Professional Underground Utility Locating Services
Delivering precise utility locating, verification, and non-destructive excavation services with disciplined execution and dependable field performance.
Precision · Protection · Partnership
Subsurface Utility Detection
Control the Risk Below the Surface
At 3 Thirteen Subsurface, we deliver professional underground utility detection backed by disciplined field execution and defensible documentation.
We identify both metallic and non-metallic utilities — public and private — using industry-standard electromagnetic locating and ground penetrating radar technologies.
We locate:
- Water, gas, electric, telecom, fiber, sewers and storm systems
- Metallic and non-metallic utilities
- Reinforcing steel (rebar)
- Post-tensioned and pre-tensioned cables
Every investigation is performed using calibrated equipment and structured field methodology to ensure reliable, field-verified results.
Accurate detection reduces strike risk, prevents costly delays, and protects crews operating in high-liability environments.
Why Accurate Underground Information Matters
In construction and infrastructure work, incomplete subsurface information creates exposure.
Inaccurate data leads to:
- Utility strikes
- Project shutdowns
- Change orders
- Safety incidents
- Regulatory complications
- Budget overruns
3 Thirteen Subsurface provides verified subsurface information so your project moves forward based on field data — not assumptions.
We combine real-time detection with professional documentation deliverables designed for contractors, municipalities, and project teams.
Our documentation supports coordination — not design — and provides clear, usable records of field conditions.
We don’t just locate utilities.
We reduce underground uncertainty.
What We Deliver
- Plan-view utility mapping
- Survey-aligned CAD files
- Photographic documentation
- CCTV inspection reports
- Pothole verification reports
All documentation is structured for clarity, defensibility, and practical use in construction environments.
SUE-Aligned Methodology
Our work aligns with ASCE 38 Subsurface Utility Engineering (SUE) guidelines, ensuring the appropriate level of investigation for each project.
We perform services consistent with the following Quality Levels:
Quality Level D
Review of existing records and available information.
Quality Level C
Correlation of visible surface features with records.
Quality Level B
Surface geophysical designation using:
- Electromagnetic locating
- Ground Penetrating Radar (GPR)
Provides reliable horizontal positioning.
Quality Level A
Non-destructive vacuum excavation for physical verification, providing:
- Exact horizontal position
- Measured vertical depth
- Utility size and material confirmation
- Photographic documentation
Quality Level A delivers the highest level of subsurface accuracy available without destructive excavation.
Our Technical Approach
Our technicians utilize:
- Direct-connect locating for conductive lines
- Controlled induction methods
- GPR scanning for non-conductive utilities
- Vacuum excavation for physical confirmation
- CCTV video inspection for internal pipe condition
Each service is executed according to project scope and documented for contractor and municipal use.
Why 3 Thirteen Subsurface
- Focused exclusively on subsurface utility services
- Field-driven methodology
- Calibrated professional equipment
- OSHA-aligned safety practices
- Clean, contractor-ready documentation
- Rapid mobilization capability
We operate with precision, discipline, and accountability.
Subsurface risk is manageable — when handled correctly.
3 Thirteen Subsurface handles it correctly.
Electromagnetic Utility Locating
Precision Detection. Controlled Results.
Electromagnetic locating is the frontline defense against underground utility strikes.
At 3 Thirteen Subsurface, we deploy calibrated, professional-grade equipment to trace conductive utilities with accuracy and control. We interpret signal behavior, manage interference, and confirm line continuity — delivering reliable field results in complex environments.
We locate:
- Electric power
- Gas mains and services
- Water lines with tracer
- Sewer and Storm Drain
- Telecom and fiber (with tracer)
- Metallic conduits
- Steel pipelines
Signal application methods include:
- Direct connection (highest precision)
- Controlled induction
- Frequency selection for congestion management
We don’t rely on assumptions.
We verify signal strength, direction, and consistency before marking.
Clear designations. Reduced risk. Professional execution.
Why 3 Thirteen
- Focused exclusively on subsurface utility services
- Trained field technicians
- Calibrated professional equipment
- OSHA-aligned safety practices
- Clean, defensible documentation
- Rapid mobilization capability
Subsurface risk is controllable — when handled correctly.
3 Thirteen handles it correctly.
Vacuum Excavation
Physical Verification. Zero Guesswork.
When projects require absolute confirmation, we pothole/daylight.
Vacuum excavation safely exposes underground utilities without mechanical contact, providing measurable and documented verification of:
- Exact horizontal position
- Field-measured depth
- Utility diameter
- Material type
We use high-performance vacuum systems with air or hydro methods depending on soil and site conditions.
Controlled excavation.
Clean exposure.
Professional restoration.
Vacuum excavation reduces strike risk, eliminates subsurface assumptions, and protects construction crews operating in high-liability zones.
If it must be confirmed — it must be exposed.
