Ethan Clarke
Locating buried plastic water lines can be a challenging task, especially since most new water pipes are made of non-metallic materials. Traditional methods such as ground-penetrating radar (GPR) and metal detectors are not always effective in detecting plastic pipes. However, there are several techniques and technologies available to help in this process. These include acoustic locating, which involves sending acoustic waves through the water line and listening for the pulsing water with a geophone; using tracer wires attached to the plastic pipe; and specialised equipment such as the AML PVC Pipe Detector, which uses ultra-high radio frequencies to locate underground PVC pipes. In some cases, professionals may utilise underground utility mapping with 3D mapping capabilities to accurately identify unmarked PVC pipes.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Pipe material | Plastic, PVC, Copper, Steel, Iron, Asbestos Cement |
| Pipe type | Potable (drinkable) and Irrigation (non-drinkable) |
| Detection methods | Acoustic, GPR, Electromagnetic Conductivity, Ferromagnetic, Tracer Wire, Metal Detector |
| Tools | Acoustic PVC Detector, AML PVC Pipe Detector, GPR Units, LD-12 Water Leak Detector |
| Challenges | Non-conductive material, depth of burial, lack of tracer wire, ambient noise |
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What You'll Learn
Acoustic pipe locating
The process involves using a specialised device with microphones or sensors to detect the acoustic signals produced by the flow of water or other substances inside the pipes. The operator looks for an acoustic impedance mismatch, or a difference in acoustic properties, between the pipes, their contents, and the surrounding environment. This technique is non-invasive and can precisely identify pipe locations without the need for disruptive excavation, saving time, resources, and potential damage to existing structures.
To use acoustic pipe locating, it is helpful to have a basic idea of where the PVC pipe may be located. The user then traces the line by finding the location of the loudest response and repeating this process at several points to visualise the pipe's path. The sound will be the strongest directly over the pipe.
Acoustic pipe locators can be used in conjunction with ground-penetrating radar and electromagnetic locators to ensure comprehensive mapping of underground services in various soil types. This combination of methods is particularly useful for locating buried PVC pipes before they become a problem, as it saves time and money.
While acoustic pipe locating is a valuable tool, it is important to note that it is only suitable for locating already damaged or leaking pipelines. For intact pipelines, other methods such as tracer wires or professional utility mapping may be more effective.
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Tracer wires
Tracer wire is placed along the length of the pipe and buried, with each dead end connected to a grounded point. This creates a properly grounded tracer wire system that can be easily found by above-ground locating equipment. To install tracer wire, it is placed in a trench alongside the pipe, either in the 3 or 6 o'clock position. It is important to be consistent with its placement to properly trace it in the future.
After installing the tracer wire, it is important to perform a locate test before signing off. This can help to prevent costly repairs, delays, or service disruptions in the future. To find underground wires, crews use a wire tracer – a device that emits a low-frequency signal to find the non-energized wire.
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Ground-penetrating radar (GPR)
GPR works by sending electromagnetic radio waves or signals into the ground. When the radio waves or signals encounter a buried object or a boundary between materials with different permittivities, they bounce back to the antenna, creating a reading that displays those "bounces" as parabolas. An experienced GPR technician interprets this reading to determine the type of material located. GPR antennas are generally in contact with the ground for the strongest signal strength, but GPR air-launched antennas can also be used above the ground.
GPR is particularly useful when traditional methods of locating underground utilities, such as electromagnetic (EM) methods, fail to detect nonmetallic utilities, often referred to as "non-locatables." For example, GPR was able to successfully locate and map the entire path of a water pipe, including both metallic and PVC sections, to the buried water valve lid.
GPR is also used in various other applications, including archaeology, criminology, and military operations. In archaeology, GPR is used for mapping archaeological features and cemeteries, while in criminology, it helps search for burial sites and locate buried evidence. The military uses GPR for detecting mines, unexploded ordnance, and tunnels.
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Private utility locators
Private utility locating services use specialized equipment to identify underground water lines. They use ground-penetrating radar (GPR) and electromagnetic conductivity (EM) devices to detect pipes. GPR technology can identify anomalies as deep as 50 feet below the surface and is used for all major utilities, storage tanks, drain fields, and more.
The method for locating buried pipes depends on the material. Most drainage pipes today are made of PVC, but older homes may have pipes made of steel, iron, or copper. Underground metal pipes can be located using ferromagnetic detection (FM) or GPR.
For PVC pipes, acoustic PVC detectors can be used to trace the line by finding the location of the loudest response and repeating this process to identify multiple points, which helps visualize the pipe's path. Metal detectors can also be used to find tracer wires attached to existing lines, such as sewer or water lines.
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AML PVC pipe detector
Locating buried plastic water pipes can be a challenging task. While metal pipes can be located using a magnetic pipe locator, the same doesn't work for non-metallic pipes. In the past, workers would bang on above-ground structures with an ear to the ground, trying to trace PVC lines. However, with advancements in technology, there are now more efficient ways to locate buried plastic water pipes.
One such method is the use of acoustic PVC detectors. By finding the location of the loudest response and tracing out multiple points, you can visualize where the pipe is located. Digging small holes or using a probe can help disturb the ground and pipe as little as possible during the process.
Another effective way to locate buried plastic water pipes is by using the AML PVC Pipe Detector, also known as "All Material Locators". AML Pro utilizes modulated, ultra-high radio frequencies to detect differences in subsurface densities, allowing it to locate not just plastic pipes but also nearly any other subsurface object with an edge. This includes materials such as metal, wood, cable, or pipe.
The AML PVC Pipe Detector is a highly technical scientific instrument that is easy to use and provides efficient results. It features a comprehensive user interface and a comfortable grip, ensuring accurate readings in any weather condition. Additionally, it comes with a waterproof and impact-resistant carrying case, making it convenient for transit and on-site jobs.
The AML PVC Pipe Detector is particularly advantageous because it works in various conditions, including clay, wet soil, snow, or even standing water, which is a limitation of Ground Penetrating Radar (GPR). This makes it an ideal tool for professionals in the utility, water, gas, and cable industries, helping them locate objects faster and maximize job efficiency. Furthermore, with its headphone jack, users can listen to audio signals using the included noise-isolating headphones.
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Frequently asked questions
You can use an acoustic PVC detector to trace the line. You can also use a metal detector to find a tracer wire or locator wire attached to the plastic pipe.
A tracer wire is attached to an existing line, such as a sewer or water line, and then walked along the property.
You can use ground-penetrating radar (GPR), electromagnetic conductivity, ferromagnetic tools, or a water leak detector.
GPR produces a two-dimensional cross-section image of subsurface items, including buried PVC pipes or other objects. GPR images can be converted to 3D using raw field data and post-processing software.
