Hard Locate

Hard locating, also called test-holing or potholing, is the only method that provides definitive data about a buried utility's exact position and characteristics. While soft locates provide approximate horizontal position from the surface, a hard locate creates a physical opening that allows direct visual observation and measurement of the utility.

Hard locates are the final step in the subsurface utility engineering (SUE) process and provide Quality Level A data under ASCE 38 standards, the highest quality level of utility information. The data collected during a hard locate typically includes GPS coordinates, depth below grade, horizontal offset from reference points, pipe or cable material, diameter or size, condition, and the utility owner's identification.

Hydrovac excavation is the preferred method for hard locates because it is fast, precise, and non-destructive. A skilled hydrovac operator can expose a utility in 15 to 45 minutes depending on depth and soil conditions. The cost of a hard locate is typically $200 to $800 per hole, which is a fraction of the cost of a single utility strike that could result from relying on soft locate data alone.