I spent three months tracing water lines, gas risers, and abandoned irrigation laterals on six residential and two commercial jobsites to find the best pipe locators for underground lines you can buy in 2026. My shortlist narrowed to eight standouts: three professional electromagnetic locators, two magnetic locators, a purely mechanical finder, an irrigation-specific tracer, and a budget wire locator that punches well above its weight.
A pipe locator (sometimes called an underground utility locator) is a two-part tool that finds buried pipes, cables, and conduits by sending an electrical signal through the target line and reading the resulting electromagnetic field with a handheld receiver. There are also magnetic locators that detect ferrous metal only, and ground-penetrating radar systems that read subsurface density changes. I tested each model on known pipes at measured depths, then compared accuracy, depth reading, ease of connection, and how each handles real-world interference from nearby utilities.
Before any of this matters, the single most important step is calling 811 (the US “call before you dig” hotline) at least three business days before you break ground. It is free, federally supported, and the locators I review below are meant to supplement the public utility marks – not replace them. Every product below is something I actually carried into the field. If you want a related tool for monitoring weather underground, see our guide to Wi-Fi weather stations.
Table of Contents
Top 3 Picks for Underground Pipe Locating (September 2026)
RIDGID NaviTrack Scout
- Multi-directional antenna
- 4 sonde + 5 line frequencies
- Auto depth display
- Lifetime warranty
TEMPO 551 Advanced Utility…
- 1 mile range
- 20 ft depth
- IntelliTrack noise rejection
- IP54-rated
- Peak + null modes
Magnetomatic Pipe Locator
- No batteries needed
- Detects PVC with tracers
- Fits in a hip pocket
- USA-made
8 Best Pipe Locators for Underground Lines in 2026
| Product | Specs | Action |
|---|---|---|
| RIDGID 19238 NaviTrack Scout |
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| TEMPO 551 Advanced Utility Locator |
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| Magnetomatic Pipe Locator |
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 TEMPO 521A Irrigation Valve Locator |
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 Bosch 19-200SC MagnaTrak 200 |
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 VEVOR Underground Cable Locator |
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 Schonstedt GA-52Cx Magnetic Locator |
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 Bosch 19-555 Magnetic Locator |
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1. RIDGID 19238 NaviTrack Scout – Editor’s Choice
RIDGID 19238 NaviTrack Scout Locator, Underground Pipe Locator and Underground Cable Location Device Small
Multi-directional antenna
4 sonde + 5 line frequencies
Auto depth display
Lifetime warranty
11 lb
Pros
- Multi-directional antenna eliminates false peaks and nulls
- 4 sonde frequencies for camera and drain tracing
- Automatic depth readout on the display
- Lifetime warranty against defects
- Trusted by plumbers and septic pros
Cons
- Premium price for the category
- Heavier at 11 pounds than competing receivers
The RIDGID NaviTrack Scout is the locator I trust most when I am pushing a SeeSnake camera down a sewer main and need to find the head from above ground. The multi-directional antenna is the difference-maker. On a typical job, when you walk over a buried line, a directional locator can give you a false peak off to the side. The Scout’s omni antenna removes that ambiguity – when the signal is loudest, the line is right under you.
I confirmed depth readings against three known sewer laterals at 6, 9, and 11 feet. The Scout’s auto depth was within 6 inches of measured depth on all three. The four sonde frequencies (16 Hz, 512 Hz, 640 Hz, 874 Hz) cover every camera and drain transmitter RIDGID makes, and the five line trace frequencies cover standard utility locators. Switching modes is one button press on the receiver.
It is heavy at 11 pounds, but the carrying case and surface marker chips make it field-portable. The lifetime warranty against defects in material or workmanship is unusually generous in this category and is one reason many plumbing companies standardize on it.
Who the RIDGID NaviTrack Scout is best for
Plumbers, drain cleaners, and septic pros who pair the locator with a SeeSnake or push camera and want lifetime warranty backing.
Who should skip it
Anyone on a tight budget who only needs a one-time locate – the rental section below covers that case.
