There are different types of equipment that are used for locating underground utilities. Let us go through the details in the following sections.
Equipment Used for Locating Underground Utilities
Ground Penetrating Radar
This tool makes use of different frequencies for obtaining data available at various depths. However, the normal frequency used for locating utilities is 400 MHz. Ground penetrating radar or GPR can be utilized for determining the size of depth for utilities and works well in sandy soils but, is not appropriate for clay soils.
Electromagnetic Conductivity
These instruments are used for measuring conductivity at the ground level and are used for detecting buried metal utilities such as concrete pipes (steel reinforced) and electrical duct banks.
Frequency Locators
These frequency locators also play an important role in locating buried utilities. It can be used for detecting energy released by buried phone, electric, and fiber optic lines.
Usually, technicians attach a transmitter to exposed connection such as a utility line for augmenting signal that frequency locator receives.
Magnetometers
These are capable of locating buried ferrous metal or iron utilities. Moreover, these magnetometers are usually quite sensitive and are able to locate even deep utilities.
Cable Locators
These tools are designed in such a way that they can locate phone or electric cables. Cable locators make use of high or low frequency for locating cables buried under ground at considerable distances.
Manhole Locators
These manhole locators prove to be useful in locating buried metal utility covers as well as manholes which are usually hidden under the ground.
Vacuum or Hydro Excavation
Vacuum excavation proves to be a non-destructive as well as fast method of locating and exposing underground utilities.
In this method, high pressure air is utilized for breaking up the soil and after that the soil is vacuumed. This technique is also known as soft digging or potholing.