What can magnetic locating find?

Magnetic locating can find buried ferrous metal such as valve boxes, iron pipes, underground storage tanks, and steel markers.

Does magnetic locating work without tracer wire?

Yes. Magnetic locating does not require tracer wire or an electrical signal, but it only detects iron or steel objects.

Is magnetic locating better than GPR?

Magnetic locating and GPR serve different purposes. Magnetic locating is best for ferrous metal; GPR is better for non-metal utilities.

Does 811 locate private utilities?

No. 811 typically marks public utilities only. Private utilities such as private water lines, sewer laterals, septic systems, irrigation, propane, and private electrical lines are usually not included.

What is private utility locating?

Private utility locating identifies underground utilities located beyond the public connection point, including private water, sewer, septic, electrical, and other privately owned lines.

Can you locate PVC or non-metallic utilities?

Yes. Ground Penetrating Radar (GPR) is commonly used to locate non-metallic utilities such as PVC and clay pipes, especially when tracer wire is not present.

Can you locate septic tanks and drain fields?

Yes. Septic system locating, including septic tanks and drain fields, is a common service for property planning, repairs, and replacements.

How accurate is utility locating?

Utility locating provides approximate utility locations. Depth, soil conditions, and utility material can affect results. Verification by potholing is recommended before excavation.

Do you provide utility locating near me?

Yes. Twin City Locating provides mobile private utility locating and GPR services throughout Southwest Washington, including multiple counties and surrounding rural areas.

Magnetic Locating Near Me | Buried Metal Detection Centralia WA

Magnetic Locating Near Me - Find Buried Ferrous Metal

Magnetic locating is a specialized method used to find ferrous metal objects underground, including valve boxes, iron pipes, tanks, property markers, manhole lids, and other buried metal that electromagnetic or GPR methods could miss.

What Is Magnetic Locating?

Magnetic locating detects disturbances in the earth’s magnetic field caused by buried iron or steel objects. It is highly effective for finding items that may not carry an electrical signal and cannot be traced with electromagnetic locating.

This method is fast, non-invasive, and ideal for shallow to moderate depths.

When Magnetic Locating Is the Right Choice

Magnetic locating is ideal when:

No tracer wire is present
The target is iron or steel
Valve boxes or covers are buried
You need to locate abandoned or unknown metal objects
Electromagnetic locating is not possible due to lack of access

What Can Be Located

Magnetic locating can detect:

Valve boxes and lids
Iron or steel water lines
Underground storage tanks (USTs)
Steel property markers or monuments
Cast-iron sewer components
Buried metal debris or obstructions

How Magnetic Locating Works

A magnetic locator measures variations in the earth’s magnetic field. When a ferrous object is present, it creates a detectable anomaly that allows the operator to pinpoint its location.

No signal connection or utility access is required.

Magnetic Locating Pricing

Clear, time-based pricing within Centralia city limits:

Magnetic Locating

$125 first hour on site
$100 per additional hour, billed in 30-minute increments

Travel (outside Centralia city limits)

$45 per 15 minutes from Centralia City Hall

More specific pricing details can be found HERE.

Service Area

Magnetic locating services are available near you in Centralia, WA, including Lewis, Thurston, Mason, Pacific, Greys Harbor, and Cowlitz Counties. Statewide service available upon request.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Can magnetic locating find plastic pipes?
A: No. Magnetic locating only detects ferrous metals such as iron or steel.

Q: How deep can magnetic locating work?
A: Depth depends on object size and soil conditions, but shallow to moderate depths are most reliable.

Q: Is magnetic locating better than EM locating?
A: They serve different purposes. Magnetic locating works without tracer wires but only for ferrous materials.

Q: Why wouldn't a metal detector work instead?

A: A magnetic locator finds iron or steel objects by sensing disturbances in the Earth’s magnetic field, making it fast and effective for locating buried steel pipes, valve boxes, and survey pins—often at greater depths. A metal detector finds all types of metal, including copper and aluminum, but usually only at shallow depths and with more false signals. For most underground utility locates, magnetic locators are used for deep steel infrastructure, while metal detectors are used for shallow or non-ferrous items.

Schedule a Magnetic Locate

Fast, accurate locating of buried metal objects - schedule online or call to confirm availability.