"Locating" and "potholing" get used interchangeably, but they're two different jobs. Knowing which you need — or whether you need both — saves time and money, and keeps your dig safe.
Cable & pipe location: find and mark
Cable and pipe location uses electromagnetic and ground-penetrating radar equipment to detect underground services from the surface, then marks their position and depth on the ground. It's non-invasive, fast, and the right first step on almost any site — giving your crew a clear picture before a shovel goes in.
Hydro excavation: expose and confirm
Hydro excavation uses high-pressure water and vacuum to safely dig down and physically expose a service without damaging it. You'd use it when you need to confirm exact depth and position — "potholing" or "daylighting" — or to dig safely around assets you can't risk striking.
When you need both
On higher-risk jobs the two work together: locate and mark everything first, then pothole the critical points to confirm them before the main excavation. That combination is what lets contractors trench through congested ground with confidence.
Not sure? Ask.
Tell us about your site and we'll tell you honestly what you need — sometimes that's a quick locate, sometimes it's the full workflow. Either way you'll know before you dig.