Many utilities like electric, telephone, internet cables, water and SWR pipes are laid underground to save space and for greater safety. The cables are laid in trenches or conduit pipes and often do not need any maintenance for many years. The water or SWR pipes are made of concrete, Frp or metal and are also expected to be maintenance free.
However, in case there is a cable fault or a crack in the pipe, it may be necessary to find where exactly the fault is located, so that suitable repairs can be carried out. Digging large stretches of land may not be economical, and may also be very inconvenient for a large number of people using the area. In such cases it is advisable to use the services of a underground utility location company like GeoScan. This article discusses how to select the right Underground Utility Location Company based on various factors.
The main consideration while selecting an Underground Utility Location Company is the kind of utility to be located. It is relatively easier to locate a fault in a pipe carrying a fluid like water, as the leaking fluid will seep to the surface, if the pipe is not laid very deep underground. On the other hand, if there is a cable fault like short circuit or a loose contact, it may be very difficult to find the exact location where the fault has occurred. In such cases, specialized equipment is needed to find the exact fault location and the Underground Utility Location Company should have suitable equipment.
Equipment and tools owned by the Underground Utility Location Company is another consideration while selecting the right Underground Utility Location Company. A company owning the latest high-tech equipment like GeoScan, may be able to locate the fault more quickly compared to other firms, which use less sophisticated techniques.
Pricing and terms and conditions are always a major consideration while finalizing an order with any contractor for engineering products and services. Pricing depends on a number of factors such as scope of work to be done, equipment to be used, after sales support needed, so selecting a company that offers the lowest price may not always be the best option in the long run.
Experience of the staff of the underground fault location company can affect both the quality of the work as well as the time taken for the project to be completed. An experienced person is likely to have handled similar requests for utility location, and may be able complete the work efficiently.
The location of the Underground Utility Location Company is also important. A local Underground Utility Location Company will reach the area where the utility is located quickly compared to another company offering similar services located in another state. They will also be aware of the terrain in the area, local rules and regulations, which they have to comply with.
Another consideration is whether the Underground Utility Location Company has relevant certifications which complies with organizational health and safety laws. Working underground can be dangerous and the company should provide adequate insurance coverage to all workers involved in this hazardous activity.
