Underground Utility Locating Services in Northern California

At Bess Utility Solutions, we understand the critical importance of precise underground utility locating for the success and safety of your construction and excavation projects. Our commitment to excellence and innovation drives us to offer unparalleled private utility locating services in California that stand at the forefront of industry standards.

Secure your excavation projects with Bess Utility Solutions! Get a free quote today for underground utility locating services in Northern California! We are your trusted experts for utility locating services and damage prevention in the Bay Area, Central Valley and the rest of the cities in NorCal. We also serve locations near Phoenix, Arizona.

By choosing BESS, you’re not just avoiding potential project setbacks — you’re embracing peace of mind with every dig.

Discover Premier Utility Locating Service with Bess Utility Solutions

Our underground utility locating services are meticulously designed to meet the diverse needs of our clients, ensuring every project, from urban redevelopment to rural construction, proceeds without a hitch.

• Electromagnetic Utility Detection: Harnessing the power of cutting-edge electromagnetic technology, we accurately locate metallic utilities, safeguarding against unforeseen complications with public utilities, water, electrical, and gas lines.
• Ground Penetrating Radar: Our Ground Penetrating Radar (GPR) services offer a comprehensive view of what lies beneath, detecting both metallic and non-metallic utilities with precision. This non-invasive technique is essential for a thorough pre-construction survey.
• Utility Mapping and Documentation: Post-detection, our detailed surveying and mapping services provide you with a clear blueprint, ensuring informed decisions throughout the project lifecycle.
• Preventive Measures for Damage Control: We specialize in preemptive detection to mitigate risks, preserve the integrity of existing utilities, and avoid costly project delays.
• Strategic Consultation: Benefit from our wealth of expertise as we guide you through project planning and execution, ensuring seamless integration of our findings into your construction strategy.

Deliverable results can range from a simple marking on the ground surface to a PDF report with images and a line overlay, a CAD drawing, or geo-referenced aerial imagery that documents the survey results. Any depth estimates should be considered approximations, as they are derived solely from the non-intrusive equipment.

Stay at the Forefront of Cutting Edge Technology For Private Utility Locating

We harness the latest advancements in utility locating technology, from Ground Penetrating Radar (GPR) to electromagnetic and acoustic detection tools. Our skilled technicians combine this technology with deep industry knowledge to locate utilities with unparalleled accuracy, regardless of their material or depth.

Electromagnetic Pipe Locators

Electromagnetic locators operate by locating either a background signal or by locating a signal introduced into the utility line using a transmitter. The EM pipe locators consist of a transmitter and a receiver. The transmitter, when directly connected to a conductive pipe or tracing wire, emits radio-frequency electromagnetic signals that are traced above ground by a receiver capable of detecting such signals. There are three sources of background signals that can be produced.

A utility line acts like a radio antenna, producing electrons that can be picked up by a receiver (radio frequency). Current-carrying conductors have a 60-Hz signal associated with them. This signal occurs in all active current power lines, regardless of voltage. Utilities in close proximity to power lines or used as grounds may also have a 60-Hz signal that can be picked up by a receiver (electromagnetic).

Electromagnetic Pipe and Cable Locating Effectiveness:

• Effective for utilities that are either carrying electricity or are metallic and capable of having an electrical field induced within them. This can be done in passive mode.
• The second mode of operation is active mode. Through this mode, the metallic utility is energized by a separate transmitter, which induces an electrical field in the target utility. This induction can be completed by directly connecting to the utility or a tracer wire.
• Alternative technique using a Sonde. During this practice, the Sonde is pushed through a clay, concrete, or PVC pipe, and the location of the Sonde is tracked and marked. This method works when you have an access point and the pipe is clear of debris.

Electromagnetic Pipe and Cable Locating Non-Effectiveness:

• Non conductive materials such as clay, PVC, concrete, and no tracer wire are found.
• Non conductive pipes filled with debris where Sonde can be pushed through.
• Non conductive pipes with severe angles and laterals where Sonde tracks through.

Ground Penetrating Radar (GPR)

Ground Penetrating Radar (GPR) is one of the latest techniques utilized by private utility locators. A GPR signal is sent to the ground via a transmitter. Some portion of the signal will be reflected from the metallic or non-metallic underground utility lines that are recorded with a receiver.

Sonde Locators

Through CCTV pipeline inspection, sondes are used to locate nonmetal sewer pipes, storm drains, and conduits. Sondes are also used to locate cast iron drain pipes. A sonde is a small radio transmitter inserted into a pipe. Once inside, a conventional pipe locator is used to locate the sonde. The pipe’s position is then marked on the ground.

The sonde is pushed further into the pipe, the receiver relocates the Sonde, and the pipe’s position is again marked. This process is repeated until the desired section of pipe is traced. Another option is to have a plumber snake the pipe. We can attach a transmitter to the snake and trace the line from the snake’s signal.

Deliverable results can range from a simple marking on the ground surface to a PDF report with images and a line overlay, a CAD drawing, or geo-referenced aerial imagery that documents the survey results.  Any depth estimates should be considered approximations, as they are derived solely from the non-intrusive equipment.

Precision Underground Utility Locating Services by BESS Team

At Bess Utility Solutions, we are committed to setting the industry standard for precision in underground utility locating services in California. Here’s how our services stand as a cornerstone for safety, efficiency, and compliance in your construction and development ventures.

Safety First

The safety of your project site, workers, and the general public is our top priority. Utilizing advanced locating techniques, the Bess Team meticulously identifies buried utilities to prevent dangerous accidents and ensure a secure work environment.

Infrastructure Protection

Your project’s success depends on the uninterrupted function of vital underground utilities. Bess Team’s accurate utility locating services prevent unintended disruptions, ensuring that essential services remain operational.

Navigating Legal Compliance

Adhering to regulations is non-negotiable in today’s construction landscape. Bess Team ensures your projects meet all legal requirements for underground utility locating, helping you avoid fines and legal liabilities.

Maximizing Project Efficiency

Unexpected utility encounters can derail project timelines and inflate costs. Bess Team’s preemptive locating services allow for accurate project planning, minimizing surprises that lead to delays and additional expenses.

Enhanced Planning and Design

Accurate utility data is crucial for informed decision-making during the planning and design stages. Bess Team equips you with detailed utility mapping, enabling architects and engineers to create designs that accommodate existing underground utilities.

With offices in Hayward, Fresno, Ontario, and Sacramento, we’re strategically positioned to serve your needs across key locations, ensuring your projects proceed without a hitch!

Experience the Difference: Expert Utility Locating Solutions in Northern California!

Don’t let private utility lines catch you by surprise. Ensure the safety, efficiency, and compliance of your construction projects with Bess Utility Solutions’ premier underground utility locating services in California. Our team of experts uses the latest technology to provide accurate, reliable locates, minimizing risks and protecting your infrastructure.

Contact Bess Utility Solutions to learn more about how our underground utility locating services can streamline your construction process. Start your journey to expert utility locating services with a free quote today!