If you suspect that your plumbing system has defects like leaking pipes, its repairs will only be done after the underground pipes of concern have been located. In addition, if you are to make a new one or relocate one, underground pipes must be located first to check their condition and ensure their functionality before either task gets done.
Pipes usually have leaks, and most people are not aware of them until it is already too late. This is both a waste of money and a waste of resources. So, of these things happen to your plumbing system, you have to have them addressed as soon as you can.
There are a lot of reasons why pipes used for your electric cables, gas, and water must be buried underground. They make your backyard look neater for starters. Also, certain areas can benefit from this practice since they can ensure that these things are kept from damaged caused by natural disasters like storms. However, buried pipelines can be challenging to find. That is why some homes prefer not to place their pipes in this manner.
Locating underground pipes requires certain devices and methods. There is more to the process than just using a shovel and digging up soil from all around your house to locate them. For this task, you will need all the help that you can get, and this is with the help of the professionals.
Before you will have your pipes repaired or if you are thinking of transferring them to another location, you need to have a map, blueprint, or any plan information of your pipelines. This is one of the best ways for you to help out the professional to find the location of your pipes. These detailed plans will point you to the locations where the pipes are placed. You and the contractor you hire will not have a hard time picturing these pipes out and where the task must begin.
Professional pipe location service companies utilize pipe locators to determine the placement of your pipes. Pipe locators can be expensive. You can thus expect that the services that you get from these companies are going to be an expensive one. Each type of pipe locator works in a different manner, and in terms of price, it can also vary.Below are some of the most common technologies being used today to locate underground pipes.
Ground probing radar: This is an effective equipment in accurately finding your underground pipe placement. It can be complicated to use though. Both image interpretation and complex technology are needed that would be both costly and requiring the skills of a professional to interpret the data results. Though this is effective, it is not usually the tool of choice for everyday use.
Acoustic location: This is a popular method to locate leaking water lines. This technique only applies to locate plastic water pipes. In time, it would be applicable to the location of plastic gas pipes.
Infrared imaging: Though the temperature of underground pipes can be different from the soil around them, other factors may affect the temperature of pipes even more. This technique is not ideal then for getting accurate results.
