Utility Locating in Philadelphia
We Use GPR to Achieve the Most Accurate Results
Here at TLC Drain & Sewer, we pride ourselves on being able to offer our customers the best solutions for drain and sewer issues. That’s why we use GPR (Ground-Penetrating Radar) technology for our utility locating. Being able to accurately locate subsurface utilities is crucial for preventing dangerous situations during underground excavations and maintaining a safe environment for your property. GPR technology has the capability to accurately find things that no other method is able to. And with our licensed technicians at TLC, you’re guaranteed to receive efficient service that always lives up to your high standards. Call to schedule utility locating in Philadelphia using GPR today, and let our drain and sewer experts help keep your property safe.
For more information on our utility line locating process, call (215) 639-7473.
What Is Ground Penetrating Radar?
Ground penetrating radar is the use of radio frequencies and electromagnetic waves to accurately detect underground utilities. At TLC, we use a two-fold system to ensure the location of all underground utilities with a state of the art GPR detector as well as electromagnetic locating wands. The GPR receiver is able to determine how deep a utility object is based off of the length of travel time of the signals it reflects. Unlike cable and pipe locators, which rely on tracing a frequency applied to a metallic utility, GPR equipment is able to identify non-conductive targets such as PVC and HDPE as well.
When GPR technology is combined with the expertise of a TLC Drain & Sewer technician, you can be sure that your Philadelphia utility location job will be completed thoroughly, accurately and without any unnecessary costs.
To avoid service interruptions and dangerous leakages, use GPR technology to identify the following:
- Gas lines
- Electrical lines
- Fiber optic lines
- Water supply lines
- Drainage lines
GPR FAQs
At TLC, we have the capability to perform both traditional locating methods and modern methods that ensure utilities of all kinds can be located properly. Our technicians will mark a utility’s horizontal location on the ground surface by making additional passes over the utility using our electromagnetic wand. Call today for more information on GPR or to ask other questions about utility locating service, and prepare to experience the best technology on the market.
Frequently asked questions about GPR include:
- How deep can the radar detect? Depending on the type of surface the radar is used on, the waves can reach up to 100ft and as little as 3ft down. This has to do with the conductivity of the ground. For example, a lighter soil would be much more conductive than dense soil like clay.
- Can GPR detect anything other than utilities? While the main purpose of GPR is to locate underground facilities, the technology also works to find unmarked graves, underground voids, sinkholes, septic tanks, manholes, abandoned lines, weapons, drugs, cadavers, and cash. Basically, this technology will pick up any disturbances in the ground that indicate the presence of something.
- What does the equipment look like? The GPR detector could be easily mistaken for a small push mower. The device is mounted onto a cart that is pushed along the ground to pick up the signals and a screen is attached to the handle that displays information for the locator. Our Electromagnetic wands are a bigger version of the handheld metal detectors you might see while entering a Phillies game. The wands are waved back and forth over the ground surface to pick up signals reflected off the underground facilities.
PA ONE CALL (811) only marks public utilities. GPR comes in handy anytime you are planning to dig, and need to know the exact locations of utility lines. Financial responsibility of damaging buried private utilities could fall on you, or injury/death could occur from striking a private utility, so make sure to call TLC and avoid these serious risks.
To request an estimate on GPR utility location, call (215) 639-7473, or contact us online.
