Unlocking Subsurface Clarity: How GPRS’ SiteMap Sewer Layer Helps Facilities Managers Locate and Assess Underground Pipes

New In-App Video and Data Offers Real-Time Insight into Pipe Conditions and Defects

Facilities managers know the headaches that come with managing wastewater systems. Now, a new tool from GPRS is making that job easier by providing 24/7 access to detailed subsurface sewer data. The SiteMap® Sewer Layer allows users to visualize their sanitary and storm sewer infrastructure with precision, no matter where they are.

Historically, locating and maintaining underground sewer lines has involved relying on outdated or incomplete as-builts, digging blindly through potholing, and spending time and money trying to identify the source of a blockage or overflow. Even after all that effort, managers often still lack a clear picture of where their pipes, cleanouts, and laterals are located. Cross bores caused by trenchless installations can go undetected, leading to serious damage.

GPRS developed the SiteMap Sewer Layer to address these challenges. It provides accurate, centralized sewer mapping data that supports daily operations, long-term planning, and risk reduction. Facilities and municipal managers now have a reliable way to manage their wastewater infrastructure with confidence.

While renting or buying may hold appeal, the reality is that both options require significant training and technical expertise. Misinterpreting GPR data can lead to expensive errors, safety hazards, and project delays. For most companies, hiring a professional utility locating service near you, like GPRS, is the most practical and cost-effective solution.

Renting GPR Equipment

Renting is often considered for short-term or occasional projects. It provides access to advanced technology without the upfront cost of ownership. Many suppliers offer flexible rental terms and may include basic instructions. The average cost to rent a GPR cart is approximately $250 per day, with more advanced systems running as high as $4,000 per month.

The Apparent Benefits of Renting GPR

- Lower initial cost compared to buying

- Access to the latest models without long-term commitment

- Suitable for one-time or rare projects

However, there are significant risks to renting equipment for a DIY approach. GPR is not a plug-and-play tool. Accurate scanning and interpretation require specialized training and experience. Without that expertise, the risk of misreading data is high, which can lead to costly mistakes or safety issues. Even with rental training, the learning curve is steep, and liability remains on your shoulders.

Should You Buy a GPR System?

Purchasing a GPR system is often considered by companies that anticipate frequent scanning and utility locating needs. Ownership does give you full control over scheduling and eliminates rental coordination. It does, however, still contain similar risks to renting.

The costs for purchasing a ground penetrating radar system can be as low as $14,000 (utilitarian quality/used), or as much as $350,000 for a highly technical, waterproof, and advanced system. It is important not to confuse the much lower-cost electromagnetic induction system (EM/EMI locators) with GPR. Although EM locators can detect subsurface utilities that contain a conductive metal, they cannot penetrate to the depth of GPR, nor provide as comprehensive a reading. That is why GPRS Project Managers utilize both as complementary technologies when locating underground utilities.

The Benefits of buying include:

- Unlimited access whenever needed

- Potential long-term savings for heavy users

- Ability to develop in-house scanning capabilities

As mentioned, these benefits are offset by major hurdles. The upfront investment is substantial, often exceeding $100,000, and the cost of training your team to achieve reliable results drives it even higher. Accurate GPR signal interpretation is complex, requiring ongoing education and practice. Without considerable experience, the risk of inaccurate data, and the consequences that follow, remains significant. For most organizations, these barriers make ownership impractical.