Many underground facilities and structures remain unmarked, even by the 811 system. At Safe Site, our technicians are equipped with top-tier equipment and training. This ensures precise marking of your job site. We at Safe Site are committed to delivering quality, timely, and safe locates. Our goal is to protect your crews and the public from hidden underground dangers.
Private utilities may include but are not limited to:
- Site lighting for parking lots, walkways, etc
- Fire Mains
- Water mains and services on private property
- Natural gas, or propane lines to pool heaters, BBQs or secondary buildings
- Nitrogen, oxygen, or other industrial gas lines
- Sewer laterals
- Septic tanks and systems
- Fuel tanks and systems
- Water tanks and systems
- Chilled water lines
- Steam lines
- Electrical, communication, fire alarm, and special systems lines connecting
- Cellular sites
- Storm, roof, or industrial drains
- Irrigation systems
What is Underground Utility Locating?
Traditional underground utility locating primarily uses electromagnetic methods. This technique is effective for metallic utilities or those paired with a metallic ‘tracer wire’. Our process involves two main instruments.
First, we apply a signal to the utility using a transmitter. Then, we use a receiver to detect the electromagnetic field along the pipe or cable. This method forms the core of our utility locating services.
For non-metallic or ‘unlocatable’ facilities, Safe Site’s experts employ advanced equipment like 2D & 3D ground penetrating radar and acoustic locating to ensure accurate detection.
How do you locate Non-Metallic & PVC/Plastic utilities?
Before the advent of ground penetrating radar and acoustic locators, locating non-metallic and PVC pipes was a significant challenge, often leading to them being considered ‘unlocatable’.
Safe Site has adapted technological advancements to accurately identify such utilities. Our team leverages ground penetrating radar, acoustic locators, sondes for pipes and conduits, and potholing when necessary. This evolution in technology, combined with our vast experience, ensures a safer work environment and reliable utility locating services.
Cable Fault Locating
Rapidly identifying and repairing faults or breaks in lines is essential for swift service restoration. At Safe Site, our technicians excel in pinpointing these faults using state-of-the-art instruments. Our expertise in fault locating is unparalleled in the industry, ensuring quick and accurate solutions.
Safe Site offers extensive locating services for private facilities, going beyond 811's coverage. We handle a variety of utilities such as electric, gas, telephone, and fiberoptic cables, as well as sewer and water lines. Our team expertly locates communication lines, irrigation wires, low voltage cables, and landscape lighting. We also specialize in identifying underground assets like sanitary sewers, storm drains, and storage tanks. Our team uses paint to mark, uncover, and create detailed maps of underground utilities, ensuring their precise location is identified.
How we Work
Site
Assessment
To start, our experts review available records, perform a thorough visual inspection, and plan the locating strategy for your site.
Locate Known
Utilities
Then, using EM and other advanced tools, we identify all known public and private utilities, including water, sewer, gas, electrical, and communication lines.
Detect Unknown
Utilities
We use advanced scanning methods to detect unmarked or abandoned lines, non-metallic pipes, fuel or storage tanks, and other subsurface anomalies.
Advanced
GPR Scanning
Then we use ground-penetrating radar to ensure detection of plastic pipes, underground storage tanks, steam lines, and other objects not visible with EM alone.
Comprehensive
Documentation
Finally, we take care of creating detailed maps, CAD/KML files, site sketches, photos, and optional GPR trail images — giving you full visibility and peace of mind.