Omar Khalid
Locating underground plastic pipes can be a challenging task, requiring more skill than finding metal pipes with traditional detectors. The success of locating a plastic pipe often depends on the operator's skill and the equipment's quality. There are various methods available, each with its advantages and limitations. Hand-held pipe-finding tools can be effective, but only if the system has a tracing wire. Ground-penetrating radar (GPR) is another option, but it may require training to use effectively. Acoustic pipe locating is a popular method, but it is limited to detecting already damaged or leaking pipelines. Other techniques include electromagnetic conductivity, metal detectors, wire tracers, and utility locators. Each method has its strengths and weaknesses, and sometimes a combination of approaches may be necessary to accurately locate underground plastic pipes.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Metal detectors | Can be used to detect some types of underground pipes and wires. They can find ferrous metals like iron and steel, but not plastic pipes or lines. |
| GPR | GPR, or ground-penetrating radar, can be used to locate PVC and other non-metallic pipes underground. |
| Acoustic | Acoustic pipe locating involves using sound waves to pinpoint the location of underground utilities. |
| Electromagnetic conductivity | Electromagnetic conductivity detects electromagnetic signals, so it works with conductive utilities such as metal pipes and underground cables. |
| RTK-enabled devices | RTK-enabled devices are more accurate than radio frequencies for locating underground pipes. |
| Wire tracing | A single conductor wire is used to line the path of underground utilities. Each end of the wire is connected to a ground point for traceability. |
| Cable locators | Can be used to locate underground cables. |
| Sonde locators | Can be used to locate underground pipes. |
| Utility mapping professionals | Underground utility mapping professionals with 3D mapping capabilities can help locate unmarked PVC pipes. |
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What You'll Learn
Using a metal detector
If you are trying to locate a metal pipe, the first step is to determine the pipe's general direction by finding one end of its course. Then, hold the disk-shaped search coil of the metal detector just above the ground surface and sweep it back and forth slowly, following the pipe's direction. The signal strength will increase as you get closer to the pipe and peak when you are directly above it. Mark the start and endpoints of the pipe, as well as the entire pipeline with a straight line. Once you've located the pipe, you can use the metal detector to find its joints by sweeping it along the area where the pipeline is running. This is helpful if you need to replace a damaged section of the pipe.
It is also possible to locate underground plastic pipes with metal tracer wires. Tracer wires are attached to existing lines, such as sewer or water lines, and then you can walk along with your metal detector. The tracer wire emits an electric signal, which gets stronger as you get closer to the pipe.
While metal detectors can be useful, they may not always be accurate and can be challenging to operate. Locating underground pipes, especially PVC pipes, often requires skill and experience. Therefore, it is recommended to hire a professional utility locating service to ensure accuracy and safety.
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Employing a wire tracer or utility locator
A wire tracer, also known as a locator wire, is a single conductor wire that is laid along with pipes and other underground utilities during installation. This wire helps workers locate the utilities at a later time. The wire is searched for when the utility needs to be located, and each dead end is connected to a grounded point, creating a properly grounded tracer wire system. To find the wire, a wire tracer device is used, which emits a low-frequency signal to locate the non-energized wire. Tracer wires are available in different materials, including copper, copper-clad steel, and stainless steel, and can be insulated.
When using a wire tracer, it is important to optimize the distance the locator signal can travel. This can be achieved by installing new tracer wire with waterproof connectors and grounding anodes. Additionally, it is recommended to implement a policy to fix any breaks in the tracer wire system to maintain or improve the quality of the system. By attaching the tracer wire to the pipe at the top or center line, the depth and location of the pipe can be accurately determined.
Utility locators, such as the u-LOCATE, Rex multi-frequency locator, and GA-92XTd Magnetic Locator, are also effective tools for locating underground plastic pipes. These devices use a combination of technologies, such as multi-frequency signals and magnetic location, to accurately locate underground utilities. Utility locators can be used by professionals in various industries, including water, sewer, gas, electric, and telecommunications. They help prevent costly damages, utility strikes, and service outages.
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Acoustic pipe locating
The process involves using a specialised device with microphones or sensors to capture the acoustic signals produced by the flow of water or other substances inside the pipes. An operator will look for an acoustic impedance mismatch, or a difference in acoustic properties, between the pipes, the material inside the pipes, and the surrounding environment. Acoustic pipe locating is particularly useful for urban infrastructure management, industrial facilities, and utility maintenance.