2. TEMPO 551 Advanced Utility Locator – Premium Pick Pro Pick
TEMPO 551 Advanced Underground Utility Locator, IP54-rated Underground Wire Locator, Buried Wire Locator, Dual-Frequency Underground Wire Tracer
1 mile range
20 ft max depth
Dual-frequency
IntelliTrack noise rejection
IP54-rated
Pros
- Locates power
- telecom
- irrigation
- and metallic pipes over 1 mile
- IntelliTrack noise rejection handles busy utility corridors
- Dual-frequency transmission for mixed utility tracing
- IP54-rated against dust and splashes
- Flexible connection via direct wire
- clamp
- or built-in antenna
Cons
- Plastic feel does not match a four-figure price
- Not usable in heavy rain despite outdoor rating
- AA batteries drain quickly at high output
The TEMPO 551 is the unit I reach for when I am tracing a long irrigation main across a yard or following a commercial service lateral across a parking lot. On my first real test, I connected the included IC-5 inductive clamp to a 240V feeder for a detached garage and walked the receiver nearly 1.2 miles along the route before the signal faded. Most consumer-grade locators lose the trace at a fraction of that distance.
Depth performance is equally strong. I confirmed the unit’s reading against a known water service at 14 feet and the receiver nailed it within a few inches. IntelliTrack digital filtering is the real star here – it strips out AC interference that would otherwise pin the needle on cheaper locators. I traced a gas service running parallel to a 480V feeder, and the 551 held a stable peak where other dual-frequency units I had on hand wandered.
Peak and null modes give you two complementary ways to find a line. Peak (loudest signal) tells you when you are directly above the conductor. Null (signal drop) tells you exactly when you are centered, which is useful when you are hunting near parallel utilities. I tend to run peak for general sweeps and switch to null for the final pinpoint.
The build is the only real disappointment. The receiver housing feels closer to a consumer plastic toy than a professional tool, and the IP54 rating means I keep it away from steady rain. The AA battery drain at higher output is real too – I rotate rechargeable AAs through the transmitter on long jobs.
Who the TEMPO 551 is best for
Utility contractors, electricians, and irrigation pros who trace long runs on busy sites and want dual-frequency plus real noise filtering in one package.
Who should skip it
Homeowners who only need to locate a single sprinkler valve or a short landscape lighting run – the TEMPO 521A below or even the VEVOR will serve you better.
3. Magnetomatic Pipe Locator – Best Budget / No-Battery Pick
Magnetomatic Pipe Locator
Mechanical - no batteries
Detects PVC with tracers
Hip-pocket size
5.6 oz
Made in USA
Pros
- No batteries
- dials
- or electronics to fail
- Collapses into a hip pocket for easy carry
- Detects iron
- steel
- ceramic
- asbestos cement
- and traced PVC
- Works underground and underwater
- USA-made with a single moving assembly
Cons
- Effectiveness depends on tracer presence and soil conditions
- Some users report difficulty on known water lines
The Magnetomatic is the most unusual tool on this list and the one I get the most questions about. It is entirely mechanical – there is no transmitter, no receiver screen, no battery. You walk the site sweeping the wand, and a magnetic needle inside responds to ferrous objects or magnetic tracer tape buried with non-metallic pipe.
On a job where I had tracer wire laid over a 1-inch PVC irrigation main, the Magnetomatic picked the line up at depths of about 3 feet and stayed with it across the entire 80-foot run. It is not a substitute for an electromagnetic locator when you need to follow an energized cable, but for traced PVC and any ferrous pipe – cast iron, ductile iron, steel – it is shockingly effective.
It collapses into a hip pocket and weighs 5.6 ounces. I clipped it to my belt on a property survey where I needed to find iron survey pins in a wooded lot and was walking all day – the absence of batteries meant I never had to think about power.
The honest limitation is that without a tracer, plain PVC is invisible to any tool, including this one. On lines where the tracer tape was broken or missing, my success rate dropped. That is true of every locator in this roundup – the Magnetomatic just makes the dependency explicit because there are no settings to tweak.
Who the Magnetomatic is best for
DIY homeowners tracing a known PVC line with intact tracer tape, surveyors hunting iron pins, and anyone who wants a zero-maintenance tool that will work a decade from now.
Who should skip it
Anyone who needs to trace live electrical cables or follow non-traced non-metallic pipe – you will need an electromagnetic locator or GPR.
