When conducting design and construction works, it is important to know where the underground highways are, so as not to destroy them. Finding a sewer or water pipe underground is not difficult if you approach the search correctly.
The need for search work
Construction begins with the identification of underground pipelines and an electric cable. Even if the layout of highways is available, they are not always correct. Before starting construction and at the design stage, the accuracy of the data is checked.
Identification of the location of underground water and sewer pipes is required not only in the construction of buildings. To know where the highways are, you need in such cases:
- creation of technical documents;
- formation of working drawings;
- development of a topographic plan for the site;
- reconstruction or repair of leaks.
The communication systems laid with official permission are registered in the architectural and urban planning departments, included in plans and technical documents with reference to the borders of adjacent territories.
Before proceeding with excavations, they turn to the appropriate authorities to obtain reference information on the availability of communication highways. The document must indicate the exact location with reference and depth. The information is not always accurate, so it is checked against the testimony of research instruments.
Underground communications detection devices
Different devices are used to search for waterways in the land. The choice depends on the material of the pipes. The depth and temperature of the fluid in the communicative branches are taken into account. Highways of metal, laid no deeper than one and a half meters, are detected by a metal detector. The hot water supply system is detected using a thermal imager or a non-contact thermometer.
To find a plastic or metal pipe with water in the ground, acoustic search methods are used. Three types of devices work by this principle:
- Sensitive microphone. Water flowing from the breakdown creates noise under the influence of pressure. A metal pipeline gives a high-frequency impulse, a plastic water pipe - a low-frequency one. A similar method is often used to identify the place of leakage: there the sound intensity increases.
- Leakage correlation finder. Microphones are installed at two points of the water supply line and conduct frequency sound transmission. The apparatus performs an analysis of vibro-acoustic noise indicators of flowing water and calculates the location of the leak. This method is effective for metal pipes.
- An acoustic sensor that responds to the slightest vibration of a pipe in the ground. It is used to search for communication lines at shallow depths and distances up to one hundred meters from the percussion device.
Acoustic devices are usually used when repairing an existing pipeline.
A more universal method of electromagnetic induction. The equipment used in this method determines the location and depth of the pipelines made of various materials, even asbestos.
The principle of operation of the device is to measure electromagnetic radiation, which changes due to foreign objects in the upper layers of the soil. The induction field can be created by the generator itself.This method is most effective because it allows you to detect communication lines with a depth of up to 30 meters. The sensor also shows what the pipes are made of.
Self-search
If it is necessary to identify the position of underground pipes, but there are no devices, they use the old way - dowsing. The methodology did not find the support of scientists, but is popular with millions of people in different countries.
To use the dowsing method, you will need to make frames in the shape of the letter “G” from welding electrodes or steel wire. The length of the handles is about 150 millimeters, the search sections are approximately 350 millimeters.
Hold the frame directly in front of you by the handles. “Search engines” should be directed forward parallel to each other at a distance of about 15 cm. Do not squeeze the handles much, the rotation of the frames should be free.
Before searching, adjust the framework so that they respond correctly to objects. To do this, mentally ask a question to which there is only an affirmative answer. Frames must be crossed. With a question that has a completely negative answer, the search sites will diverge.
After preparing the framework, you need to tune in to the search for the required highway. It is important to determine exactly what you want to find: an asbestos, metal or plastic structure, a water or sewer pipe underground using bent electrodes.
Further actions are as follows:
- Determine the direction where the pipeline most likely runs, and move slowly. If a pipe is found, the frames form a cross.
- Keep moving forward. If you deviate from the desired section of the frame will disperse.
- Mark the location, then search at a few more points to determine the exact location of the pipe.
The dowsing method allows you to determine the location of not only pipes and electrical cables. For example, you can find a well hatch hidden under ice and snow.
Attracting Professionals
To get the exact result in the search for a water supply pipeline located underground, the best option would be to contact a specialized organization. The actions of professionals, experience and the use of high-tech measuring instruments contribute to nullifying possible accidents during mechanized excavation works.
The advantages of contacting specialists are that the contractor:
- determines the scope of work at the request of the customer, draws up design and budget documentation, adheres to the deadline for the delivery of the order;
- independently coordinates in the authorities preliminary data on the location of previously conducted communication highways;
- guarantees the quality of work done;
- uses expensive specialized equipment.
In accordance with construction standards, pipelines should be located at least half a meter below the freezing point of the earth, and a simple metal detector is unlikely to detect them.
Upon completion of work, the customer receives an accurately prepared plan for the location of underground pipeline branches with reference to neighboring sections or a red line. It will be needed in the future for the construction of houses and other buildings.
Combining the above methods, you can find working or abandoned communication lines with maximum accuracy, regardless of how deep they are. This will prevent problems during work on the construction site or help to find a breakthrough in the pipeline.
