I'm looking for some advice on how to run Ethernet from my first floor to my basement. The problem is, I'm not sure if the internal walls line up correctly, so I'm worried that if I just drill a hole, it might not come out where I expect it to. My basement has a permanent drop ceiling, so I can't access the space above. What's the best method to tackle this? Should I just measure carefully and maybe drill a small hole that I can patch up if it doesn't work, or is there a better way?
3 Answers
Consider picking a closet or another less visible spot to run your Ethernet. That way, if you have an exposed cable, it won't be a big deal. It's ideal to test drill in places where an exposed cable wouldn’t bother you.
If you can’t find a good route inside, think about using outdoor-rated cable and run it along the exterior of your house. A local telecom service might help you out for a small fee if you’d rather not tackle it yourself.
Start by looking for walls that usually line up between floors—like return ducts. These often use the stud walls to run down to the basement and can easily be found by checking where the main return trunk duct connects in the basement. You can also follow the main sewer drain up, as it usually shares that same alignment principle. Staircases often stack up directly over each other too. If your home has load-bearing walls, they typically align with the columns in your basement, making them another target for your drilling. Just keep an eye out for these indicators!
Thanks, good tips! I’ll do some more investigation.
I do this for a living! A neat trick is to attach a flag like the ones we use to mark underground lines to your drill. It leaves a small hole, but allows for better tracking to see where you are while drilling.