Locating underground utilities has become increasingly accurate thanks to advances in locating equipment, mapping technologies, and the widespread use of tracer wire. But one challenge has remained: locating older non-metallic underground utilities that were installed without a detectable location device.
While acoustic locating technology has been around for years, recent advancements are improving its accuracy and making it a more practical option for locating certain non-metallic underground facilities. These innovations have the potential to help utility owners, contract locators, and excavators better identify buried infrastructure and reduce the risk of utility damage.
Missouri 811 is not endorsing any specific manufacturer or product. The purpose of this article is to highlight advancements in an emerging area of locating technology. Subsurface Solutions is referenced below simply as one example of this type of technology and as a resource for readers who would like to learn more.
The Challenge with Older Plastic Utilities
Traditional electromagnetic locating equipment works by detecting an electrical signal traveling through a metallic pipe, cable, or tracer wire.
Because plastic does not conduct electricity, locating older plastic utilities without tracer wire can be much more difficult. This includes some water lines, sewer lines, natural gas distribution lines, telecommunications conduit, irrigation systems, and other non-metallic underground facilities.
While experienced locators have several methods available to help identify these facilities, there has long been a need for additional technologies that can improve locate accuracy in certain situations.
Tracer Wire Is Improving the Future
Fortunately, today's installations are becoming much easier to locate.
Many new plastic underground facilities are installed with tracer wire, allowing locators to accurately trace the utility using conventional locating equipment.
Missouri has also taken steps to improve the locatability of newly installed underground facilities. State law now requires new underground facility installations to include a detectable location device, such as tracer wire, helping improve the accuracy of future locates.
You can learn more about this requirement in our blog:
SB 133: Big Changes for Safe Digging
https://blog.missouri-811.org/the-scoop/sb-133-big-changes-for-safe-digging
However, millions of feet of non-metallic utilities were installed before these practices became common and remain in service today without tracer wire.
Advancements in Acoustic Locating
Acoustic locating technology offers a different approach.
Rather than detecting an electrical signal, these systems introduce sound waves into a non-metallic pipe. A sensitive receiver is then used above ground to detect those sound waves and help trace the path of the buried utility.
Recent improvements in sensors, electronics, and signal processing are making acoustic locating systems more precise and easier to use in the field. While they are not intended to replace conventional locating methods, they provide another tool that may help locate certain non-metallic underground facilities when traditional methods are limited.
One example of this technology is the SonicFinder 1000 from Subsurface Solutions. Readers interested in learning more about acoustic locating can visit the company's website or watch one of its demonstration videos to better understand how this technology works.
Why It Matters
Every improvement in locating technology supports the damage prevention industry by giving stakeholders more information and better tools.
For utility owners, advancements in acoustic locating may provide another option for locating certain non-metallic facilities.
For contract locators, these technologies can complement conventional locating methods when working with older infrastructure that lacks tracer wire.
For excavators, more accurate locate information can help reduce project delays, minimize utility damages, and improve jobsite safety.
Looking Ahead
Damage prevention continues to evolve through better technology, improved installation practices, and stronger communication among utility owners, locators, and excavators.
No single locating method is effective in every situation. Good utility records, proper installation practices, tracer wire, and safe excavation practices remain the foundation of damage prevention. As acoustic locating technology continues to advance, it has become another valuable tool for locating certain non-metallic underground utilities. When used alongside conventional locating methods, it can help improve locate accuracy, reduce underground utility damages, and make excavation safer for everyone.
