Unfortunately, sometimes there are buried utilities that are untraceable. High-Density Polyethylene (HDPE, or often just PE) and PVC are plastic pipes that are commonly used for underground service lines due to the fact that they are corrosion-resistant, durable, and a more affordably priced than copper, galvanized steel or iron. Knowing that an underground service wire was made with PE or PVC doesn’t mean we immediately stop there though.

For PE or PVC, the easiest and best way to find them is if they were buried with a tracer wire. However, not all contractors who bury pipes leave a tracer wire with it. Another way to find plastic pipes would be to run a fiber locator rod up the pipe from an access point, and trace the rodder with the electromagnetic locator that traces the rodder line. This second method only works if there is access to an open end of it.

So the short answer is, sometimes there are buried utilities that are untraceable, but Vermont Underground Locators will always try every method we have available before saying that for sure. If you ever have questions or even simply want something clarified, we’re always happy to help. Give us a call anytime at (802) 879-6331.