Business Details
34 Years
experience
Emergency
services
Expert Underground Utility Locating Services
Founded in 1992, The Underground Detective has built a reputation as a trusted leader in underground utility locating services. Our team combines decades of industry experience with cutting-edge technology to deliver precise, reliable results for contractors, excavators, and homeowners. Specializing in electromagnetic locating, ground penetrating radar, and vacuum excavation, we prioritize safety, accuracy, and client satisfaction. Our commitment to quality work over quantity ensures clients receive actionable data to prevent costly damages and project delays. With corporate offices across ten U.S. locations, we serve diverse industries including construction, petroleum, and environmental remediation. Our technicians undergo rigorous training through programs like Staking University to maintain the highest standards of expertise.As a family-owned business rooted in plumbing heritage, we value transparency, ethical practices, and delivering measurable value through every project. Our ISO-certified processes and focus on continuous innovation reinforce our position as industry experts. We guarantee 24/7 emergency response capabilities and provide immediate post-service documentation, including detailed reports and non-survey-grade maps. This combination of technical proficiency, operational integrity, and client-centric service has made us a preferred partner for both public and private utility projects nationwide.
Services
Utility Locating
Ground Penetrating Radar
Vacuum Excavation
Sewer Inspection
Concrete Scanning
Details
- Year established: 1992
Highlights and features
- We guarantee 24/7 emergency response capabilities
- Our technicians complete Staking University-certified training programs
- We provide immediate post-service documentation including reports and maps
- We combine 50+ years of plumbing heritage with modern technology
- Our ISO 9001 certification ensures quality management standards
Associations and certifications
- ISO 9001
What people say
Precise utility mapping
Prevented costly damages
24/7 emergency response
Expert technicians
Immediate documentation
Services
Utility Locating
Our utility locating service identifies underground infrastructure using electromagnetic equipment and ground penetrating radar. We map both metallic and non-metallic utilities for construction, excavation, and maintenance projects. Our technicians mark detected utilities with color-coded paint and flags to ensure safe digging operations.
Ground Penetrating Radar
Ground Penetrating Radar (GPR) creates subsurface images to detect utilities, storage tanks, and structural elements. Our advanced GPR systems work through concrete, soil, and pavement, providing real-time data for accurate utility mapping and structural analysis in both commercial and residential settings.
Vacuum Excavation
Our vacuum excavation service safely exposes underground utilities using high-pressure air systems. This non-destructive method removes soil without damaging buried infrastructure, providing precise verification of utility depth, type, and condition for construction and maintenance projects.
Sewer Inspection
Sewer inspection services use specialized cameras to identify blockages, root intrusion, and structural damage in sanitary and storm sewer systems. Our inspections include real-time video analysis and detailed reports to guide repair and maintenance decisions for residential and commercial properties.
Concrete Scanning
Concrete scanning services detect embedded objects like rebar, post-tension cables, and conduits in concrete structures. Using GPR technology, we provide accurate mapping of internal components to ensure safe drilling and cutting operations in floors, walls, and bridge decks.
Questions
What services does The Underground Detective offer?
We provide utility locating, ground penetrating radar, vacuum excavation, sewer inspections, and concrete scanning services for both public and private utility projects.
How does your utility locating process work?
We use electromagnetic equipment, ground penetrating radar, and locating sondes to identify underground utilities, followed by color-coded marking and detailed mapping of all detected infrastructure.
Can you locate non-metallic utilities?
Yes, our ground penetrating radar technology effectively locates non-metallic utilities like plastic pipes and concrete structures up to 50 feet deep in optimal conditions.
Do you serve residential customers?
Yes, we assist homeowners with sewer inspections, utility mapping, and excavation planning for property improvements and maintenance projects.
What makes your services unique?
Our combination of ISO-certified processes, Staking University-trained technicians, and 24/7 emergency response capabilities ensures unmatched accuracy and reliability in utility detection.
How quickly can you respond to service requests?
We offer same-day scheduling for emergency projects and maintain 24/7 availability for urgent utility locating needs.
Reviews (6)
Molly McEvilley
Jan 23, 2022
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A technician tried to get the camera down through the toilet flange, but told me that it was clogged and I would need to have a plumber "auger out the stack" before Underground Detective could come out again. When the plumber came, he said that the stack is totally clear -- he also couldn't get his camera through the 90 degree angle close to the toilet, but had no problem going through the vent on the roof. Underground Detective charged me $75 for this bad advice, and using them delayed my project by two weeks.
Cassie Everhart
Nov 30, 2021
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Had an issue with with water backing up into my house. Underground detective (Missy and Rob Harris)did everything they could to make sure I was happy. I would recommend them to anyone.
Paul Hubers
Jul 05, 2020
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Overall, I felt that this company was helpful and recognized my needs per my situation. I had a small job that required just a few feet (30') of ground scanning that would only take about 45 minutes. I was concerned because several competitors had an expensive hourly rate and a minimum time of 2+ hours. These companies also include time to destination. While I recognize good work, I didn't want to pay for a bunch of time and effort that was unnecessary. Underground Detective has a 1 hour minimum billing time, which worked well for the job at hand.
They also worked with me to coordinate a technician to stop by my place on route to another job further reducing cost to me. Ultimately, I paid $400 for one hours time. It's more than I was hoping to pay, but in my case I learned valuable information about my property that I didn't know before. I feel like they understood my situation and worked with me to find a good solution. Their technician, Jason, was polite, knowledgeable, and presented himself well. Jake was the one phone representative who was willing to graciously help me out given my circumstance. I would recommend this service.
They also worked with me to coordinate a technician to stop by my place on route to another job further reducing cost to me. Ultimately, I paid $400 for one hours time. It's more than I was hoping to pay, but in my case I learned valuable information about my property that I didn't know before. I feel like they understood my situation and worked with me to find a good solution. Their technician, Jason, was polite, knowledgeable, and presented himself well. Jake was the one phone representative who was willing to graciously help me out given my circumstance. I would recommend this service.
Josh Margerum
Nov 03, 2019
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Total professionals that care about the customer. James came out and got the job done, explaining things throughout the process. From the phone call to schedule the appointment to the work on site, everything was handled perfectly. No need to look elsewhere if you are planning on completing an excavation project-these guys are the way to go.
Mike M.
May 31, 2019
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I contacted Underground Detective on May the 23rd, for their services on May the 30th. I am aware that things could go wrong with scheduling so the date for their services was set 7 days before we needed them. On the 28th I got a confirmation call from their office that they would be there on the 30th first thing 8am. On the 30th at 8:30 am I called to find out where our 8 am technician was. Only then was I told that we were scheduled second stop only to see someone after lunch. In short DO NOT BOTHER TO SCHEDULE THEIR SERVICES A WEEK AHEAD. Mike Murray Project Manager JDR Site Services
Shar Smith
Sep 02, 2018
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AMAZING! Called with an emergency and they were able to fit me in last minute. I really appreciate it!
