California Subsurface Utility Locating Company Providing GPR & SUE Support
3 Thirteen delivers professional subsurface utility locating services including GPR, EM detection, and SUE support across California.
3 Thirteen is a professional subsurface utility locating company serving contractors, developers, and public agencies across California. We provide field-verified underground utility locating services using ground penetrating radar (GPR), electromagnetic detection, and Subsurface Utility Engineering (SUE) support to reduce excavation risk and improve project certainty.
Professional Underground Utility Detection Solutions
our core values
3 thirteen subsurface
Accurate. Reliable. Professional.
accurate detection. verified data. confident decisions.
Our underground utility locating services support commercial construction, public works, infrastructure upgrades, and private development projects throughout California. By combining advanced GPR imaging with electromagnetic utility tracing and structured field documentation, we provide defensible subsurface data that supports safer excavation, design coordination, and project planning.
Electromagnetic (EM) Utility Locating
Accurate detection of conductive utilities such as power, gas, and communications lines.UTILITY LOCATING
3 thirteen electronically locate utilities by either directly connecting to a conductive line to transmit a signal or by inducing a signal through the surface for detection. The method applied is determined by site conditions and tailored to the Subsurface Utility Engineering (SUE) Quality Level B.
Vacuum Excavation
Safely expose buried utilities for visual verification and depth measurements.POTHOLING & TRENCHING
Potholing involves excavating a small, non-destructive hole to visually verify underground utilities. This method is used when mission-critical information is required that electronic detection cannot provide—such as utility size, material, or exact depth. As part of SUE Quality Level A, potholing is the most precise method of verification available.
Ground Penetrating Radar (GPR)
Non-destructive technology for detecting non-conductive pipes, and conduits.GPR
Ground Penetrating Radar (GPR) transmits electromagnetic signals through materials such as asphalt, concrete, or soil to detect utilities, conduits, post-tensioned cables, and other subsurface features. GPR is especially effective for locating non-conductive lines where traditional electromagnetic methods may not apply.
CCTV Camera Pipe Inspection
We use high-definition CCTV cameras to inspect the interior of storm drains and sewer pipelines, identifying cracks, blockages, and structural damage quickly and safely.CCTV CAMERA INSPECTION
CCTV sewer and storm drain pipe inspections use a locatable camera to capture video assessments of line conditions. This method is effective for detecting cracks, root intrusion, blockages, and other structural or operational issues, providing clear data to guide repair and maintenance decisions.
Utility Depiction Drawings
Utility depiction converts field-verified utility locations into detailed CAD or GIS drawings, giving your team a reliable visual representation of underground systems.UTILITY DEPICTION
Once utilities are located, our survey team can deliver survey-grade CAD drawings of underground utility locations. We can tie into your existing site controls and adapt to any required standards, ensuring seamless integration with your project documentation and design process.
Utility Reporting
We deliver comprehensive utility reports that clearly document all identified underground utilities, including depths, locations, and field conditions for your project.UTILITY REPORTS
Accurate, easy-to-read, and detailed documentation is essential to the success of any project. Our deliverables include empty conduit mapping, vault location reports, and a range of precise documentation designed to support your design and project planning.
Snapshots
Trusted by Industry Leaders
Accurate subsurface verification is critical before trenching, drilling, or grading begins. Incomplete or outdated utility records increase the risk of strikes, delays, and costly change orders. 3 Thirteen delivers field-verified detection and clear deliverables so contractors and project teams can move forward with confidence.
Client Testimonials
“A company led by trusted individuals who truly care about their work and go above and beyond to deliver quality in every project.”
insights & resources
insights into the processes and technologies behind precise underground utility locating and mapping.
Explore our collection of articles and guides covering GPR technology, SUE standards, utility detection techniques, and more — designed to help you understand the science and strategy behind locating what lies beneath.
