AB-03Check for cables and pipes before you drillOld lath and plaster walls often have wiring that doesn't follow modern safe zones, so a detector helps but won't catch everything, especially deep or older cabling. Find your stopcock, usually under the kitchen sink, and check it turns freely so you can shut off water fast if you hit a pipe. If you have any doubt about what's behind your marked fixing points, isolate the circuit at the consumer unit before drilling, and don't proceed until you're confident it's clear.