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789 Utility Locators on iseekplant

With a vast directory of 789 utility locators available on iseekplant, you can choose the best equipment and services for your utility locating needs. As underground utilities become increasingly complex, it's crucial to have the right tools and expertise for pipe repair work or digging trenches for your project.

Our platform combines the top utility locating companies and equipment suppliers in Australia. This way, your project proceeds without the hazards of accidentally striking buried utilities.

This quick guide highlights utility locating and the standard hire rates. In addition, we'll cover the standard equipment commonly used by our suppliers, the overall ground-penetrating radar process and how to interact with services and utility companies.

Utility Locating Rates Guide

While seemingly straightforward, the utility locating process has multiple facets influenced by the equipment, the project and the site. Choosing the right equipment and understanding its associated costs is crucial for a successful project.

The table below breaks down the average rates for different equipment types in utility locating.

Average Rates for Utility Locating Equipment

Equipment TypeAverage Daily Rate (Wet)Average Daily Rate (Dry)
Ground Penetrating Radar (GPR)$250 - $500$200 - $450
Electromagnetic Locator (EML)$150 - $350$100 - $300
Acoustic Locators$100 - $280$70 - $250
Metal Detectors$70 - $150$50 - $130
CCTV Inspection Cameras$300 - $600$250 - $550

Note: All prices listed on this page are estimates, exclude GST and are in AUD. Price estimates can vary based on location, model and additional requirements.

Other Costs to Consider with Utility Locating

The base rate is only a part of the cost when working with utility locating suppliers. Other expenses may depend on your project, location and other unforeseen circumstances. This table shows these additional costs and provides a brief description of each:

Additional CostAverage RateDescription
Operator Training$100 - $250 per sessionFees for training sessions to understand and handle the equipment efficiently.
Equipment Calibration$50 - $150Regular calibration ensures the equipment's accuracy and reliability.
Transport & Logistics$70 - $300Costs associated with moving equipment to and from the job site.
On-Site Analysis Software$50 - $200 per licenseSoftware licenses for analysing data and creating detailed reports of located utilities.
Emergency Call-OutsVaries based on locationUrgent requests for utility locating, usually charged at a premium rate.

Knowing estimates for additional costs helps you budget for your project more quickly and ensures the smooth execution of your utility locating tasks. Always factor in these potential additional costs to avoid surprises in your project budget. Use our Get a Quote tool to connect with our suppliers for an accurate and customised quote for your project today!

Equipment Used in Utility Locating

Utility locating is a vital task that ensures the safe identification of buried utilities, preventing potential damage or accidents. The precision required for this task means you must use specialised equipment to guarantee accuracy. Here's a list of commonly used equipment for utility locating and their significance:

  • Ground Penetrating Radar (GPR): A non-intrusive tool that uses radar pulses to find subsurface utilities. Ground Penetrating Radar provides a clear image of the subsurface, making it invaluable for detecting non-metallic utilities like plastic pipes.
  • Electromagnetic Locator (EML): This equipment is vital for detecting metallic utilities. EMLs trace the electromagnetic field around metallic objects, offering precise utility detection and mapping.
  • Acoustic Locators: These use sound waves to detect utilities. Acoustic locators are especially useful when detecting leakages in pipes or identifying blockages.
  • Utility Mapping Software: After detecting utilities, mapping them is the next step. This software helps create accurate digital maps of the detected utilities, simplifying future reference.
  • Metal Detectors: Primarily used for locating metal pipes and covers, metal detectors are a basic yet crucial tool for utility locating.
  • Pipe and Cable Locators: These are designed to locate and trace buried pipes and cables, ensuring that utilities aren't accidentally damaged during excavation.

The table below shows the key features and typical uses of each equipment.

Utility Locating Equipment

Equipment TypeKey FeaturesTypical Use Cases
Ground Penetrating Radar (GPR)Uses radar pulses, detects non-metallic utilitiesLocating plastic pipes, voids and other non-metals
Electromagnetic Locator (EML)Detects electromagnetic fields around metallic utilitiesLocating metallic pipes and cables
Acoustic LocatorsUses sound waves, detects leakages and blockagesFinding blockages in pipes
Utility Mapping SoftwareCreates digital maps of utilitiesMapping and documentation of located utilities
Metal DetectorsDetects metallic objectsFinding manhole covers, metal pipes
Pipe and Cable LocatorsTraces buried pipes and cablesMapping the path of underground cables and pipes

Utility locating ensures the safe and efficient execution of construction and maintenance tasks. Using the appropriate equipment guarantees your crew identifies underground utilities accurately, reducing risks and potential costs.

