.png)
Electromagnetic (EM) Locating
Electromagnetic (EM) Locating Services provide precise detection and mapping of underground utilities, including electrical lines, communication cables, and metal pipes. Using advanced EM technology, these services help property owners, engineers, and contractors locate buried infrastructure before excavation. Professional EM locating reduces the risk of utility strikes, enhances site safety, supports construction and development planning, and ensures compliance with local regulations, making it essential for safe and efficient excavation, construction, and land development projects.
IMAGINE - Our Services in Action
Knowing What Lies Below
When Sarah Mitchell, a homeowner in Carmel, Indiana, decided to upgrade her backyard irrigation system, she assumed the project would be simple. That changed when she realized the exact locations of underground electrical lines and metal water pipes were unknown.
​
“Are we sure we’re not hitting anything buried?” she asked her landscaper.
​
Without accurate utility information, Sarah contacted Util-Locators, specialists in EM locating and private utility detection. Within hours, experienced technicians arrived on-site with advanced electromagnetic (EM) locating equipment, designed to detect metallic utilities such as electric conduits, water and gas lines, and communication cables.
​
As the EM survey progressed, Util-Locators identified hidden electrical lines running near the irrigation trench path and a metal water pipe not marked on the city records. Every utility was clearly marked, and a detailed utility map was provided, allowing Sarah’s contractor to adjust the installation plan safely.
​
The result?
No accidental power outages, no broken pipes, and no costly delays. With precise EM locating from Util-Locators, Sarah’s backyard irrigation project moved forward efficiently and safely—guided by knowledge, not guesswork.
​
Precision for Large-Scale Operations
Meanwhile, a commercial contractor preparing a parking lot expansion in Indianapolis faced a complex challenge: multiple underground utilities, including electrical feeders, gas mains, and communication lines, ran beneath the project site. Excavation without accurate knowledge could cause costly delays, safety hazards, and regulatory issues.
The contractor partnered with Util-Locators for comprehensive EM locating services. Using state-of-the-art EM technology, technicians identified existing power lines, telecom cables, and other metallic infrastructure that wasn’t fully documented in older utility maps.
​
Detailed EM utility maps and reports were delivered directly to the contractor, allowing project managers to plan excavation sequences safely, coordinate with utility providers, and prevent accidental strikes. For the contractor, EM locating was more than a safety step—it became a strategic tool that minimized risk, reduced downtime, and ensured regulatory compliance.
​
Our Passion is Your Damage Prevention
From residential irrigation projects to large commercial construction sites, Util-Locators provides expert EM locating services that uncover what’s hidden beneath the surface. By accurately detecting underground utilities, EM locating reduces risk, protects property, and ensures projects stay on schedule.
Before you dig, install, or excavate, trust Util-Locators to bring clarity, safety, and confidence to every project.
​
An EM locating technician stands on a grassy construction site in Indiana holding a handheld electromagnetic utility detector over the ground. Colored flags and spray paint mark underground utilities, including electrical lines, water pipes, and communication cables.
How EM Locating Works
Electromagnetic (EM) locating services use specialized technology to detect metallic underground utilities before excavation or construction begins. Technicians deploy EM locators, which send an electromagnetic signal through buried metal pipes, cables, and conduits. The signal is received by the locator, allowing technicians to trace the path, depth, and direction of each utility. EM locating is especially effective for identifying electrical lines, communication cables, gas pipes, and other metal infrastructure that may not be accurately documented on maps. The collected data is marked on-site with standard color-coded flags or spray paint and compiled into detailed utility maps. These maps give homeowners, contractors, and engineers a clear understanding of what lies beneath the surface, helping to prevent utility strikes, reduce project delays, and ensure safe, efficient excavation
and construction planning.
What Util-Locators Can Locate
-
Electrical conduits – buried service cables, power lines, and outlets
-
Communication lines – fiber optic cables, data lines, and telecom wiring
-
Gas lines – natural gas or propane pipes on private property
-
Water lines – metallic water service lines and irrigation pipes
-
Sewer lines – metal components of private laterals, drains, and stormwater systems
-
Abandoned or undocumented utilities – hidden metal pipes or conduits not shown on records
-
Buried valves, junction boxes, and meters – metallic infrastructure that supports utility systems
Benefits for Homeowners
​
For residential customers, EM locating provides peace of mind and protection. Before installing fences, decks, driveways, pools, or landscaping features, Util-Locators’ EM locating services help ensure you don’t damage buried electrical lines, gas pipes, water lines, or communication cables.
