first time. I do remember your question. So you have a water pipe in your kitchen, I assume under the sink or in the floor. And you don't know which way the water flows? So you don't see any beginning or end to the pipe? Do you want to utilize the water in this pipe farther on? It would help if you explained why you need to know the direction of flow. If you open any part of a waterline, you'll have water, regardless of which way it's flowing.

  Is this a matter of where the source of water is regarding who pays for the water? Otherwise, I honestly find your question pretty mysterious! Why I asked about what material, if you want to use the water in the pipe, or you want to close the pipe off, in either case this might be difficult if the pipe is galvanized. Galvanized pipe is threaded on the ends, and you can only connect a line or close off a line at a threaded end.

  Copper pipe can be cut and a fitting can be soldered at any point, or a compression fitting can be used to connect or close off the line. PVC plastic can be easily cut and fittings or caps glued on. I must repeat, I'll need more details to properly answer your question. sharon