Business Details
34 Years
experience
Expert Underground Utility Locating Services in Cincinnati, OH
The Underground Detective has been a trusted leader in underground utility locating since 1992, building on decades of hands-on experience in subsurface infrastructure. Our team utilizes cutting-edge technology, including ground-penetrating radar and vacuum excavation, to deliver precise utility mapping and damage prevention solutions for contractors, engineers, and homeowners. With operations spanning multiple states, we prioritize safety, accuracy, and client education to help projects avoid costly excavation errors.Our technicians undergo rigorous training to ensure quality work, and we maintain a family-oriented ethos that values client trust and transparency. From residential sewer inspections to large-scale commercial projects, we combine technical expertise with a commitment to evolving industry standards.
Services
Utility Locating
Ground Penetrating Radar
Commercial Utility Mapping
Vacuum Excavation
Ground Fault Detection
Details
- Year established: 1992
Highlights and features
- We have over 40 years of combined experience in underground utility locating.
- Our team uses state-of-the-art technology for accurate subsurface mapping.
- We serve multiple regions across the eastern and midwestern United States.
- Our services prevent costly excavation errors and project delays.
- We offer comprehensive solutions for residential, commercial, and industrial clients.
Services
Utility Locating
Utility locating identifies underground utilities using electromagnetic equipment and ground-penetrating radar. This service prevents damage during excavation by marking private and public utility lines. Contractors and homeowners rely on our precision to avoid costly repairs and project delays.
Ground Penetrating Radar
Ground penetrating radar (GPR) creates subsurface images to detect utilities, storage tanks, and structural voids. Our technicians use GPR for non-destructive testing in construction, environmental, and forensic projects. This technology ensures safety and accuracy in complex excavation sites.
Vacuum Excavation
Vacuum excavation safely exposes underground utilities using high-pressure air. This method minimizes damage risk to pipes, cables, and tree roots. We use it for precise utility verification, valve box cleaning, and environmental remediation projects across industrial and residential areas.
Ground Fault Detection
Ground fault detection pinpoints electrical cable failures using A-frame fault finders. This service prevents unnecessary digging by identifying exact fault locations in buried power or telecom lines. Our technicians ensure efficient repairs with minimal site disruption.
Concrete Scanning
Concrete scanning uses GPR to map rebar, conduits, and voids in slabs and walls. This service ensures safe drilling and cutting by revealing hidden structural elements. We provide real-time data to avoid damaging critical infrastructure during renovations or construction.
Questions
What services does The Underground Detective offer?
We specialize in utility locating, ground-penetrating radar, vacuum excavation, ground fault detection, and concrete scanning for residential and commercial clients.
Why should I use a private utility locator?
State one-call services only mark public utilities. We locate private lines beyond the service meter to prevent excavation damage.
Can you locate plastic pipes?
Yes, using ground-penetrating radar, though soil conditions affect accuracy for non-conductive materials.
Do you provide reports after service?
Yes, we deliver immediate documentation including maps, photos, and detailed findings for all projects.
How deep can vacuum excavation reach?
Up to 25 feet in dry soil and 15 feet in wet clay using air excavation methods.
Are your technicians trained?
All technicians complete specialized training programs focused on safety and precision in utility locating.
Reviews (7)
Molly McEvilley
Jan 02, 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.
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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Positive:Professionalism
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.
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
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
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 projectthese 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
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!!!
Peg Dodd
Nov 20, 2016
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I cannot say enough about the awesome customer service I received from Jake with Underground Detective. I needed a video scope done for a home I am under contract to purchase and he was able to make it happen the same day by reaching out to his technicians and asking for help. After the technician was there they realized that the main line could not be reached in the traditional way and would have to return with 2 technicians. Underground Detective was closed when I made my desperate call in hopes that they could come back the next day. I was on a deadline to have this scope done within this time
