Metal Detection

Ferrous materials - A vast variety of materials are used in the construction of the underground service network or as standalone items, e.g. septic tanks with split lids, reinforcement bars, survey pins on property boundaries, storage drums, pipeline or utility valves, ferrules set for casting, drainage grating, manhole covers, base plates, motors, valve riser casing, nuts and bolts, and fencing posts. The item, part or metallic object may have been installed below ground level for service use, or may be a relic that has been forgotten and buried over time.

Westscan services: using magnetic metal detecting equipment, we conduct a sweeping scan of the area and narrow down the location of any objects detected with pinpoint targeting.

Benefits:

• Detect changes in materials
• Detect pipe ends
• Scan an area to identify unknown targets
• Locate very small survey pins or marker plates, even when hidden under vegetation or buried by earthworks

Why Metal Detection Matters

Buried metal objects are often missing from plans, or their exact position has been lost over time. Finding them before digging, drilling or building helps avoid surprises once work has started.

• Safer excavation - reduces the risk of striking hidden valves, tanks, casings or other buried items
• Fewer delays and costs - unexpected objects found during works can stop a job and lead to redesigns or repairs
• Boundary accuracy - locating existing survey pins helps confirm property boundaries before fencing or construction
• Access to existing services - finding buried valve boxes, lids and covers means they can be opened and maintained without guesswork
• Site knowledge - old relics such as drums, tanks or footings can be identified and dealt with before new work begins

When to Use Metal Detection

• Before excavation, trenching or post-hole digging
• When survey pins or boundary markers can't be found
• When buried valves, covers or septic tank lids need to be located
• On older sites where past works or buried items are unknown
• Alongside other service locating methods to build a fuller picture of what is underground