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jrv1023650
Contributor

finding field tile without digging?

The telephone/gas /hydro can find lines underground with an above ground detector. Can this be done for clay and or plastic tile? It would sure make prodding for tile a lot easier? Thanks.

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2 Replies
jsgfarms
Contributor

Re: finding field tile without digging?

Try witching for it; take two pieces of black wire 36" long and bend 6" at 90 degrees to make handles; if you know where there is a tile run step back ten feet from it; hold one wire in each hand by firmly clenching a fist around the 6 " handle with your thumbs at 12 o'clock ( the wires will have to turn up hill to cross ); pointing the wires forward at waist height, walk toward the tile line; as you stand close to or over top of the tile the wires should cross if you half the gift; if they don't try again but lessen your grip; if you can get the wires to cross, uncross them and raise them over your head: slowlly lower them and when they cross again the distance from the wires to the ground will be the aproximate depth that the tile is buried; I have witched tile drains, waterlines, electric lines and telephone lines; I am not as accurate as a locator but I can narrow down the area that the backhoe has to dig; if you lack the gift, plant alfalfa and you will find the tile in a dry year!

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Re: finding field tile without digging?

Those guys are searching for a metal wire but the clay and plastic tile won't give a signal.

I've witched water pipes but have very uneven luck witching clay and plastic tile.

At certain times of the year you can see tile line traces in a tilled field.  Better go out and buy a litte UAS and fly over in the spring.  🙂

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