Why 3 Thirteen
- Focused exclusively on subsurface utility services
- Trained field technicians
- Calibrated professional equipment
- OSHA-aligned safety practices
- Clean, defensible documentation
- Rapid mobilization capability
Subsurface risk is controllable — when handled correctly.
3 Thirteen handles it correctly.
Ground Penetrating Radar
See What Others Miss.
When utilities or structural elements are non-metallic, electromagnetic locating alone isn’t enough.
Ground Penetrating Radar (GPR) allows us to detect:
- PVC and non-metallic utilities
- Reinforcing steel
- Post-tensioned cables
- Embedded conduits
Handheld radar penetrates up to 18 inches in structural applications and allows immediate surface marking prior to cutting, coring, or drilling.
Unlike X-ray:
- No radiation perimeter
- No shutdowns
- No evacuations
- One-sided access only
Fast deployment. Immediate results. Safe operation — even in sensitive environments.
When cutting into concrete isn’t optional, certainty is.
Why 3 Thirteen
- Focused exclusively on subsurface utility services
- Trained field technicians
- Calibrated professional equipment
- OSHA-aligned safety practices
- Clean, defensible documentation
- Rapid mobilization capability
Subsurface risk is controllable — when handled correctly.
3 Thirteen handles it correctly.
Underground Utility Mapping
Field Data. Organized. Actionable.
We convert field findings into clean, contractor-ready documentation.
Utilities are plotted, labeled, and color-coded to reflect field designations. Surface markings are translated into structured plan-view mapping that supports coordination and excavation planning.
Deliverables include:
- 24” x 36” plan sheets
- PDF files
- CAD-compatible formats
We do not provide engineering design.
We provide field-verified subsurface documentation.
Clear data prevents costly surprises.
Why 3 Thirteen
- Focused exclusively on subsurface utility services
- Trained field technicians
- Calibrated professional equipment
- OSHA-aligned safety practices
- Clean, defensible documentation
- Rapid mobilization capability
Subsurface risk is controllable — when handled correctly.
3 Thirteen handles it correctly.
CCTV PIPE VIDEO INSPECTIONS
Internal Condition. Verified.
Location alone is not enough.
Condition determines risk.
Our CCTV inspections identify:
- Offsets
- Root intrusion
- Corrosion
- Flow restrictions
- Structural defects
- Blockages
We deliver full-color video files, still images, and documented findings.
Clear visibility inside the pipe means fewer surprises outside of it.
The 3 Thirteen Standard
- Focused exclusively on subsurface utility services
- Field-driven methodology
- Calibrated professional equipment
- Trained technicians
- OSHA-aligned safety practices
- Clean, defensible documentation
- Rapid mobilization capability
Subsurface risk is manageable — when handled correctly.
3 Thirteen Subsurface handles it correctly.
Utility Reporting
Documented. Organized. Defensible.
At 3 Thirteen Subsurface, reporting is not an afterthought — it’s part of the deliverable.
We provide structured, professional documentation for:
- CCTV Pipe Inspections
- Vacuum Excavation (Pothole / Daylighting) Verification
Our reports are built for contractors, municipalities, and infrastructure owners who require clear, usable records of field-verified conditions.
No engineering analysis.
No interpretation beyond observed conditions.
Just accurate documentation of what was inspected and exposed.
CCTV Inspection Reports
Our CCTV reporting packages include:
- Full-color MP4 video files
- Still-image captures of defects or areas of concern
- Location references and distance markers
- Clear identification of observed conditions
We document structural defects, offsets, corrosion, root intrusion, obstructions, and flow conditions — providing a complete visual record of pipe condition at the time of inspection.
Pothole / Daylighting Reports
When utilities are physically exposed, we document:
- Exact horizontal position
- Measured vertical depth
- Utility diameter
- Material type
- Field condition at exposure
- Photographic confirmation
Each daylighted utility is recorded clearly and consistently, providing defensible verification of what exists below the surface.
Why Reporting Matters
Field work without documentation creates liability.
Clear reporting:
- Protects contractors
- Supports project coordination
- Provides dispute documentation
- Reduces miscommunication
- Preserves an accurate project record
When subsurface conditions are questioned later, your documentation is what stands.
The 3 Thirteen Standard
- Structured reporting procedures
- Clean, organized deliverables
- High-resolution imagery
- Rapid turnaround
- Contractor-ready documentation
We don’t produce paperwork for appearance.
We produce documentation that holds up.
Subsurface work requires accountability.
Our reports reflect it.
Commitment to Excellence
3 Thirteen Subsurface is built on the principle that quality work speaks for itself. From executive leadership to field execution, every member of our team is aligned in delivering accurate results, maintaining strict operational standards, and exceeding client expectations.
We do not approach projects as routine tasks—we approach them as critical responsibilities. Through disciplined execution, technical expertise, and unwavering accountability, we remain committed to setting the standard for professional subsurface services.
