Sewer Utility Locates
Camera-Verified Sewer Locates on Private Property
Sewer Locating Is Not Like Other Utility Locates
Most sewer lines are non-conductive and cannot be reliably located using standard electromagnetic equipment. Clay, concrete, and plastic pipes require a different approach to accurately determine alignment, depth, and condition.
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Sewer locating requires specialized tools, verified methods, and an understanding of real-world limitations.
Why Standard Locate Methods Fall Short
• Electromagnetic locators are ineffective for most sewer materials
• Tracing wires are rarely present or functional
• Records are often incomplete, outdated, or incorrect
• Assumptions lead to missed laterals, incorrect depths, and risk
Push Camera and Sonde - The Gold Standard for Sewer Locating
A push camera with an integrated sonde provides visual confirmation and a traceable signal from inside the pipe. This allows the sewer line to be mapped accurately from above ground.
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This method removes guesswork by showing what is actually inside the pipe.
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Visual confirmation of pipe material and condition
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Accurate alignment and depth tracking
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Identification of laterals, transitions, and offsets
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Verification of blockages or structural issues
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Cross Bores - A Hidden and Serious Risk
Cross bores occur when a gas or communication line is unknowingly drilled through a sewer lateral. These hazards often remain undetected until a blockage is cleared, creating a serious risk of explosion or injury.
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Camera inspection is the most reliable way to identify cross bores before maintenance or excavation work begins.
What You Can Expect From Our Private Sewer Locate
Our sewer locating services are focused on identifying and verifying sewer infrastructure located on private property using proven, field-based methods. We approach each site with the goal of reducing uncertainty, improving subsurface awareness, and supporting safer planning before ground disturbance begins.
When conditions allow, our sewer locates may include:
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Camera verification of sewer alignment and condition
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Tracing sewer laterals on private property using camera and sonde technology
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Approximate depth measurements where signal strength and access permit
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Identification of laterals, transitions, offsets, and connection points
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Documentation of observed limitations or areas requiring caution
Our work is intended to help you understand what is known, what can be verified, and where uncertainty remains so informed decisions can be made before excavation, maintenance, or construction activities begin.​
Important Sewer Locate Limitations and How We Address Them
While camera-verified sewer locating is the most reliable approach available, there are practical limitations that should be understood before work begins.
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We cannot reliably locate:
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Sewer infrastructure located within public streets or municipal Right of Way
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Very deep sewer lines beyond effective push camera or sonde range
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Large-diameter sewer mains where push cameras are non-effective. Robot cameras are required.
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Sewer lines on private property where suitable access points are unavailable
We do not operate robotic sewer crawlers, and some large-diameter and deep sewer systems fall outside the practical limits of standard camera and sonde locating.
Where deeper sewer investigation is required, we work with qualified sewer inspection and specialty service providers who can support advanced assessment methods when appropriate. If we identify that a deep sewer is present on site and requires further investigation, we will communicate that clearly and help guide next steps.
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That said, most residential, commercial, and light industrial sewer laterals on private property can be successfully located and verified when reasonable access exists.
Our role is to apply the right tools, clearly communicate limitations, and help manage risk, not to guess or overstate certainty.
