Quality Utility Locating to Stay Safe, On Budget and On Time
Located right here on the Big Island, we provide utility locating services for the entire Hawaiian region. With over 25 years of experience, remember we’re here to help make it clear.
Quality Utility Locating to Stay Safe, On Budget and On Time
Located right here on the Big Island, we provide utility locating services for the entire Hawaiian region. With over 25 years of experience, remember we’re here to help make it clear.
Request a Free Utility Locating Consultation
Underground Utility Locating
The process of identifying any and all below ground utilities such as encasement's, lines, pipes, wires and voids.
Ground Penetrating Radar
GPR uses radar pulses to image the subsurface. When the pulse of encounters a buried object or pipe it reflects it back to the monitor screen.
Private Utility Locating
Our technicians utilized the latest technology to locate and identify private underground buried utilities not covered by your standard one call system.
Leak Detection for Pressurized Lines
The MGD-2002 gas detector is a portable leak-locating and pinpointing device that can be used in a multitude of pressurized systems to detect tracer gases.
Residential Services
Additions, remodels, modifications and landscaping are just a few home repair services that we provide.
Sewer Pipe Video Inspections
We use state of the art cameras inserted into the existing lines or drains to help identify problems and their condition.
Why locate utilities?
Locating utilities before you dig can prevent gas explosions, electrical shock and water damage. Call us before you dig to save time, money and lives.
Services and Applications
We utilize the latest GPS and Electromagnetic technology to pinpoint subsurface utilities, mark their locations and develop detailed map reports for our customers. Our job is to help you avoid costly and dangerous mistakes made by digging in the wrong place.
Underground Utility Locating
“Traditional” underground utility locating is accomplished primarily through electromagnetic locating methods where the target facilities are metallic or are placed with a metallic “tracer wire”. The equipment utilized consists of two instruments. A signal is applied to the target conductor with the transmitter and then the receiver is used to locate the electromagnetic field that travels along the pipe or cable. This is the primary method used in our utility locating services. We prefer our two step process which is always a combination of the two types of locating meaning ground penetrating radar and electromagnetic. When applying the two types of equipment and technology in harmony you achieve a more analyzed detail of whats hidden underground. We can then change or alter the construction plans or improvements to better satisfy our clients.
Applications
- Gas and Propane Lines
- Water Lines
- Sewer Lines
- Communication Lines
- Fiber Optic Lines
- Electrical Lines
- Waste Pipes
- Storm and Drainage Pipes
- Sewer Lines Video Inspections
- Underground Home Inspections
- Cesspool Locating
- Duct Banks/Vaults
- Infrastructure
- Utilities Mapping
- Documented and Undocumented Utilities
- Fuel Storage Tanks
Ground Penetrating Radar
Ground penetrating radar services (GPR) is a method of scanning and profiling an area in order to ascertain the existence and location of underground utilities, buried valves, tanks, or other structures. It is especially useful for determining the presence and location of non-metallic lines which do not respond to electromagnetic locating methods provided that the proper soil conditions exist. The use of GPR can be very helpful in identifying the location of utilities. It is often times used prior to Excavation work to help ensure that all hazards have been identified. There are some limitations to GPR as it is affected by soil type and conductivity as well as the diameter and depths of the pipes underground. The deeper the pipe, the larger in diameter it must be in order to be “seen” by the radar unit. While GPR effectiveness is limited in areas, it is simply another tool used in conjunction with the multitude of specialized equipment by Island Underground technicians to help piece the puzzle together in determining what is underground and make your site safe for excavation.
Applications
- Gas and Propane Lines
- Water Lines
- Sewer Lines
- Communication Lines
- Electrical Lines
- Waste Pipes
- Storm and Drainage Pipes
- Underground Home Inspections
- Cesspool Locating
- Duct Banks/Vaults
- Fuel Storage Tanks
- Underground Anomalies
- Lava Tubes or Voids
Private Utility Locating
A private locate is necessary when utility lines (most likely services) are owned by a private owner. Our technicians utilized the latest technology to locate and identify private underground utilities within a proposed work area. Private utilities may include but are not limited to: Gas, Water, Electric, Sewer, communication, underground storage tanks Etc. Island Underground Utility Services is a one-stop-shop for your all of your utility location needs. We can locate and mark all underground utilities & Structures while working closely with our client to remain within any budget restraints. Locations like college campuses, air ports, Military bases, hospitals and your home are just few examples of entities that will need private locating.
Applications
- Gas and Propane Lines
- Water Lines
- Sewer Lines
- Communication Lines
- Fiber Optic Lines
- Electrical Lines
- Waste Pipes
- Sewer Lines Video Inspections
- Underground Home Inspections
- Underground Utility Toning
- Cesspool Locating
- Duct Banks/Vaults
- Infrastructure
- Utilities Mapping
- Documented and Undocumented Utilities
Line Leak Detection
Helium leak testing is used to find small leaks or larger leaks in big volumes. We use the helium as a tracer gas and then its concentration is measured to help find the leak. Our handheld unit has pin-point accuracy when it comes to finding leaks under concrete, pavement and landscaping areas.The process consists of filling conduits, water lines or pipe lines with the helium tracer gas and then tracing the buried utlity path until the handheld unit detects gases exscaping from the ground. If you are having problems finding a water leak under your concrete slab or driveway let us save your day.
Applications
- Gas and Propane Lines
- Water Lines
- Sewer Lines
- Communication Lines
- Waste Pipes
- Underground Anomalies
- Duct Banks/Vaults
- Infrastructure
- Fuel Storage Tanks
- Air Conditioning Lines
Residential Services
So you’re about to dig or excavate on your property? Removing a tree? Or maybe you’re installing a fence? Whatever the project is, you hire someone to perform the job. Before they start working, they inform you that they cannot move forward without locating all possible utilities. Maybe you’re about to dig yourself! But before you do, you need to make sure you are avoiding any damage to utility lines. And, more importantly, injuring yourself or endangering others.
