All You Need to Know About Pipe Location

Author: Maria Williams

Utility tracing and pipe location are methods of using a transmitter in the process of locating the underground paths of water supply pipes, as well as electrical, drainage and gas systems.

Pipe location is an important process that will eliminate the need to excavate unnecessary land sections. If you do start with excavation before pipe location you'll be making the detection process more complicated. This is why the pipe location is crucial. The process of pipe location can prevent accidents, accelerate your work and also reduce any possible insurance costs.

In this article, we'll explain all the details concerning pipe locations that you can use in your favour. So, no matter whether you're a technician or need pipe location work at your place, you'll find out the importance of pipe location prior to excavating.

What Types of Lines Can Be Detected?

Pipe location systems can be used for locating other types of lines, such as:

  • Plastic plumbing lines
  • Cast iron pipes
  • Vitrified clay pipelines
  • Concrete plumbing lines
  • Water lines
  • Telephone lines
  • Electrical lines
  • Energised metallic cables

The line locator equipment uses audio signals so the technician can quickly and easily target the location of the line. After the search mode, the process of mapping takes place. It consists of mapping the transmitter as well as mapping the direction of the pipes. The third operating mode of the detector is the trace mode that will make a difference between energized and power lines.

How Does Pipe Location Process Work?

The pipe location system works as a metal detection system. The first step requires attaching the transmitter to a video camera cable. The cable is later on dropped into a sewer system or underground drain pipe. This way the technician can get the transmitter signal with a digital receiver. By receiving the signal the technician will know where exactly the audio signal is coming from, the precise location and depth.

Does Pipe Marking Increase Safety?

The contents and operating temperatures of the piping system can be easily displayed with the pipe location process. Sometimes it's essential just so the employees, engineers and the maintenance can apply all the safety procedures before dealing with any pipe repairs or other piping processes.

If it's done as it should be, pipe marking can, in fact, increase the safety of your house or building. Clear labelling and marking will help employees know what they're dealing with. Also, make sure you're marking the pipe system with signs concerning the direction of the flow. This practice will help employees easily to know from which direction they should access the issue.

Final Thoughts

Even though the pipe location may seem a process that can be skipped, it's wrong to do so. You will have to do all the extra work and face the consequences of not implementing the pipe location prior to any ventures or repairs.

To find out more about pipe location and utility tracing, you can always consult with experts from Sure Search!

Sure Search are experts in locating hidden water leaks and non – invasive subsurface site investigation. From simple to complex, large or small, commercial to residential jobs, our Leak Detection technicians use the most advanced technology for a non-destructive location of water, gas and sewer leaks.

Trusted by hundreds of clients because of our expertise and knowledge we have become proficient in finding water and gas leaks by incurring minimal disruption on every single property. By hiring our engineers and experienced plumbers with many years of practice you save time, money, unlike some of the other leak detection competitors.