​
-
Avoid costly utility repairs
-
Prevent service disruptions
-
Improve safety for family and property
-
Reduce unexpected project delays
Benefits for Contractors & Small Businesses
​
For small businesses, contractors, and septic companies, EM locating provides accuracy and reliability for every project. Before excavation, site preparation, septic system installation, or infrastructure upgrades, Util-Locators’ EM locating services help ensure you don’t damage underground electrical lines, gas pipes, water lines, communication cables, or other buried utilities.
​
-
Avoid costly utility strikes
-
Prevent service disruptions to operations
-
Enhance safety for workers, equipment, and the public
-
Keep projects on schedule and reduce unexpected delays
Frequently Asked Questions
​
What is EM locating?
EM locating uses specialized electromagnetic technology to detect buried metallic utilities, such as electrical lines, gas pipes, communication cables, and water lines. The locator sends an electromagnetic signal through the utility, which is then detected and traced above ground.
​
What types of utilities can EM locating detect?
EM locating can detect:
-
Electrical conduits and service cables
-
Communication lines, including fiber optics and data cables
-
Gas lines (natural gas or propane)
-
Metallic water service lines and irrigation pipes
-
Metal components of sewer or stormwater systems
-
Abandoned or undocumented metallic pipes and conduits
-
Buried valves, junction boxes, and meters
​
How deep can EM locating detect utilities?
EM locating is most effective for metallic utilities near the surface, typically up to 10–15 feet deep. Depth can vary based on soil conditions, pipe material, and signal strength. For deeper or non-metallic utilities, GPR (Ground Penetrating Radar) may be used in combination with EM locating.
​
Who uses EM locating services?
EM locating is used by:
-
Homeowners planning landscaping, pools, decks, or fences
-
Small businesses and commercial contractors
-
Septic system installers and repair companies
-
Municipal crews and public works projects
-
Construction companies preparing for excavation, site work, or infrastructure upgrades
​
Why is EM locating important?
EM locating helps prevent utility strikes, protect property, reduce safety risks, avoid costly repairs, prevent service disruptions, and keep excavation or construction projects on schedule.
​
How are utilities marked after EM locating?
Utilities are typically marked with color-coded spray paint or flags to indicate the type of utility:
-
Red = Electrical lines
-
Yellow = Gas, oil, or hazardous pipelines
-
Orange = Communication lines
-
Blue = Water lines
-
Green = Sewer or drainage
-
White = Planned excavation areas
​
How long does an EM locating survey take?
The duration depends on the size and complexity of the property. Residential sites often take 1–2 hours, while large commercial or multi-acre projects may take several days.
Can EM locating detect non-metallic utilities?
EM locating only detects metallic utilities. For non-metallic utilities such as plastic water or sewer lines, GPR (Ground Penetrating Radar) is typically used alongside EM locating.
How do I schedule EM locating services?
Contact Util-Locators online or by phone to schedule a professional EM locating survey. Our technicians serve Indianapolis, Fort Wayne, Evansville, South Bend, Carmel, Bloomington, Fishers, Hammond, Gary, Lafayette, Muncie, and all areas across Indiana.
Call Util-Locators Today
Before you dig, drill, or build, trust a top-rated private utility locating company to protect your investment.
​
📞 Contact Util-Locators today to schedule your GPR survey or request a quote.
Family-owned. Certified. Trusted statewide.​
Util-Locators — Our Passion is Your Damage Prevention.
What Clients Are Saying About Util‑Locators
​
Util‑Locators LLC consistently earns 5‑star reviews from homeowners, contractors, and business owners for quality service, professionalism, and responsiveness. Customers appreciate the way our team communicates clearly, shows up promptly, and delivers dependable results that help protect projects from costly mistakes.
​
Here’s what reviewers emphasize:
-
Fast, responsive service: Clients frequently mention that Util‑Locators locates utilities quickly—often the same day they request service—and keeps them informed throughout the process.
-
Professional and personable technicians: Reviewers highlight our team’s professionalism, friendly attitude, and ease of working with on site.
-
Clear, accurate utility marks: Customers note that utilities are clearly marked and well documented, giving them confidence to dig, build, or renovate safely.
-
Value and reliability: Many clients say they would use Util‑Locators again or recommend us to friends, family, and other contractors—testament to our dependable results and customer care.
​
​
​
