An Overview of Different Methods For Locating Underground Utilities

Before you can start a construction project, you will have to dig up the ground and the last thing you want is to hit an underground water line or any other underground utility. It will not only cost you to fix the damages but will also expose you to further danger and delay your building project. Before excavation, you need to hire a water line locator service in Colorado to find areas that are safe enough.



In this article, you will discover some of the different methods for locating underground utilities like water, gas, electricity, and others.

1. Conduction


The conduction method involves the connection of a locator to the transmitter next to a target utility line. The transmitter is directly placed next to one of the access points of the utility. After which the transmitter is set to a certain frequency and energy source to match the frequency of the utility line you want to locate. It makes it easier for the receiver to accurately trace only the target line to avoid confusion with other utilities in the area.

2. Induction

Although the conduction method is usually preferred, there are cases where the target utility line has no access point for locators to connect to. In such cases, the induction method using a ring clamp is your sure bet. The induction method involves the connection of a clamp to the transmitter instead of the normal access points.


When you secure an inductive clamp around a cable, the signal from the transmitter is sent to a coil within the clamp and later to the target line. The locator then sets the receiver to have the same frequency as the transmitter, which allows them to trace the underground utilities.

3. Electromagnetic

Electromagnetic locating is a method that utility locates in Colorado prefer, especially with metal pipes that can conduct electromagnetic frequency. However, when locating non-ductile pipes like water pipes, sewer lines, or concrete pipes, locators use a duct rod and sonde.


A sonde is an electromagnetic frequency transmitter that makes use of batteries. It can emit various frequencies and comes in several sizes too. In this method, the sonde gets fit to a flexible duct rod which can be inserted into pipes through access points.


As the sonde emits a frequency, the locator sets the receiver to match its frequency for easy identification. It also makes it possible for utility locators to determine the exact location of the target utility line.

Conclusion

Whether you want to start digging on your private property or you want to go for a bigger excavation project, safety is very important. Don't hesitate to hire a water line locator service in Colorado as it can help you avoid wasting your time and resources. Enlist some of the best utility locating companies today.

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