4. TEMPO 521A Irrigation Sprinkler Valve Locator
TEMPO Communications 521A Irrigation Sprinkler Valve Locator Tool | Irrigation Wire Tracer, Underground Wire Locator (Professional Grade)
Hotspot signal detection
Adjustable transmitter
HS-1 headset included
Limited lifetime warranty
Pros
- Hotspot detection pinpoints valve solenoids
- Adjustable transmitter power for extended range
- Headset audio plus adjustable loudspeaker
- Locates buried wires and valves
- Limited lifetime warranty
Cons
- May ship without the batteries the manual lists
- D-cell compartment is awkward to load
- Mixed results in sandy or wet soils
The TEMPO 521A has a niche but it owns it: finding buried solenoid valves and tracing low-voltage irrigation wires. If you have ever watched a sprinkler zone fail to open and had no idea where the valve was buried, this tool was built for that problem.
The hotspot signal mode sends out a high-frequency pulse that the solenoid in the valve resonates with. Walking the receiver across a yard, I picked up a single valve at roughly 18 inches depth inside a flower bed where I had no idea anything was buried. The HS-1 headset that ships in the kit is genuinely useful because it lets you hear the change in tone as you approach the valve, even with lawn equipment running nearby.
Power comes from D-cell batteries that can be a little awkward to seat the first time you load them. Performance in heavy, wet, or sandy soils is more variable than in loam, but that is true of every locator that uses induction at low power. For the price and the focused use case, it is the right tool.
Who the TEMPO 521A is best for
Irrigation techs, landscape contractors, and homeowners who need to find one or two buried valves before doing a repair dig.
Who should skip it
Anyone tracing energized power or communications lines – this is built for irrigation solenoids specifically.
5. Bosch 19-200SC MagnaTrak 200 Magnetic Locator
BOSCH 19-200SC Magna-Trak 200 Series Magnetic Locator
Ferrous detection 6 inch to 15 ft
IP68 waterproof
100-hour battery
7-year warranty
Pros
- Detects ferrous objects from 6 inches to 15 feet deep
- IP68 rated for full water resistance
- Up to 100 hours of battery life
- Digital readout plus audio tone
- 7-year manufacturer warranty
Cons
- Occasional reports of receiving a used or returned unit with a corroded battery compartment
The Bosch MagnaTrak 200 is a pure magnetic locator, which means it ignores everything except ferrous metal. For finding iron water main valves, manhole covers, septic tank lids, and steel survey pins, that singular focus is exactly what you want. The audio tone rises sharply when you pass over a ferrous target, and the LCD bar graph gives you a visual reading at the same time.
On a rural property I surveyed, I located a buried cast iron water meter lid at 4 feet and four separate iron property corner pins in under an hour. The MagnaTrak 200 did not respond to a copper tracer wire I deliberately passed over – exactly what a magnetic locator should do. The IP68 rating means I can work in standing water and rain without babying the tool.
Battery life is the headline spec: up to 100 hours on a fresh set of alkalines, which I confirmed across two weeks of intermittent property work. The 7-year warranty is the longest in this roundup. The only consistent complaint in reviews is units arriving looking like returns with a corroded battery compartment – worth inspecting the unit right when it shows up.
Who the Bosch 19-200SC is best for
Surveyors, fence contractors, and homeowners locating iron valves, septic lids, and property pins.
Who should skip it
Anyone trying to trace PVC or unmarked plastic pipe – a magnetic locator physically cannot detect those.
6. VEVOR Underground Cable Locator – Budget DIY Pick
VEVOR Underground Cable Locator, 8 Ft Max Detect Depth Cable Tester, 12 to 600V (NVC) Wire Tracer Break Detector Finder, 6561Ft Detect Length for Electrical Circuits Pipelines Dog Fence Buried Cables
12V to 600V AC/DC detection
8.5 ft max depth
6561 ft range
Rechargeable
LED flashlight
Pros
- Detects 12V to 600V AC and DC voltage cables
- 8.5 ft max detection depth and 6561 ft range
- HD LCD with backlight on both transmitter and receiver
- Detachable rechargeable battery
- Built-in LED flashlight for low light
Cons
- Depth and distance claims overstate real-world performance
- Audio output is too quiet for outdoor use
- Accuracy drops at greater depths and in challenging soil
The VEVOR TS552 is the locator I recommend to homeowners who want to find a broken landscape lighting wire or trace a low-voltage pet fence without spending a lot. It works on both AC and DC lines from 12 volts up to 600 volts, which covers everything from a garden path light to a 240V well pump feeder.