Acoustic methods have proven to be a potential supplement to existing techniques for locating both metallic and non-metallic pipes. Acoustic transmission, as a trenchless technique, has been applied in underground utility detection and is useful for locating a wide range of soil types and non-metallic objects.
One example of a non-metallic underground pipe locator is the CombiPhon, which generates an acoustic sound on plastic or AC water tubing. An acoustic leak locator can then be used to detect the pipe location, just as one would locate a leak noise. The sound will be the strongest directly over the pipe.
Sonde transmitters can be installed on the end of glass fibre rods to locate the end of the probe rod and determine where the pipe bends, tees, or ends.
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Ground-penetrating radar
GPR works by transmitting electromagnetic radio waves from an antenna attached to a rolling cart. When a wave hits an object, it bounces back to the antenna, creating a reading that displays the "bounces" as parabolas. An experienced technician can interpret these readings to determine the type of material located and how deep it is by measuring the distance the wave travelled.
Underground pipes are often visualized as hyperbolic arches, with the sharper and higher the arch, the smaller the pipe. This is because the waves reflect off different objects in different ways. For example, the top hyperbola is caused by the GPR reflection from the top of the plastic pipe, while the lower one is from the bottom of the pipe. This makes GPR particularly effective at locating underground plastic pipes.
When using GPR to locate pipes, it is helpful to know the general location of the pipes and the direction they are running. Before beginning, check any schematics or blueprints for clues. Once you know where to scan, roll the unit in a straight line, perpendicular to the direction the pipes are running. When a reading appears, back up the unit and mark the location. Then, move the system a few yards down, following the direction of the pipes, and repeat the process.
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$375
Hiring a professional
Locating underground plastic pipes can be a challenging task due to the lack of metal content in the pipes, which renders traditional metal detectors ineffective. While there are various methods and tools available for detecting underground plastic pipes, hiring a professional is often the best option to ensure accuracy and safety.
Professionals have access to advanced equipment and technologies that can accurately detect underground plastic pipes. They possess expertise in using ground-penetrating radar (GPR) technology, which is highly effective in locating plastic pipes. GPR systems transmit signals into the ground and analyse the returning signals to determine the composition of underground objects. This technology can accurately map metal and plastic pipes, saving time and money in the long run.
Another advantage of hiring a professional is their ability to utilise acoustic pipe locating methods. Acoustic pipe locating is a technique commonly employed by professionals to detect already damaged or leaking pipelines. While it may not be suitable for intact pipes, professionals can use this method to identify problems with underground plastic pipes before they become more severe.
Underground utility mapping professionals with 3D mapping capabilities offer the most precise way to locate unmarked plastic pipes. They can create detailed maps of the underground infrastructure, helping to identify the exact locations of plastic pipes. This service is especially valuable for construction projects or excavations to prevent accidental damage to utility lines.
When hiring a professional, it is essential to select a reputable company with experience in locating underground plastic pipes. Ensure they have the necessary equipment, such as GPR and acoustic tools, and inquire about their success rate in locating plastic pipes. By choosing a qualified and skilled professional, you can minimise the risks associated with underground utility strikes, which can be costly and dangerous.
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Frequently asked questions
There are several methods to find underground plastic pipes. You can use a metal detector with a tracer wire or locator wire, which emits an electric signal that gets stronger when you're close to the pipe. You can also use a pipe locator, which is a type of metal detector that sends vibrations into the ground and listens for low sounds that bounce back. Another method is ground-penetrating radar (GPR), which can locate non-metallic pipes. Acoustic PVC detectors are also an option, but they may be more suitable for frequent users rather than renters due to cost.
The cheapest way to find underground plastic pipes is by using a metal detector with a tracer wire. Metal detectors can be purchased at many major retailers or online and are relatively inexpensive compared to other methods.
Yes, there are a few DIY methods that you can try. One is to use a long electrician's or plumber's tape with a metal detector. Another method is to fill the pipe with water and search for evidence of water leakage near the drainage area.
Locating underground plastic pipes can be challenging, especially if you don't have the right equipment or expertise. It's recommended to call a professional if you are planning extensive excavation or if you need accurate and reliable results. Professionals use underground utility mapping with 3D mapping capabilities to locate unmarked pipes.
