Before you dig in the soil to begin any type of construction, landscaping projects, or remodeling, you need to hire the services of a company like East Coast Underground LLC. They will come and determine where every pipe and wire is located under the surface of the soil. Anything that is thirteen feet deep or more shallow than that, they will be able to detect and map. This includes cables, fiber wires, water pipes, electric wire, and sewer pipes.
The danger that is associated with accidentally severing or breaking one of the pipes or wires that are underground is that the consequences can be catastrophic. Gas lines can explode, cut wires can start fires or electrocute someone, and hazardous waste can contaminate a very large area if allowed to escape the sewer system. These companies have sophisticated equipment that they use to locate the wire and pipes without having to penetrate the soil. Years ago, the system they used involved probing the location and the depth they thought the pipes were and then verifying their depth and location with the probe. Now, they use cutting-edge technology to locate and map all the utilities that are buried underground. Electromagnetic sensors and ground-penetrating radar are examples of some of the tools they will use. As a project continues, these technicians can use their detection expertise to keep everyone safe and to protect the surrounding property and materials.
Another reason to have all of the pipes and wires mapped and their depths determined is to protect construction workers from an accidental water pipe break. Water in and of itself is not harmful, but when it come out of a pipe with enough force, it can wash away the soil and cause a collapse of surface soil on top of workers, which could potentially be life threatening.
Marks will be placed on the ground surface delineating where each pipe or wire line is located. A blue line generally signifies drinkable water lines. Pink lines denote survey markings that are temporary. White lines show where the soil needs to be removed to. Red lines mean that there are electric power lines, and conduit that holds lighting cables and other types of cables below the surface. Orange lines show that there are communication lines underneath. When East Coast Underground LLC puts yellow lines on the surface of the soil, it means you will find gas and oil lines directly under them. Before you start excavating projects of any kind, call the experts.