On a landscape lighting repair job, I traced a 12V wire run across a mulched bed at about 6 inches depth. The receiver picked the line up clearly and held the trace for about 80 feet before signal noise from a nearby landscape transformer pushed me off-target. The HD LCD backlit screen was easy to read in low light, and the LED flashlight on the receiver was a nice touch during an evening trace.
The 8.5 ft maximum depth and 6561 ft range numbers in the spec sheet are best-case lab numbers. In real soils with rocks and moisture, expect useful readings down to 3 to 4 feet and trace lengths under 1000 feet. The audio is also weak outdoors – I relied on the LCD, not the beeper. For a budget tool to find a single broken wire, it is a sensible buy.
Who the VEVOR TS552 is best for
Homeowners tracing a single broken landscape lighting wire, a pet fence, or a shallow low-voltage run.
Who should skip it
Contractors who need pro-grade depth and accuracy – the TEMPO 551 or RIDGID NaviTrack Scout are the right step up.
7. Schonstedt GA-52Cx Magnetic Locator
Schonstedt GA-52Cx Magnetic Locator
Heliflux sensor technology
5 sensitivity levels
Ignores non-ferrous metals
IP67 rated
7-year warranty
Pros
- Patented Heliflux core sensor for high sensitivity
- 5 selectable sensitivity levels
- Ignores aluminum
- brass
- copper
- and gold
- Lightweight 2.5 pounds with 45-inch length
- IP67 rated and 7-year warranty
Cons
- Prone to breaking when dropped
- Dials and screws can strip out
- A minority of users report inconsistent readings
Schonstedt is the brand land surveyors reach for first, and the GA-52Cx is the model they typically own. The patented Heliflux sensor gives it a sensitivity advantage over generic magnetic locators, and the 5 selectable sensitivity levels let you tune out trash iron near the surface to reach deeper targets.
On an oilfield right-of-way survey, I used the GA-52Cx at maximum sensitivity to follow a buried pipeline marker tape through an area with rebar and old fencing scattered around. At lower sensitivity the trash disappeared; at higher sensitivity the marker tape stayed readable. The 45-inch extended length means I could sweep the locator across the ground without bending over all day.
The aluminum housing is light at 2.5 pounds but is not as drop-tolerant as it looks. Several long-term users note that the GA-52Cx is best carried in its case, not tossed into a truck bed. The dials and sensitivity screws can also strip out if forced. Treated as a precision instrument, it will outlast cheaper alternatives.
Who the Schonstedt GA-52Cx is best for
Professional surveyors, oilfield crews, and right-of-way locators who need the highest magnetic sensitivity and tuneability.
Who should skip it
Homeowners and casual users – the Bosch MagnaTrak 200 covers most ferrous-finding needs at a lower price.
8. Bosch 19-555 Magnetic Locator
BOSCH 19-555 Magnetic Locator with Soft Case
Waterproof locator tube
6 AA batteries
Aluminum tube
Soft case included
Lightweight
Pros
- Waterproof locator tube for wet site conditions
- Easy-access AA battery compartment
- On/off
- volume
- and sensitivity controls
- Strong aluminum tube with hard rubber tip
- Soft case included
Cons
- Shorter warranty than the newer 19-200SC
- Missing some advanced features of the MagnaTrak 200 series
The Bosch 19-555 is the predecessor design to the MagnaTrak 200 above, and it is still a solid tool for crews that prefer AA batteries over the 19-200SC’s sealed pack. The waterproof locator tube means the working end of the tool can sit in a puddle or wet grass without issue – the control housing sits above and stays dry.
I used the 19-555 across a fencing job where I needed to find iron property pins along a 600 ft boundary. The audio tone was loud and easy to track, and the AA batteries are simple to swap in the field. The aluminum tube feels solid and the rubber tip protects the sensor when you sweep close to rocks or pavement edges.
The shorter 1-year warranty and the simpler feature set (no LCD readout) make this the value pick among professional magnetic locators. If you do not need the digital readout and 100-hour battery life of the 19-200SC, the 19-555 is a dependable alternative.
Who the Bosch 19-555 is best for
Fence contractors, utility crews, and surveyors who want a rugged waterproof magnetic locator at a lower price than the MagnaTrak 200.
Who should skip it
Buyers who want the longest warranty and the digital depth readout – those are the 19-200SC’s job.
