When a property owner is told that they need to have their property scanned using ground penetrating radar (GPR), they naturally have a lot of questions. Most people aren’t familiar with the technology and may be a bit wary of it, or they may just be curious about how it works and what it can find.
In this article, we want to answer some of the common questions that come up when someone is told they need to call a company that provides GPR scanning services in San Diego:
What Is GPR and How Does it Work?
Let’s start out with the most obvious question—what is GPR and how does it “see” below the surface of the ground?
Ground penetrating radar equipment works by sends radar waves into the ground or into a concrete slab or wall. When these waves hit an anomaly, they bounce back. These reflections show up as a series of waves that the GPR technician will interpret to provide the property owner with information about where potential hazards are located.
GPR can detect things like buried utility lines and pipes, cavities and voids, changes in soil layers, as well as items embedded in concrete like rebar or conduits.
It’s important to locate these types of hazards before you start a construction project on your property so you can avoid causing expensive damage and delaying your project’s timeline.
Is GPR Dangerous to Use?
GPR is not only effective in locating unseen items, it is also safe to use around humans and animals without having to take any precautions. Unlike using X-ray imaging, GPR involves no radiation risks The radar waves that are emitted with GPR tools are completely harmless, weaker even than those used in your mobile phone!
Can GPR Find a Water Leak Underground?
While GPR cannot detect water, it can often detect evidences of a water leak, such as a void that a leak might have created underground. To find the exact location of a water leak, the use of other equipment might be necessary, such as an acoustic locator.
If you suspect you have a water leak, it is best to contact a company with several different locating tools at their disposal, in addition to GPR scanning tools.
Are GPR Scanning Services in San Diego Expensive?
The cost of GPR scanning services in San Diego will depend on the scope of your project and the accessibility of the area being scanned. Companies or individuals providing this service will typically have a minimum charge to come out, and then charge an hourly rate thereafter (much like an electrician or plumber would). For a small residential project, a GPR scan should be fairly affordable. Most GPR scanning services should be able to provide you with a rough estimate over the phone if your project is fairly standard.
