How do you find underground PVC pipe?
Olivia Shea
Updated on March 02, 2026
PVC, or polyvinyl chloride, can be tricky to find because there is little or no metal in the pipe system, rendering a metal detector useless. Today, the best tool for the job is ground penetrating radar (GPR) as it accurately maps metal and PVC pipes.
How do you find underground poly pipe?
The process to be able to Locate Underground Poly Gas Pipes is as follows.
- Connect your transmitter to the trace wire on the pipe.
- Select the frequency your wishing to induce the trace wire with.
- Match your locator to same frequency.
- Start Locating the Pipe.
What is a Spartan locator?
Spartan Tool’s locator meets the rigors of the job and allows you to locate virtually any pipe material. They did know that the system consisted of old cast iron pipes buried in dirt under 8 inches of concrete. The dirt was heavily compacted from years of heavy equipment being driven across the floor.
How far below ground are water pipes?
Exterior piping may be either buried or installed aboveground and shall be well supported and protected against mechanical damage. Underground piping shall be buried not less than 18 inches below the surface of the ground unless otherwise protected.
How do you find underground plastic water pipes?
The tracing system creates an electromagnetic field around the element and through sensors detects the exact point where the pipe is located. We use pipeline tracers to locate metal and plastic pipes. They are a very versatile and effective tool to detect the layout of pipes and the depth to which they are located.
How does the Gen-Eye Digital locator work?
When you turn on the Digital Locator, it looks for the 512 hz or 874 hz signal transmitted from the Gen-Eye camera. Switch the locator to 60 hz, and you can locate underground power lines before you start digging. The Gen-Eye™ Transmitter is used to energize metal pipes, fiber optic cables or even CATV cables with a powerful 65 Khz signal.
Who is the manufacturer of Gen-eye GL locator?
Q. “Who is the manufacturer of Gen-Eye GL and how is the quality?” A. This is the second generation of locator made by General Spring Wire Company (also known as General Pipe Cleaners Company). To date, we have never received one complaint about these units; and we have received “thanks” from Plumbing Contractors.
How do I find the Gen-Eye camera underground?
You can find the Gen-Eye camera even when it’s deep inside cast iron pipe. When you turn on the Digital Locator, it looks for the 512 hz or 874 hz signal transmitted from the Gen-Eye camera. Switch the locator to 60 hz, and you can locate underground power lines before you start digging.
What kind of pipe Locator does geneye use?
Gen-Eye ® Hot-Spot Pipe Locator. The new Gen-Eye Hot-Spot pipe locator makes locating easy. Whether you’re an experienced pro or a first time user, you can quickly locate inspection cameras, sondes, active power lines and utility lines with pinpoint accuracy.