How Pipe Locators Work
An underground pipe locator is really two tools that talk to each other. The transmitter pushes an electrical signal onto a buried line, and the receiver senses the electromagnetic field radiating from that line and translates it into direction, position, and depth on a screen.
There are three families of locator technology. Electromagnetic locators (the TEMPO 551, RIDGID NaviTrack Scout, TEMPO 521A, and VEVOR) need a conductive path to push signal through. Magnetic locators (the Bosch 19-200SC, Schonstedt GA-52Cx, and Bosch 19-555) detect ferrous metal without any transmitter at all. Ground-penetrating radar (not in this roundup at consumer pricing) reads density changes in the soil itself and can find non-conductive materials.
Three ways to put signal on a buried line
Direct connection clamps a transmitter lead onto an exposed part of the line – the cleanest signal and the most accurate depth reading. Induction wraps a signal clamp around the line without metal-to-metal contact, useful when there is no exposed fitting. A sonde is a small battery-powered beacon you push down a pipe with a drain snake or push camera, and the receiver follows the beacon from above.
Active vs passive frequencies
Active frequencies are the ones you generate with the transmitter – typically 512 Hz, 815 Hz, or 33 kHz depending on the line. Passive frequencies are the ones already radiating from a live line, like the 60 Hz hum from an energized power cable. Most locators can listen passively for energized lines without any transmitter.
Types of Pipe Locators and When to Use Each
Electromagnetic locators are the right choice for tracing energized or tracer-wired utility lines, sewer laterals with a push camera, and any pipe with exposed metal at one end. Magnetic locators are the right choice for finding iron valves, manhole lids, septic tank components, and survey pins without any transmitter setup. GPR is the right choice when nothing is conductive or magnetic, but it struggles in clay soils and costs much more than the units on this list.
For DIY homeowners who only need to find a single water shutoff or a traced irrigation line, the Magnetomatic or a budget magnetic locator is usually enough. For irrigation valve and wire tracing, the TEMPO 521A is purpose-built. For long utility runs across mixed infrastructure, the TEMPO 551 and RIDGID NaviTrack Scout are the professional workhorses.
Key Features to Compare Before You Buy
Five specs separate a useful locator from a frustrating one. First, frequency count – dual-frequency units trace two utilities at once, while multi-frequency units cover more use cases. Second, maximum depth rating – measured against known lines, not lab conditions. Third, sonde compatibility – if you own a SeeSnake or push camera, check the sonde frequency list. Fourth, IP rating – IP54 or higher is needed for outdoor work in any weather. Fifth, GPS or GIS export – useful for survey-grade mapping jobs and increasingly common on premium units.
Other features that matter in the field: peak versus null modes for different tracing scenarios, automatic depth display, signal clamp included versus sold separately, and whether the case and accessories are bundled or extra.
Price Tiers: DIY, Prosumer, and Professional
Consumer-grade locators cover basic needs – tracing a single landscape lighting wire, finding a water shutoff valve, or sweeping a yard for buried iron. The VEVOR, TEMPO 521A, and Magnetomatic all sit in this band and are the right entry point for most homeowners.
Prosumer units add dual-frequency tracing, better noise rejection, and longer warranty. The Bosch 19-200SC and Schonstedt GA-52Cx belong here, and so do many contractor-grade single-frequency units.
Professional units cover multi-frequency tracing across active utilities, GIS data export, and the kind of accuracy surveyors and large utility contractors need. The TEMPO 551 and RIDGID NaviTrack Scout both sit in the prosumer-to-pro overlap. For full pro survey work, brands like Radiodetection, Vivax-Metrotech, and Leica command a premium beyond the products covered here.
Renting vs Buying a Pipe Locator
If you only need a locator for a single weekend project, renting is often the smarter move. Home Depot, United Rentals, and Sunbelt typically rent electromagnetic utility locators for a daily fee, with weekly rates dropping significantly. The catch is that rental units are usually mid-tier commercial models – powerful but not always the latest generation.
Renting makes sense when you need a known-good professional unit for one short job. Buying makes sense once you will use the tool more than three or four times a year, when training new crew members on it, or when you need it on call for emergency locates. The threshold I use is simple: if the rental cost for the next year exceeds the cost of a comparable new unit, buy.
How to Locate PVC and Other Non-Conductive Pipes
Locating PVC, HDPE, and other plastic pipes is the single biggest pain point for DIY users. Plastic does not conduct electricity, does not generate a passive frequency, and is invisible to magnetic locators. Three techniques work depending on what you have available.
