Maya Ellison
Locating plastic pipes underground can be a challenging task, requiring more skill and listening ability than detecting metal pipes with traditional methods. One common method for locating plastic pipes is by using tracer wires or locator wires. This involves attaching a tracer wire to an existing line, such as a sewer or water line, and walking along your property with a metal detector. Pipe locators, which are metal detectors specifically designed to locate water lines, can also be used and are widely available for purchase or rental. Ground-penetrating radar (GPR) is another technology used to locate plastic pipes, but its effectiveness depends on factors such as pipe material, depth, and soil composition. Other methods include visual inspection, acoustic detection, and electromagnetic conductivity, each with its own advantages and limitations.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Traditional method | Banging on above-ground structures with an ear to the ground |
| Visual inspection | Check for any visible pipes leading from the building or near utility access points |
| Tracer wire or locator wire | Attach a tracer wire to an existing line and walk along your property with a metal detector |
| Pipe locator | Metal detectors that send vibrations into the ground and listen for low sounds that bounce back |
| Acoustic method | Use sound waves to pinpoint the location of underground utilities |
| Electromagnetic conductivity | Detect electromagnetic signals from conductive utilities such as metal pipes and underground cables |
| Radio frequencies | Induce currents in metallic pipes to detect their location and depth |
| Ground-penetrating radar (GPR) | Send electromagnetic pulses underground and read reflected signals to identify what's below the surface |
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What You'll Learn
Using a pipe locator or metal detector
Metal detectors can be used to find tracer wires, which are attached to existing lines, such as sewer or water lines. The user can then walk along their property with the metal detector, following the electric signal emitted by the tracer wire, which gets stronger as the user gets closer to the wire.
Pipe locators, which are a type of metal detector, can also be used to locate water lines. These tools can be purchased from major retailers or online. They work by sending vibrations into the ground and listening to the low sounds that bounce back.
It is important to note that locating underground PVC pipes is generally more challenging than locating metal pipes, as it requires greater skill and listening abilities from the operator, as well as favourable conditions for the detector. To increase the chances of success, it is recommended to invest in high-quality equipment with features like different microphones, ground probes, and filters for eliminating background noise.
Ground-penetrating radar (GPR) is another technology that can be used to locate PVC and other non-metallic pipes. GPR accurately maps metal and PVC pipes by transmitting a signal into the ground and measuring the speed at which it returns to the receiver. This technology is more commonly used by professionals and requires some training to operate successfully.
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Tracer wire or locator wire
Tracer wire, also called locating wire, locator wire, or locating cable, is a single conductor wire laid along pipes and other underground utilities during installation. It is used to assist in locating pipes and other lines after they’ve been buried in the ground. Once installed, tracer wire helps workers find those assets later on.
Tracer wire is available in copper, copper-clad steel, and stainless steel, and can be insulated with several options. Once a pipe, conduit, or other utility is installed, tracer wire is placed along the length of it and buried. This wire is searched for when the utility needs to be located. Though most of the wire is buried underground, each dead end is connected to a grounded point. This connection creates a properly grounded tracer wire system that can be easily found by above-ground locating equipment.
To find underground wires, crews use a wire tracer – an above-ground device that emits a low-frequency signal to find the non-energized wire. The wire tracer emits an electric signal that gets stronger when you get closer to it. Tracer wire can be used to find plastic pipes by attaching the wire to one of your existing lines, such as a sewer or water line, and then walking along your property with a metal detector.
While tracer wire is a useful tool for locating underground utilities, it is important to note that there are other methods available as well. For example, ground-penetrating radar (GPR) can be used to locate PVC and other non-metallic pipes underground. Additionally, detectable tape can be used to mark the location of plastic pipes, although this method is less precise than tracer wire.
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Acoustic methods
One advantage of acoustic methods is their efficiency across a wide range of soil types and non-metallic object detection. They do not rely on metallic properties to detect objects, which makes them particularly useful for locating plastic pipes that do not contain any metal. Acoustic methods can also be used to detect underground utilities, such as water lines, sewer lines, and other non-metallic pipes.
The shear wave method, for example, has been successful in locating plastic pipes despite the low resolution of images. This method involves insonifying the ground with an acoustic source and analysing the resulting seismic displacements to determine the location of the pipe.
Another acoustic method is the pipe excitation technique, which has robust performance even in the presence of background noise. However, this method has limitations in terms of access requirements to the pipe and the inability to estimate burial depth.
It is worth noting that acoustic PVC detectors can be more challenging to operate and are less commonly available than metal detectors. As a result, some people choose to bury their PVC pipes with a metallic target, such as metal tape or a tracer wire, to make future detection easier with a metal detector.
Overall, acoustic methods offer a promising approach to locating underground plastic pipes, providing accurate localisation and overcoming the challenges posed by non-metallic materials.
