Whether you’re an individual homeowner or a commercial developer, skipping an underground utility survey before digging for a project is a foolish and dangerous mistake. Without this critical step, you risk damaging vital infrastructure, leading to costly repairs, fines, project delays, structural damage, and even serious injuries.
Especially for residential projects, it can be tempting to say, “I’m not digging that deeply, it won’t be an issue,” but thousands of Canadians pay for that mistake every year. Understanding the challenges involved in underground utility surveying and how to address them can help ensure that your project runs smoothly and safely. Keep reading to learn why skipping this step can be costly and dangerous, especially when companies like Meridian Surveys are on call to help.
Common Challenges in Underground Utility Surveying
Underground utility surveying is a complex task with several common challenges. First, depth is a major issue- utilities like water, gas, and sewer lines are often buried at varying depths, which makes them difficult to detect. Even with the best equipment and prior knowledge of other utility depth markers, accurately mapping these utilities requires specialized knowledge, tools, and experience.
Access to these utilities can also be incredibly tricky; older infrastructure may be buried beneath layers of new construction or natural obstacles like tree roots or boulders. Additionally, urban areas with dense construction from different eras can create complicated networks of overlapping utilities, making it even more challenging to identify precisely what lies below the surface.
Finally, interference from nearby objects or materials can disrupt the survey process or data readings. For example, metal pipes, cables emitting low EMF (electromagnetic frequencies), or even the soil composition itself can interfere with ground-penetrating radar (GPR) and other similar detection technologies, making it challenging to get accurate readings.
Overcoming These Challenges and the Technologies Involved
Overcoming these challenges requires a combination of advanced technology, best practices, and professional expertise. Tools like ground-penetrating radar and electromagnetic locators are essential for detecting utilities at various depths. GPR sends radar pulses into the ground to detect buried objects from the feedback it gets from the reflected signals, while electromagnetic locators can detect metal pipes and cables of varying composition, thanks to different settings.
Thorough planning and site analysis before beginning the survey can also help mitigate access challenges. Using historical maps and as-built drawings can provide valuable information about the location of older utilities, whether cut off or still active. Additionally, 3D mapping technologies can offer a comprehensive view of the underground network and environment, helping surveyors visualize and navigate complex utility networks, especially within urban areas.
To combat interference, surveyors often employ multi-frequency GPR and advanced filtering techniques in tandem with advanced civil databases to differentiate between signals. Regular equipment calibration and cross-referencing with other detection methods help to improve accuracy.
Failing to Complete An Underground Utility Survey Is An Unnecessary Risk
Skipping an underground utility survey isn’t just a pointless financial risk- it’s a serious safety hazard. Accidentally striking a gas line or electrical cable can result in electrocution, fires, and even explosions, putting both workers and the public in danger. Even hitting a water main can lead to catastrophic flooding, property damage, and environmental issues.
Beyond the immediate risks to health and safety, failing to survey underground utilities can cause significant project delays. If unexpected utilities are encountered during excavation, work must be halted immediately until the issue is resolved, often requiring additional permits, consultations, and redesigns. You’ll also likely face fines and remediation costs if you damage these utilities during construction. This can all lead to substantial cost overruns and a tarnished reputation.
Call Before You Dig- Meridian Surveys Will Do The Rest
Don’t take unnecessary risks with your project to cut corners that will likely cost you time, money, and even your life in the worst-case scenario- when, instead, it’s so easy to trust Meridian Surveys for effective, safe, and smart underground utility surveying services.
At Meridian Surveys, we understand the complexities of underground utility surveying and have the tools, knowledge, and expertise to handle any challenge. Our team uses the most advanced technologies and adheres to best practices to ensure your project is completed safely, on time, and within budget. Contact us or request a quote today, and always call before you dig.