There are some of the most commonly observed myths linked with utility location. Such a practice might lead to major excavation issues. So, it is always advisable that you just have a look at some of the issues which can hamper your work. This will be best for you. Getting the utilities marked from utility location services Edmonton before starting any excavation is a common observation among most of the property owners. But, it has also been noticed that many still call state operated locator services to typically mark underground private utilities.
- One call and the utilities are marked
It is believed that making a common call will sort your entire utility location related task, but this is not always the case. Some of the common service providers will locate and mark telecommunication, electrical power or natural gas lines only. These might skip the marking of sanitary sewer, storm drain, and water utilities.
- Accuracy in utility mark outs
The mark outs are made on the basis of the records and the maps available and no one can be precisely sure of the exact locations. Some of the Mechanical Companies Edmonton might use locating technologies but the accuracy can still not be guaranteed. Highly advanced instruments have their limitations that are subject to operators’ interpretation.
For those who have to undergo drilling projects, keep the drilling as far as possible from the marks to avoid any unwanted circumstances. Keep the location at least three to five feet away from the markings.
- No utility area on the map means no marking needed
This is the most common myth. It has been observed that most of the people avoid locating utility after seeing the past records. However, the past records are seldom accurate and many times these are found to be incomplete.
- Only metallic cables and pipes can be detected
GPR however is not a tool that can locate all kinds of fittings, but it can also find locations for non-metallic utilities like plastic pipes, concrete pipes, PVCs and fibres. In order to be extra sure you can even insert metallic trace wire inside a hollow wire for successful detection trough locator system.
- Using the utility markings for all the upcoming projects
This is a common happening, but not a reliable one. One must be aware that underground utility marking is a dynamic process that depends on multiple factors which can alter the outcomes. Another possibility states that the obstructions during the location marking can affect the readings to a large extent. Moreover, any mark out at a point of time can be made for a particular purpose and might not serve the same cause in times to come.
- Using ground penetrating radars for location
This is important to note that a GPR cannot see the utilities on its own, but uses the human senses. As it is an extension of human observational senses, it has its own limitations. Some of the major limitations include the limit in the depth of penetration and also the difficulty faced in the interpretation of data for some of the subsurface conditions.
Last, but certainly not the least. Although all the possible utilities are marked successfully by Mechanical Companies Edmonton, the locating technologies used in the process have their own limitations. This however does not guarantee the exactness and accuracy in the locations.