Ground Penetrating Radar Process & Types

As you've learned from this page, ground-penetrating radar (GPR) is a non-intrusive tool that detects utilities, structures and anything underground without excavation. It provides vital data to users that significantly reduces the risk of unintentionally striking and damaging buried utilities.

Here is a quick summary of the ground-penetrating process:

Initial Survey Planning

Before deploying GPR, defining and pre-surveying the dig area is crucial to identify possible sites of interest or hazards. Proper planning ensures the survey covers all essential areas, maximising the efficiency and accuracy of the dig.

Setting Up the Equipment

Depending on the specific requirements of the survey, calibrating the GPR system is crucial to obtain accurate readings from the subsurface.

Conducting the Survey

In this step, you move the GPR system over the survey area, sending high-frequency radio waves into the ground and capturing what's below. The received signals are processed to form an image or map of the subsurface. A skilled operator can identify utility lines, voids or other structures based on the data patterns.

Documentation

The findings from the GPR survey are documented and reported to the concerned parties, usually through maps or images. Proper documentation aids in planning, construction or excavation tasks, reducing the risk of damage.

Types of Ground Penetrating Radar

The table below shows you the most common types of GPR equipment that our suppliers can offer:

GPR TypeFrequency RangeDepth RangeCommon UsesProsCons
High-Frequency GPR1 GHz - 3 GHz0-1mConcrete inspection, road assessmentOffers detailed resolution, ideal for shallow applicationsLimited penetration depth; can't detect deeper objects
Mid-Frequency GPR100 MHz - 1 GHz0-10mUtility detection, environmental remediationBalances between depth and resolutionMight not be as detailed as high-frequency GPR
Low-Frequency GPR10 MHz - 100 MHzUp to 50mGeological studies, deep utility detectionCan penetrate deeper into the ground, ideal for geophysical applicationsLower resolution; less detailed imagery

Interacting with Services & Utility Companies

Ensuring smooth communication and coordination with utility companies is critical before taking on any excavation or construction project. Notifying the relevant utility companies ensures safety and helps you avoid unnecessary costs or project delays.

This list details the steps in working with services and utility companies before you proceed with your project:

  • Initial Inquiry: Reach out to utility companies for preliminary information on existing underground services.
  • Detailed Locating: Once you've identified the utilities, use specialised equipment to pinpoint their locations.
  • Documentation & Reporting: Share your findings with utility companies. They can provide additional insights or correct any discrepancies.

Being proactive in your interactions can save time, money and potential headaches down the road. Always approach each project with due diligence and respect for the essential services below.

Ready to Begin Your Utility Locating Task?

iseekplant is here to simplify your quest to find the premier equipment tailored for your utility locating needs. With an expansive network at our disposal, rest assured you'll secure the ideal solution swiftly. If you're ready to dig, our platform can connect you to our network of surveyors and suppliers of excavators, dozers and dump trucks.

Whether it's a small construction project requiring precision or a large-scale urban development, our directory has the tools you need. For direct assistance or any enquiries, email us at [email protected] or ring us at 1300 691 912. Eager to move forward? Click 'Get a Quote' now!

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Recent Utility Locating reviews

Statewide Infrastructure Services
Statewide Infrastructure ServicesSpringvale VIC
(Oct 2023)

"Great Service , Arrived on time all their guys put in a great effort to complete our works on time I highly Recommend Scott and his team"

- JAMES CORRYView profile

"Ezali are my go to on all projects requiring underground services. From Hydrocac to Underboring, Anthony always provides a quick turn around on pricin..."

- TerryView profile
We Dig It Pty Ld
We Dig It Pty LdClontarf QLD
(Jul 2022)

"Ive Been using we dig it for the last 14 years for non destructive digging, cable locating and drain cleaning. Tony has always gone out of his way to ..."

- LachlanView profile

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