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Ground-penetrating radar (GPR)
GPR is a proven, cost-effective solution to help locate buried utilities. GPR excels at locating not only metallic but also non-metallic utilities that cannot be found using traditional electromagnetic (EM) methods. These non-metallic utilities are often referred to as "non-locatables". For example, GPR was able to successfully locate and map the entire path of a water pipe, both the metallic and PVC sections, enabling the building manager to locate the route of the pipe and the position of the valve for maintenance.
GPR can also identify non-metallic pipes, including PVC pipes, through dielectric contrast. GPR detects contrasts in the dielectric properties of different materials, which represent how well a material can store electrical energy. By emitting high-frequency electromagnetic waves into the ground, GPR measures the reflections of these waves when they encounter changes in dielectric properties. The contrasting dielectric constant of the PVC pipe compared to the surrounding soil allows GPR to detect and identify the presence of the pipe.
Additionally, GPR can provide accurate, real-time information about what's buried beneath the soil, which can be shared with others involved in a project. With the right system and scanning strategies, GPR can provide accurate 3D data of the subsurface material, offering unprecedented clarity without the need to dig. GPR is, therefore, an invaluable tool for locating utilities and mapping subsurface infrastructure for construction projects.
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Visual inspection
One simple visual inspection method is to trace the pipes from known water entry points, such as taps, sprinklers, or other water sources. While this may not provide an exact location, it helps identify the general areas where underground plastic pipes may be present. This approach is particularly useful when combined with knowledge of the building's infrastructure, such as the layout of water lines and the placement of studs in walls.
In addition to visual tracing and soil disturbance inspection, it is beneficial to inspect the ground for any signs of sinkholes or areas prone to sinkhole formation. Sinkholes can indicate underground voids or cavities, which may contain pipes or utilities. However, this method is more focused on hazard identification than precise pipe location.
Another visual inspection technique involves the use of tracer wires or locator wires. By attaching tracer wires to existing lines, such as sewer or water lines, and then walking the property with a metal detector, the electric signal emitted by the tracer wire can guide you towards the underground plastic pipes. This method provides a stronger signal as you get closer to the pipes, making it a useful visual and auditory indicator.
Furthermore, when planning new installations, it is highly recommended to install tracer wires alongside plastic pipes. This proactive measure significantly simplifies future visual inspections and makes locating underground plastic pipes a more straightforward process.
While visual inspection techniques provide valuable information, they often serve as preliminary steps or complementary methods to more advanced technologies, such as ground-penetrating radar (GPR) or acoustic detection, which offer higher accuracy and the ability to locate pipes at greater depths. Nonetheless, combining visual inspection methods with other techniques can help ensure safe and efficient pipe location and prevent costly disruptions.
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Frequently asked questions
There are several ways to find plastic pipes underground, including:
- Using a pipe locator or metal detector: These devices can detect electromagnetic signals or send vibrations into the ground and listen for echoes.
- Tracer wire: Attach a tracer wire to an existing line, such as a sewer or water line, and walk along your property with a metal detector. The signal emitted by the wire gets stronger as you get closer to it.
- Ground-penetrating radar (GPR): GPR sends electromagnetic pulses underground and reads the reflected signals to identify what's below the surface. However, it may be less effective for plastic pipes, which produce weaker signals.
- Acoustic methods: These devices use sound waves and microphones to detect differences in sound emitted by underground pipes.
- Visual inspection: In some cases, pipes may be partially visible above ground, leading from a building or near utility access points.
GPR can be used to locate plastic pipes, but its effectiveness depends on factors such as pipe material, depth, and soil composition. Plastic pipes may produce weaker signals, making them harder to detect. Shallower pipes are generally easier to locate than deeper ones, and dense or clay-like soils may hinder GPR's effectiveness.
Alternative methods include:
- Using a long electrician's or plumber's tape with a metal detector
- Filling the pipe with water and searching for evidence of water leakage above ground
- Digging a perpendicular ditch towards the expected path of the pipe
Yes, there are commercial pipe locators designed specifically for detecting plastic pipes. Some popular options include:
- Radiodetection RD7100: Used for locating various utility lines, including PVC pipes, offering accuracy and flexibility.
- SubSurface Instruments PL-1500: Known for its user-friendliness and effectiveness in finding non-metallic pipes.
- Ridgid 19238 NaviTrack Scout Locator: Crafted for tracking underground utilities, including PVC pipes, with accuracy and reliability.
- UtiliTrac TMX2 Locator: Excels at locating non-metallic pipes, including PVC.
Yes, underground utility locating services use special equipment and skilled professionals to precisely locate PVC pipes and other utilities. These services typically combine electromagnetic equipment, GPR technology, and trained technicians to mark the locations of pipes and other underground utilities.
