Tracing water pipes

GeoffHughes · Post: # 15421Post **GeoffHughes** Fri Nov 10, 2006 1:09 pm

I have three water mains pipes crossing my land (paddock) behind my house. The deeds show them, but at a large scale which does not give an particularly accurate idea of where they are (they are all in the same trench). I am going to be doing some building fencing and drainage work in the corner somewhere about where they are. Does anyone know of a way to trace their path so I can avoid them/take care? I don't think I'm any good at dowsing...

Is there any machine which can track them that I can get hold of? I thought utility companies might use something similar.

Mark B · Post: # 15422Post **Mark B** Fri Nov 10, 2006 4:12 pm

drainage firms often have tracers, the put down a tracker on rods down the pipe run and then a reciever then tracks it form the surface to mark out the runs.

tanto · Post: # 15424Post **tanto** Fri Nov 10, 2006 10:35 pm

Mark B wrote:drainage firms often have tracers, the put down a tracker on rods down the pipe run and then a reciever then tracks it form the surface to mark out the runs.

The tracing method will only work if the pipes are lead,copper or steel.If you have a digger on-site try using the ditching bucket to scrape away the soil at right angles to the direction that you think the pipes run and lookout for a change of colour in the excavated area which would point to a possible previous excavation.When you get this change, dig carefully with a spade/shovel until you hopefully find the pipes.

Sat Nov 11, 2006 1:00 am

tonto please loose that green script or i will tell the lone ranger
kemosabe LLL :laugh:

Post: # 15427Post **seanandruby** Sat Nov 11, 2006 7:52 am

they might start in the same trench then spur off. all you can do is dig across the trench every few metres. there should be warning tape, or sand, or shingle that will give you an indication you are close if they have been laid to spec. i think water mains are about 900 deep. if they are drain, foul, storm etc then go from cover to cover and string a line with spray paint, cement or sand. you can pour dye down them to check if they flow. water mains i put in now have an electic wire running throuh the tape so can pik it up on the c. a.t. also be prepared incase you hit anything... know where to turn it off and have a coupling ready if they are small dimeter you can kink them or hire a crimper. be prepared. have a good banksman with you and you will be fine. my mate hit one at gatwick airport airside and it washed the bottom of a 747 as it came in to land :laugh: good luck

TheVictorianCobbleCo · Sat Nov 11, 2006 9:25 am

The only 747 with a bidette?

bkdavies86 · Post: # 15434Post **bkdavies86** Sat Nov 11, 2006 2:17 pm

Try the metal coat hanger approach!

Bend them out into a L shape, holding them both pointing in front of you. When you cross a water main they should cross.

It sounds daft but works - done it several times and it worked spot on!

Post: # 15436Post **Dave_L** Sat Nov 11, 2006 6:09 pm

I must remember to try that next time we're digging!

We laid the mains pipes 800 deep, had to leave dip-pipes for the water board inspector to check depths.

flowjoe · Post: # 15439Post **flowjoe** Sat Nov 11, 2006 8:05 pm

Dependant on the pipe size and type you can either send a sonar down the line and follow above ground or using a genny send a pulse down the system and follow above ground.

Either way you will need some access to the line prior to starting. If you have some idea as to where they are i would hand dig first, those machine buckets are pretty savage when it comes to small diameter pipe work, if its a larger cast iron system you may get one good scrape at it before she blows. :laugh: Happy Digging