Even experienced utility locators encounter challenges in the field. From getting the strongest signal during induction to navigating turns and knowing when to reposition your transmitter, small adjustments in technique can make a big difference.
In our Locating Tips video series, we demonstrate three practical techniques to help you maintain a reliable signal, navigate changes in the utility’s path, and improve your locating accuracy.
1. Properly Position Your Transmitter During Induction Locating
When using induction to locate an underground utility, transmitter positioning plays an important role in achieving a strong, reliable signal. For additional guidance on signal application, see our guide to setting up the transmitter for inductive locating.
Start by positioning the transmitter as closely as possible in line with the conductor you’re trying to locate. Because the exact path of an underground utility isn’t always visible, your initial placement may need adjustment.
Move away from the transmitter before beginning your locate. A general rule of thumb is to start at a distance of approximately five times the estimated depth of the utility.
Once you’ve pinpointed the line, use the receiver’s tone and signal strength to verify transmitter placement. By carefully repositioning the transmitter while monitoring the receiver, you can identify the placement that produces the strongest signal on the target line.
2. Navigate Turns Using Your Last Known Locate
A rapid drop in signal strength while tracing an underground utility may indicate an approaching turn in the line.
Rather than moving away from your established locate, return to the last known location where you had a clear signal.
Slightly increase the receiver’s gain, then extend the receiver outward and sweep it in a controlled arc from that known point. Listen for the signal to identify the direction in which the utility continues.
Once you’ve identified the signal, move toward it and reestablish your pinpoint before continuing.
This technique allows you to work from one known location to the next while maintaining an accurate locate.
For more on pinpointing and verifying underground utilities, review our Steps to an Accurate Locate.
3. Work Short Distances During Induction Locating
When using induction, working within the transmitter’s effective signal range helps maintain a strong signal on the target utility and reduces the risk of picking up signal bleed-over from nearby underground utilities.
As you move farther from the transmitter, pay attention to the receiver’s gain setting. Increasing gain can help maintain the signal, but continuing to increase sensitivity as you move farther away can also increase the likelihood of detecting signals from other conductors.
Rather than continuing beyond the effective signal range, identify your last good locate and reposition the transmitter farther along the utility’s path.
Moving the transmitter forward allows you to reapply a stronger signal to the target line and continue locating in manageable sections for a more accurate locate.
Learn more about reducing interference from nearby conductors, see our guide to avoiding signal bleed-over during induction locating.
Improve Your Utility Locating Skills with Pipehorn
Improving your locating technique starts with understanding your equipment and knowing how to respond to changing conditions in the field. By applying these three tips, you can improve signal reliability, navigate turns with greater confidence, and make more accurate locates.
Want to take your locating skills further? Pipehorn offers free, hands-on utility locator training designed to help you get the most out of your equipment. You can also explore our Locator Learning Center for additional educational resources, locating techniques, and practical field tips.
