Did you know that there are about 600,000 new businesses in the United States each year? Unfortunately, many of these companies do not go on to become successful.
You can help prevent this by ensuring that you use the right tools for your business. For companies that deal with pipe location, it’s imperative that you use the correct pipe locator.
Let’s dive into everything you need to know about how you can use this device to locate pipes effectively.
So, What Exactly Is a Pipe Locator?
As the name suggests, pipe locators are devices that are used to find pipes and other underground utilities. They come in a variety of different shapes and sizes, but they all work by transmitting a signal that can be detected by special receivers.
The signal transmitted by the underground pipe locator can be either electromagnetic or acoustic, depending on the type of locator being used.
Pipe locators are an essential piece of equipment for any company that does underground digging or drilling, as they help to prevent accidental damage to underground utilities.
In many cases, pipe locators are required by law in order to protect both the safety of workers and the integrity of the underground infrastructure.
What Are the Different Types of Pipe Locators?
There are two main types of pipe locators: electromagnetic locators and acoustic locators.
Electromagnetic locators work by transmitting a signal that can be picked up by a special receiver.
The signal transmitted by the electromagnetic locator will be affected by the presence of metal, so this type of locator is best suited for finding metal pipes.
Acoustic locators work by transmitting sound waves that can be detected by a special receiver. The sound waves transmitted by the acoustic locator will be affected by the presence of water, so this type of locator is best suited for finding non-metal pipes.
How Do I Choose the Right Pipe Locator For My Needs?
When choosing a pipe locator, it is important to consider the type of pipes you will be searching for. This will help ensure that you are able to find them effectively.
If you need to find metal pipes, then an electromagnetic locator is the best choice. However, if you need to find non-metal pipes, then an acoustic locator is the better option.
It is also important to consider the depth of the pipes you need to find.
Some pipe locators are only designed to work at shallow depths, while you can use others at much greater depths. If you need to find pipes that are buried deep underground, then you will need to choose a pipe locator designed for deep searches.
What Should I Look For In a Pipe Locator Provider?
First, you should make sure that the provider offers a variety of different locators to choose from. This will ensure that you can find the perfect locator for your needs. The last thing you want is to work with a provider who is not able to supply you with the required tools.
Secondly, you should check to see if the provider offers training on how to use the pipe locators. You’ll need to be sure that you know how to use the locator properly in order to get accurate results.
Finally, you should make sure that the provider offers a money-back satisfaction guarantee.
This will protect you in case you are not happy with the results you get from your locator. Otherwise, you may find yourself in a situation where you are unable to get your money back after purchasing a pipe locator that does not meet your needs.
You can check out this resource to learn more about how you can order Digitrak, a high-quality HDD locator.
What Steps Do I Need to Take Before I Dig?
If you are planning on doing any digging or drilling, then you need to take a few steps to ensure the safety of both yourself and the underground infrastructure.
Primarily, you should always call 811 before you start any digging. This is a free service that will mark the location of any underground utilities in your area.
You should always use caution when digging. Even if you are using a pipe locator, there is always a chance that you could accidentally damage an underground utility. So, it is important to take your time and dig carefully.
Finally, if you do hit an underground utility, then you need to stop digging immediately and call the utility company. They will be able to repair the damage and prevent any further problems.
Are There Penalties For Unauthorized Digging?
Yes, there are potential penalties for unauthorized digging. If you damage an underground utility, then you could be liable for the repair costs. Additionally, you could also be fined or even jailed for breaking the law.
It is always best to get in touch with the appropriate organization before you start digging. You should also always use caution when doing so.
This will help to protect both yourself and the underground infrastructure.
Pipe Location Doesn’t Have to Be Complicated
Although finding the right pipe locator for your needs might seem difficult at first, it’s much easier than people think. Keep the above tips in mind when moving forward so you can avoid mistakes you may have otherwise encountered.
Looking for other useful info that can help you out in the future? Be sure to check out the rest of our blog!