Applications
- Gas and Propane Lines
- Water Lines
- Sewer Lines
- Communication Lines
- Electrical Lines
- Sewer Lines Video Inspections
- Underground Home Inspections
- Underground Utility Toning
- Cesspool Locating
- Duct Banks/Vaults
- Utilities Mapping
- Documented and Undocumented Utilities
Sewer Pipe Video Inspections
CCTV stands for “closed circuit television”. Island Underground uses state-of-the-art, push cameras to inspect for clogs, damaged areas, or imperfection. A video inspection of pipelines is a cost effective means of evaluating the condition of the interior of a conduit, sewer, or drain pipe. Blockages or damaged areas can also be easily seen and subsequently located from the surface to pinpoint. We can inspect many different line sizes by utilizing smaller camera heads. Our team can assist with large to small project all while recording the details in high definition, voice record and smart phone application.
Applications
- Sewer Lines
- Waste Pipes
- Storm and Drainage Pipes
- Sewer Lines Video Inspections
- Cesspool Locating
Questions?
Island Underground is committed to quality and customer service, so please feel free to contact us with any questions you have about our service, company and technology.
Request a Free Estimate
Due to the uniqueness of so many different projects and sites our team is on hand and ready to assist you with a quote for our services. Lets build this!
Safety and damage prevention are at the core of all of our services.
Our service was originally established in 2001 by Scott Collamore, a professional locator with over 25 years of contractor knowledge and experience. After relocating to the Big Island in 2006 he felt the need for a reliable locating service on the Big Island and Island Underground Utility locating was developed. We're here to help you achieve success.
Our Technology
Our equipment is second to none. We utilize the latest GPR and electromagnetic technology to pinpoint subsurface utilities.
Electromagnetic technology is used to connect directly to the existing utility.
Electromagnetic (EM) Locator technology relies upon the detection of an alternating magnetic field. This magnetic field is created by the flow of current through a conductor such as a wire or pipe.
We offer a comprehensive approach to managing entire systems.
GPR works by sending a tiny pulse of energy into a material and recording the strength and the time required for the return of any reflected signal.
Metrotech 810Dx We prefer the quality and Superior technology of Metrotech.
The Model 810Dx is a state-of-the-art pipe and cable locator precisely designed with many powerful features to provide optimum information.
The MGD 2002 Multi Gas Leak Detector
The MGD-2002 Multi-Gas Detector is a 16 Bit microprocessor controlled precision instrument that operates on the principle of changing thermal conductivity to locate a specific tracer gas.
High quality clarity in a camera is everything.
We offer a wide variety of cameras depending on there intended application. There are push type cameras, crawler cameras and micro cameras that will record data and see every imperfection along the way.
Do You Have Questions?
A list of frequently asked questions to help you understand how we work.
Why choose our company?
We built our company on over 25 years of experience, dependability, quick response time and a trustworthy relationships with our clients.
Why locate utilities?
By locating utilities before you dig you can save time, money and your life. Hundreds of utilities are damaged daily just here alone in Hawaii and many of them can result gas explosions, electrical shock and water damage .Remember stay safe and alway call before you dig.
Are you locally owned and operated?
Island Underground has been located on the Big Island since its beginning in 2009, We are small business with a big goal, To provide our clients with superior quality and dependability all over the Hawaiian Islands.
What type equipment do you provide with your services?
We are capable of performing many different types of locating. For direct buried lines with above ground connections we will use our Electromagnetic hand held locating units. These are also used with induction clamps to find buried electric, fiber optics and tracer wires for gas lines. For buried water, sewer and old abandoned lines we will use our Ground Penetrating Radar Units. These units send a signal into the earth which intern bounces back when it detects an hard surface such as metal or steel lines. This unit is also used to find composition or abnormalities in the earth’s ground. Like voids burials sites and disturbed areas.
What do the color markings represent?
The following APWA color code is the uniform color code for marking excavation sites and underground facilities in conflict with an excavation. White for proposed excavation. Pink for temporary survey markings. Red for electric power lines, cables, conduit and lighting cables. Yellow for gas, oil, steam, petroleum or gaseous materials. Orange for communication, alarm, or signal lines, cable or conduit. Blue for potable drinkable water. Purple for reclaimed water, irrigation and slurry lines. Green for sewers and drain lines.
What is the difference between public and private utilities?
Public utilities are owned, operated and provided by your service providers on the one call system. These companies will provide locating when you call the one system ,but only in the county right-a-way meaning not around your home or on your property. Private locates such as what we provide cover any buried utilities on your property or even institutions like colleges, Air Ports or any private company large or small.
What type of companies do you work with?
We proudly provide services for many different types such as Construction companies, Engineering Firms, Native Hawaiian small business and sign companies. We’ve worked on treatment plants, Hospitals, Air Strips and Geological remediation sites, We have also work for some public companies as needed.
Can you find other things in the ground?
By implementing are GPR services we can find other obstructions such as buried tanks, lava tubes, structures, and voids. We can identify rebar in concrete and metal that’s buried.
Utility Color Code Markings
The following APWA color code is the uniform color code for marking excavation sites and underground facilities in conflict with an excavation. White for proposed excavation. Pink for temporary survey markings. Red for electric power lines, cables, conduit and lighting cables. Yellow for gas, oil, steam, petroleum or gaseous materials. Orange for communication, alarm, or signal lines, cable or conduit. Blue for potable drinkable water. Purple for reclaimed water, irrigation and slurry lines. Green for sewers and drain lines.
