What Does
Utility Location Mean?
Utility location can be defined as the process of locating underground utilities prior to beginning a trenchless project. The vast network of underground pipelines carrying water, sewage, gas, electric and telephone cables, etc. make it difficult to dig underground without damaging one or more of them.
Damaged pipelines can increase the cost of a project considerably. Thus, it is essential to know the location of existing utilities before starting any trenchless operation.
Trenchlesspedia Explains Utility Location
Local One Call offices or Digsafe can give an approximate location of the utility in question when you're attempting a project that might damage it. But, sometimes, it is possible to miss the mark by a few inches due to interference.
Utility locating equipment works by locating signals transmitted from utility lines. Many utility lines transmit signals or give off a charge and each line transmits a different signal that can be picked up by locators. In cases where the line does not transmit a signal, a transmitter is used to induce the signal on a metal utility line that allows the locator to pick up that signal. Utility location employs either active or passive locating methods and includes ground penetrating radar.