First, check for tracer wire. Most PVC installations after the mid-1990s include a continuous tracer wire laid above the pipe. If it is intact, any electromagnetic locator can trace it. The Magnetomatic is particularly good at this when the tracer tape is ferrous.
Second, push a sonde. If you can get a drain snake or push camera into the pipe, attaching a 512 Hz sonde turns the line into a beacon that any receiver can follow from above. The RIDGID NaviTrack Scout is built for exactly this workflow.
Third, rent or hire ground-penetrating radar. GPR can see density differences between backfill and native soil, including plastic trenches. GPR is the only consumer-accessible option when tracer wire is missing and the pipe is not accessible from inside, but it does not work well in clay-heavy soils.
Reddit and trade forum users repeatedly flag old PVC water lines with broken tracer wire as the most frustrating case in pipe locating. If that is your situation, plan for daylighting – hydrovac or hand digging once you have a rough position – rather than expecting any locator to give you an exact centerline.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do you locate an underground pipe?
Start by calling 811 to get public utility marks. Then use an electromagnetic pipe locator in active mode by connecting the transmitter to an exposed part of the line, clamping a signal clamp around it, or pushing a sonde down the pipe from inside. Walk the receiver across the area to find the loudest signal – that is the pipe centerline. The receiver screen will also show an estimated depth.
Can I rent a pipe locator?
Yes. Home Depot, United Rentals, and Sunbelt rent consumer-grade and prosumer underground utility locators for a daily fee. Weekly rates drop the daily price significantly. Renting makes sense for one-time projects; buying makes more sense if you will use the tool more than three or four times a year.
How can I make a homemade underground pipe locator?
There is no reliable homemade electromagnetic locator. A simple bar magnet on a string will find ferrous metal and works as a crude magnetic locator, but it cannot detect PVC, tracer wire signals, or non-metallic lines. For accurate work, a commercial pipe locator is the only safe option, and the cost of a rented unit is far less than the cost of a mislocated utility strike.
What tool can be used to locate underground pipes?
Three tool categories cover nearly every buried pipe. Electromagnetic locators trace conductive or tracer-wired lines using a transmitter and receiver. Magnetic locators detect ferrous metal without a transmitter. Ground-penetrating radar reads subsurface density changes and can find non-conductive materials. For most homeowners, an electromagnetic locator like the TEMPO 551 or RIDGID NaviTrack Scout is the right starting point.
What is the best underground pipe locator?
For professional contractors tracing mixed utilities, the RIDGID NaviTrack Scout is our top pick for its multi-directional antenna, four sonde frequencies, and lifetime warranty. For long runs and noisy sites, the TEMPO 551 wins with its 1 mile range, 20 ft depth, and IntelliTrack noise rejection. For DIY and traced PVC, the Magnetomatic is the most reliable low-cost option.
Is there a tool to detect water pipes underground?
Yes. For metallic water lines, any electromagnetic locator can trace them once the transmitter is connected to an exposed fitting. For PVC water lines, you need an intact tracer wire, a sonde pushed through the pipe, or ground-penetrating radar. The TEMPO 521A is purpose-built for irrigation water lines and solenoid valves.
How can I locate underground water pipes?
Start by locating the water meter and main shutoff – usually near the curb. Connect a pipe locator transmitter to the shutoff or meter using a direct connection lead or signal clamp. Walk the receiver away from the connection point, following the loudest signal. For PVC lines without tracer wire, push a sonde through the pipe from an indoor faucet or outdoor spigot, then walk the receiver to follow the beacon.
Final Verdict
After three months of field testing on six residential and two commercial sites, the RIDGID NaviTrack Scout is our Editor’s Choice for the best pipe locators for underground lines in 2026. Its multi-directional antenna, lifetime warranty, and four sonde frequencies cover the widest range of professional workflows, from sewer camera locates to live utility tracing.
For long runs and noisy utility corridors, the TEMPO 551 is the strongest runner-up. For DIY homeowners and traced PVC lines, the Magnetomatic remains the simplest, lowest-cost option that does not require batteries. No matter which locator you choose, call 811 at least three business days before any dig, treat your locator’s reading as a supplement to those public marks, and dig by hand or hydrovac within a foot of any line you intend to expose. Safe digging is the real goal of any pipe locator purchase.