Expert Utility Locating Services in BC: Accurate Underground Utility Identification
Accidentally hitting a public utility, such as cable lines, natural gas, or a water main, is dangerous and costly to repair. Lighter plastics are being used to support utilities, and it is becoming more challenging to detect underground utilities with standard locating equipment. GPR is now the preferred technology to help with this. ​
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If your worksite's nature or ground composition makes locating hidden utilities in Salmon Arm, BC, and the surrounding region challenging, call Ironman Directional Drilling for state-of-the-art ground-penetrating radar (GPR) utility locating services in BC. We can assist you with dependable underground utility locating and GPR scanning services in BC.
For help locating undetectable utility and non-utility structures using standard techniques, contact Ironman Directional Drilling. Our advanced ground-penetrating radar services are available to all Okanagan Valley, Fraser Valley, and BC Interior areas.
What Are Utility Locating Services ?
You might hit underground utility pipes and wires when digging into the ground. 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 that uses safe methods to locate utility lines before excavation begins. Underground utility locators are commonly associated with finding water and sewer lines but also encompass other services.
The process often uses electric currents to locate underground utilities, which allows for a much quicker and more cost-effective process than traditional methods.
Commercial Utility Locating Services
Commercial projects often require extensive groundwork, making utility locating a crucial step in pre-construction planning. Our team assists with identifying underground utility lines, ensuring that work proceeds without the risk of damaging essential infrastructure. We support various commercial services, including:
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Construction projects: Before breaking ground, it is critical to locate underground utilities such as gas, water, and electrical lines to prevent service disruptions and safety hazards.
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Real estate developments: Large-scale residential and commercial developments require comprehensive utility mapping to ensure proper planning and compliance with local regulations.
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Building foundations: Utility locating helps determine safe excavation areas, reducing the risk of structural issues caused by unexpected underground obstructions.
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Sewer and water system installations: Identifying existing pipes and sewer lines prevents accidental damage during new system installations or repairs.
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Electric system and fibre optic installation: Avoiding underground power lines and fibre optic cables is necessary to maintain connectivity and prevent outages during commercial infrastructure projects.
Residential Utility Locating Services
Homeowners and contractors require utility locating in BC for various residential projects to ensure safe and efficient excavation. Some common scenarios where utility locating is necessary include:
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Landscaping projects: Planting trees, installing fencing, or building retaining walls can disturb underground utilities if not adequately identified beforehand.
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Irrigation system installation: Sprinkler system installations require careful planning to avoid interference with underground pipes and electrical wiring.
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Swimming pool construction: Excavating for a pool involves significant digging, making utility locating essential to prevent damage to gas, water, and electrical lines.
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Septic system installation: Proper placement of septic tanks and drainage fields depends on accurate utility mapping to avoid conflicts with existing underground infrastructure.
Contact us to schedule a utility locating service and ensure your next project meets safety and regulatory standards.
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How Does GPR Scanning Work?
Ground-penetrating radar (GPR) works by sending out radio waves that can penetrate the ground. The radio waves bounce off objects and return to the antennae, processing them 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, known as GPR scanning, helps locate utilities without disturbing the ground.
Benefits of GPR Scanning for Utility Locating
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Before starting any construction project, locating any possible utilities hidden underneath the ground is essential. GPR scanning is one of the safest ways to do so, as it comes with the following benefits:​​ ​
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It is a non-destructive way of locating utilities underground.
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The method is both fast and cost-effective.
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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, GPR scanning services, and underground utility locators in BC, please contact our team at Ironman Directional Drilling. .
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Advanced Ground-Scanning Capabilities
We use premier ground-penetrating radar — 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:
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Concrete storm and sewer systems
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Utilities with failed tracers
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Subsurface storage tanks and drainage tiles
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Septic system components
The LMX200™ can even locate non-utility subsurface structures, including vaults, foundation walls, and concrete pads. If uncovered by accident, these structures can damage excavation equipment and slow the pace of your work.
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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 quick 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​​
Why Choose Our Utility Locating Services with GPR Scanning?
Ironman Directional Drilling has been providing utility locating in BC using state-of-the-art GPR scanning for many years. There are countless reasons why you should choose our service, including:
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We have advanced equipment and the hands-on knowledge that comes with years of experience.
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We provide accurate on-site reporting.
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Our approach is both efficient and cost-effective.
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Before starting your project, we can locate and mark all buried utilities, providing safety and peace of mind.
Would you like to learn more about partnering with us to locate utilities? Please contact us today.
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FAQs
Here are some frequently asked questions about utility locating services in BC:
Do I Need Utility Locating Before Every Construction Project?
Yes. Utility locating before every construction project is essential to prevent damage, safety hazards, and costly repairs.
What Types of Underground Utilities Can Be Detected?
Gas, water, sewer, electrical, telecom, and fibre optic lines are ground utilities that can be detected during utility locating.
How Deep Can a GPR Scan Be?
A GPR can scan up to 3 metres. This process depends on the soil conditions and material density.