Published by Subsurface Leak Detection Editorial Team.
Ground-penetrating radar, or GPR, records reflections from features below a survey surface. It can help investigate pipe routes and other subsurface conditions when the target and site conditions are suitable. It is one source of evidence in a leak investigation, rather than a guarantee that every pipe or leak will be visible.
How GPR supports an investigation
GPR may help identify a likely utility route, compare a suspected location with other findings, or highlight an area that needs further investigation. Reflections require interpretation: a subsurface anomaly does not by itself establish that an active water leak is present.
The choice of method depends on the assignment. Acoustic testing, correlation, tracer gas, pressure testing, or sectional isolation may provide complementary information where appropriate. Knowing which methods agree—and where uncertainty remains—helps guide the next step.
Can GPR find plastic pipes?
Sometimes. GPR does not require a pipe to conduct an electrical locating signal, so a non-metallic target may be detectable. Detectability still depends on its size, depth, contrast with surrounding material, survey access, and the equipment used. A missing radar response is not proof that no pipe exists.
What limits GPR?
Soil conditions can substantially reduce useful penetration. Conductive soils, including some wet, clay-rich, or saline soils, attenuate radar energy. Results vary by location and conditions at the time of the survey; the USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service explains these site-specific limitations.
Antenna choice also involves a tradeoff between depth and resolution. There is no single reliable depth promise for every Colorado property. See GSSI’s technical guidance for the effect of survey material and antenna frequency.
What findings mean for your project
Discuss the question you need answered, expected target, access, available drawings, and planned excavation or cutting before booking. The investigation should explain what the available evidence supports and what may require another method or physical verification. Scanning does not eliminate every risk associated with excavation or concrete cutting.
Not every project requires or receives a written report. If plans, marked locations, retained scan information, or a written report are needed, the applicable deliverables and scope must be agreed before booking.
Learn about our GPR and concrete scanning services, private utility locating, and underground water-line leak detection, or contact us to discuss the site.
