Expert Utility Location Services in BC: Accurate Underground Utility Identification

Accidentally hitting a public utility, such as cable lines, natural gas, or a water main, is not only dangerous but costly to repair. As lighter plastics are being used to support utilities and it is becoming more difficult to detect underground utilities with standard locating equipment, GPR is now the preferred technology to help with this.

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If the nature or ground composition of your worksite makes it a challenge to locate hidden utilities in Salmon Arm, BC and the surrounding region, call Ironman Directional Drilling for state-of-the-art ground-penetrating radar (GPR) utility locating services. We can assist you with dependable underground utility locating and GPR scanning services in BC.

 

For help in locating utility and non-utility structures that are undetectable using standard techniques, reach out to Ironman Directional Drilling. Our advanced ground-penetrating radar services are available to all areas of the Okanagan Valley, Fraser Valley, and BC Interior.

What Are Utility Locating Services ?
 

Every time you need to dig into the ground, there is a chance that you might hit underground utility pipes and wires. Damaging them can be very dangerous, as gas lines can burst and electrical power lines can cause electrocution or fire.

Utility locating service is a specialized industry used as a safe way to locate utility lines before excavation begins. Underground utility locators are often most commonly associated with locating water and sewer lines, but they encompass other services as well.

The process often uses electric currents to locate underground utilities, which allows for a much quicker and more cost-effective process than traditional methods. 
 

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Applications of Utility Locating Services 

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There are countless industries that rely on ground clearance and utility locating services. Some of these include: 

• Environmental: These operations might require utility location for geotechnical drilling purposes.  

• Construction: The construction industry makes use of utility location services for tunnelling, shoring, piling and more.  

• Real estate: Those in real estate require utility location on numerous occasions, such as when purchasing a new area to develop or build on.  

 

If you'd like to learn more about whether our utility locating services in BC are suitable for your project, reach out to us today.  

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How Does GPR Scanning Work?

Ground-penetrating radar (GPR) works by sending out radio waves that can penetrate the ground. They bounce off objects and return to the antennae, where they are processed electronically into a visual image. The results can be saved onto a computer that displays shapes and lines and shows what is under the ground. This process is known as GPR scanning and it helps locate the utilities without disturbing the ground.

Benefits of GPR Scanning for Utility Locating

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Before starting any construction project, it is essential to locate any possible utilities hidden underneath the ground. GPR scanning is one of the safest ways to do so as it comes with the following benefits:​​

• It is a non-destructive way of locating utilities underground. 

• The method is both fast and cost-effective. 

• It offers less risk to businesses and protects them against the damage of underground conduits. 

 

If you are looking for safe and efficient utility locating and GPR scanning services and underground utility locators in BC, please reach out to our team at Ironman Directional Drilling. 

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Advanced Ground-Scanning Capabilities

We use the premier ground-penetrating radar on the market today — the LMX200™ from Sensors & Software Inc. This advanced GPR can detect non-metallic pipes, such as PVC, asbestos cement, and the latest lightweight polymers. The LMX200™ can detect and map:
 

• Concrete storm and sewer systems

• Utilities with failed tracers

• Subsurface storage tanks and drainage tiles

• Septic system components
   

The LMX200™ can even locate non-utility subsurface structures, including vaults, foundation walls, and concrete pads, all of which can damage excavation equipment and slow the pace of your work if uncovered by accident.

 

3D Depth Slices

For complex sites, the LMX200™ can create 3D depth slice images that reveal the orientation of pipes and cables at various depths. These depth slices will also outline the extent of vaults, foundations, and buried tanks.

 

On-Site and Remote Reporting

The LMX200™ uses an internal GPS system compatible with internal GPS reports and Google Earth™. We can produce on-site reports that include screen captures, lines, grids, and map view information. Fast reporting means your team can quickly assess your work site's needs and make a fast yet confident decision. We can also transmit data and reports remotely to your off-site location.

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Further reading:

Debunking 4 Common Myths About Underground Utility Locating

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Frequently Asked Questions

Here are a few of the most frequently asked questions: