Underground Utility Locating & Subsurface Investigation Services in Greater Boston

Private Utility Locating

Massachusetts Dig Safe marks publicly owned underground utilities, but Boston's dense network of privately owned subsurface infrastructure across its commercial, institutional, and residential districts falls entirely outside Dig Safe's scope. Blood Hound identifies private buried assets that present serious excavation risk, including:

• Private electrical, fiber, and communication conduits
• Water service lines, sewer laterals, and force mains
• University and hospital campus utility networks
• Underground fuel storage and distribution systems
• Parking structure, irrigation, and site lighting utilities

Using electromagnetic (EM) locating and ground-penetrating radar, Blood Hound's technicians identify private underground infrastructure with a high degree of accuracy  giving Boston project teams the reliable information they need before any ground disturbance begins.

Ground-Penetrating Radar (GPR)

Boston's subsurface includes layers of utility installations spanning well over a century, with frequent undocumented changes, abandoned infrastructure, and non-conductive materials that EM locating alone cannot identify. Blood Hound's GPR scanning services provide nondestructive detection beneath concrete, asphalt, and soil for:

• Non-metallic utilities undetectable by electromagnetic methods
• Unknown, abandoned, or historically installed underground lines
• Voids, subsurface anomalies, and buried obstructions
• Structural elements and embedded features beneath paved surfaces

GPR is an indispensable tool on Boston projects where the age and complexity of subsurface conditions increase the risk of relying on records alone.

Concrete Scanning

Boston's concentration of hospital systems, universities, and commercial high-rises means concrete scanning is a routine project necessity. Blood Hound performs GPR concrete scanning before any cutting, coring, or drilling to identify rebar, post-tension cables, embedded conduits, and plumbing, protecting workers, preserving structural integrity, and preventing expensive damage on Boston construction projects.

Vacuum Excavation

In Boston's congested urban environment, traditional mechanical excavation near known or suspected utilities carries significant risk. Blood Hound provides wet and dry vacuum excavation as a precise, low-impact alternative for exposing underground utilities safely. This service is commonly applied for:

• Utility daylighting, potholing, and depth verification
• Design-phase confirmation in high-density areas
• Emergency utility access and targeted repair support
• Sensitive jobsites near transit, medical, or academic infrastructure

Leak Detection

Boston's water infrastructure includes aging mains and distribution systems throughout the metro area that are susceptible to undetected leaks. Blood Hound uses non-destructive acoustic and correlating leak detection technology to accurately pinpoint leak locations in buried water lines, irrigation systems, and industrial piping — reducing unnecessary excavation and enabling efficient, targeted repairs.

CCTV Pipe Inspection

Blood Hound's robotic camera inspection services evaluate the condition of stormwater, sanitary, and industrial pipelines throughout Boston without excavation. CCTV pipe inspection identifies blockages, structural damage, root intrusion, infiltration, and other conditions affecting system performance — providing the documentation needed for maintenance planning, regulatory reporting, and infrastructure investment decisions.

Geospatial Services

Blood Hound's geospatial services deliver high-resolution mapping and site documentation using drone imaging, LiDAR, and precision GPS technology. Our deliverables integrate with CAD and GIS platforms, supporting Boston-area engineers, project managers, and facility owners with accurate subsurface and surface records for current projects and long-term asset management.

Subsurface Utility Engineering (SUE)

For Boston engineering and design projects requiring a higher level of subsurface documentation and risk management, Blood Hound provides SUE services at QL D, QL C, and QL B quality levels. SUE reduces design conflicts, supports ASCE 38 compliance, and minimizes the risk of costly utility-related delays during construction.

Electromagnetic Locating (EM)

Electromagnetic locating is a core tool for identifying conductive buried utilities across Boston project sites. Blood Hound's field teams apply multi-frequency EM locating as a standalone service or in combination with GPR and vacuum excavation to develop a complete, accurate picture of underground conditions.

CAD and GIS Mapping

After completing field investigations, Blood Hound delivers detailed CAD drawings and GIS-compatible files that document utility locations, alignments, and subsurface conditions. These records give Boston engineers, project managers, and facility owners the accurate documentation they need for design coordination and long-term infrastructure planning.

Boston's complex, densely layered subsurface environment makes accurate underground utility locating essential — not optional. Blood Hound gives Greater Boston project teams the precise, professionally documented subsurface data they need to excavate safely and plan effectively.

Contact Blood Hound today to schedule service or request an estimate. Know what's below before you dig.