How do you find underground pipes?

Today, the best tool for the job is ground penetrating radar (GPR) as it accurately maps metal and PVC pipes. Traditional pipe locators use electricity and magnets to locate underground pipes.

How far down is a water line?





The general depth of underground water pipes is 12 inches below the frost line in your specific geographical area.

How do you find drainage pipes?

Go to the city office directly or call them to see if they can tell you where the sewer line is located. Usually, they can show you where the line goes from your home to the city’s main line. If you are unable to reach the city, see if there is an interactive underground utility map of your area online.

How do you find plastic water lines underground?

How to Find Underground Plastic Pipes

  1. Step 1: Gather the necessary tools.
  2. Step 2: Make a map of your yard on a paper.
  3. Step 3: Use detectable tape to detect buried pipes.
  4. Step 4: Use a probe rod.
  5. Step 5: Start searching from the best possible location.
  6. Step 6: Dig the ground with a shovel.
  7. Step 7: Use a pipe locator.

How deep should pipes be buried?

18 inches





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 deep are ground water pipes?

The classic rule-of-thumb procedure for avoiding cold-weather damage to water pipe is “bury it deep.” If water lines are located below the lowest level of frost penetration—five to six feet or more in many cold region locales—they should be safe from freezing.

How deep should I bury a water pipe?

According to ‘The Department of the Environment’, they recommend that pipes should be buried at least 600mm (two feet) underground. At this depth, the soil acts as a natural insulator and prevents them freezing.

Can a metal detector find water pipes?

As a property owner there will be times when, for a variety of reasons, you will need to locate underground metal objects. For example, using a pipe locator metal detector you can easily pinpoint leaking underground pipes quickly.

Can a metal detector detect PVC pipe?



You can detect buried PVC water lines on your own by running a metal “snake” — a common plumbing tool used to unclog leaks — through your pipe. Then use a metal detector to see where the water line runs through your yard.

How do I find the main water line to my house?

For homes built on a slab, check in the garage or near your water heater. The incoming water line usually comes through the foundation near the front side of your house. Follow this line up to the water meter. Just past the meter should be the main water shut-off valve, a red or green handle or knob.

Who is responsible for water line from street to house?

In most cases, it’s your responsibility to maintain the supply pipe. This is the section of the service pipe from the boundary of your property – usually where the water meter and stop valve are – into the property itself.

Where is the water shut off valve outside my house?



Look for a rectangular or round cover that will be near the edge of your property, often between the curb and the sidewalk. Some water main valves are located along an alley, rather than the street. The cover may be metal or plastic, and it might say “water meter” to help with identification.

Where does the main water line enter a house UK?

The main water line will be found underground between the shut off valve and the water meter. If you don’t find the shut off valve outside the house, it will definitely be in the house.

How deep is water line from well to house?

The lines run at least 3 feet below ground, which can make them difficult to find. Usually, if you know where the line enters the house and the location of your water meter or well, you know the line runs between these two points.

How deep are water pipes buried UK?

The private (supply) pipe is to be laid at a minimum depth of 750mm and up to a maximum depth of 1350mm below finished ground level (in accordance with Water Supply (Water Fittings) Regulations 1999 G7. 7). However, where the pipe crosses the property boundary and enters the premise, the depth should be 750mm.

How deep should electrical pipes be buried UK?



Ducts should be laid at a nominal depth of 450mm below gardens and paths, 750mm below roads and 1,000mm below agricultural land. These measurements should be made from the top of the duct to finished ground level.

How do I find out what pipes are under my garden UK?

Speak to your local planning office/building inspector. They keep plans for all of the underground services and they are available (probably for a fee) to any builder or contractor carrying out groundworks.