Austeck’s Modern Equipment for Locating Pipes

Digging a hole and starting an excavation project might seem like an easy task; after all, we often notice that construction work is routine. However, failing to accurately locate utility lines before starting the process of digging and excavation might result in some severe damages and safety hazards. Below are some major challenges that workers face while locating pipes:

Challenges in Pipe Location

1.   Lack of Accurate Records

• Old or Missing Building Blueprints:

In a majority of cases, particularly older buildings, the actual blueprints of the building are obsolescent, absent, or incomplete. This could deter easy identification of the exact location and structure of pipes. Without accurate plans, plumbers may have to rely on guesswork or trial and error. The entire process will increase the risk of error and the time it will take to complete the job.

• Undocumented Modifications or Repairs:

At times, the plumbing system might be changed or repaired without a proper record. This could be in the form of rerouted pipes, added fixtures in that location, or a change in the pipe sizes. Such undocumented changes can create discrepancies between the actual pipe layout and any existing records, complicating the process of locating pipes.

• Inaccurate or Outdated Utility Maps:

Utility maps showing the location of various services such as water, gas, and electricity may be old and outdated, and even to some extent, they are inaccurate due to too many changes that may have occurred over the years or errors in mapping. Users of such outdated maps run the risk of making wrong assumptions with regard to where the pipes are located, hence increasing damage to other utilities when excavations are being done.

2.   Variations in Depth and Material

• Pipes at Different Depth:

Different installation standards, soil conditions, and project requirements may require pipes to be buried to different depths. These variations in depth accompanied by a difference in techniques, equipment in the detection and location of the pipes, add complexity in the process.

• Different Materials Affecting Detection Methods: Metal, PVC, or Clay

Pipes made from different types of materials would exhibit different characteristics that vary the detection methods. For example, metal pipes can be detected using magnetic locators, whereas PVC and clay pipes are non-magnetic. Different materials have to be traced using different tools and detection techniques, which makes the location process complicated.

3.   Interference

• Other Buried Utilities (Electrical Lines, Gas Pipes):

The presence of other utilities buried in the ground can interfere with the detection of the pipes. Noise created by electromagnetic fields from electrical lines or from the presence of gas pipes is likely to create signal distortion. Interference can make it difficult to accurately locate the target pipes and may require advanced techniques to differentiate between signals.

• Metal Objects in the Vicinity

Metal objects or debris in the area can create interference or false readings on detection equipment. The presence of metal can obscure the signals and complicate the task of accurately identifying pipe locations.

• Soil Condition Effect on Signal Distribution:

Soil conditions, such as moisture level and the type and density of the soil, are all factors that affect signal conduction through the ground. Poor soil conditions result in an improper signal being sent and reduce one’s location accuracy.

4.   Access Limitations

• Pipes Located Under a Building or High-Density Surface:

Pipes under buildings, driveways, or similarly hard surfaces are much less easy to access without more invasive means. Restricted access implies that only the latest in technical and often more expensive means of mapping and inspection of pipes—earth scanners, ground-penetrating radar, selective borehole drilling, satellite imaging, or planned excavation—can be used.

• Restricted Areas or Private Property Issues:

Access can be restricted to private property or secure areas. Legal or logistical limitations could also mean that it may take much longer to locate a pipe; there could be a requirement for additional permission to be obtained.

5.   Environmental Factors

• Moisture in the Soil Affecting Electrical Conductivity:

Soil moisture may alter the electrical signal transmission from the locating equipment to the pipe location. Excess moisture may cause signal attenuation or distortion, making it harder to accurately detect pipes.

• Temperature Changes Causing Pipe Expansion or Contraction:

The temperature may cause a buried pipe to expand or contract, and in the process, shift position or direction. Temperature-induced changes can affect detection accuracy and require adjustments in locating techniques.

6.   Complex Pipe Networks

• Multiple Branches and Intersections:

Large and complex pipework with many branches and junctions may be challenging to map and locate accurately. Knowledge of the complete layout involves careful study and the use of special instruments that are able to navigate through complicated configurations.

• Changes in Pipe Direction:

Pipes that change direction frequently can be difficult to trace accurately, especially if the bends are sharp or if there are multiple direction changes. Detecting and following pipes with frequent directional changes requires precision and specialised tools.

• Non-Metallic Pipes

Non-metallic pipes made from plastic or clay are pretty difficult to detect without the presence of tracer wires or markers. Special techniques or extra equipment could possibly be needed for the detection and mapping of non-metallic pipes with accuracy.

7.   Signal Distortion

• Bends and joints in Pipes Affecting Signal Transmission:

Bends, joints, and fittings in pipes can disrupt or weaken signals used for detection. Accurate pipe detection may require additional adjustments or more sophisticated equipment to compensate for signal distortion.

• Signal Bleeding to Nearby Metal Objects:

Signals from locating equipment can bleed into nearby metal objects, creating interference or false readings. This can complicate the task of pinpointing the exact location of the target pipes.

8.   Safety Concerns

• Risk of Damaging Other Utilities During Excavation:

The risk of damaging other utilities like gas, water, or electric lines is very high when trying to locate pipes. While excavating, it is possible to mistakenly damage other utilities. This may cause hazardous situations and service interruptions and result in the need to further repair other utilities.

• Possibility of Encountering Hazardous Materials:

Excavation work may incidentally lead to exposure to hazardous materials, asbestos, and contaminated soil. Special precautions and safety measures are necessary in the handling of hazardous materials in order to protect workers and comply with regulations.

Functional Pipe Location Equipment from Austeck

At Austeck, we offer functional and reliable pipe location equipment to assist you in the accurate location of pipes underground. Explore our products like Goldak Tirad accessories, digital transmitters, and digital receivers. Connect with our team today for all your pipe location equipment requirements.