Solinas SonicFinder 1000

PVC Pipe Locator For Plastic and Non-Metallic Pipes

Solinas SonicFinder 1000: High-Precision Acoustic Pipe Locator 

The SonicFinder 1000 is a handheld acoustic PVC pipe detector and plastic pipe locator that helps utility locators and contractors quickly find PVC, PE, HDPE, and other non-metallic pipes without tracer wires or unnecessary excavation. 

The SonicFinder 1000 is exceptionally accurate—especially for locating water and gas service lines that traditional electromagnetic (EM) locators cannot detect.

Designed for utility locating professionals, municipalities, and contractors, the system uses patented acoustic sensing technology to deliver fast, non-intrusive, and highly accurate pipe location results in the field.

Because PVC and other plastic service lines do not conduct electromagnetic signals, traditional locators cannot detect them. The SonicFinder solves this by sending and detecting acoustic vibrations along the buried pipe, giving crews a reliable, field-proven method for PVC pipe detection, plastic water line locating, and tracing non-metallic utilities with speed and accuracy.

This makes the SonicFinder an affordable solution that enhances the capabilities of standard EMC locators and complements Ground Penetrating Radar (GPR).

Whether used to confirm lateral routes, locate PVC, buried PVC, and PE pipes, or map unmarked non-metallic infrastructure, the SonicFinder 1000 provides dependable performance across a wide range of soils and jobsite conditions.

Key Benefits

• Intentionally engineered: Helps you find water and gas utilities easily
• Simple to use: If you can locate with a traditional EMC locator, you can use the SonifFinder1000
• Efficient technology: Uses audio sound (sonic) frequencies to locate plastic pipes
• An affordable solution: Designed to enhance the capabilities of common Ground Penetrating Radar (GPR) and EMC locators. 

How the SonicFinder 1000 Works

The SonicFinder 1000 locator uses an acoustic actuator to generate controlled mechanical vibrations on the surface. These vibrations travel through the soil and interact with buried plastic pipes. A handheld acoustic sensor then detects changes in soil vibration patterns caused by the presence and position of the pipe.

This method allows technicians to locate PVC and PE pipes quickly and accurately—even without tracer wires, pressure in the line, or exposed access points.

Core Technical Components

Acoustic Actuator
Mounted above the suspected pipe route, the actuator emits low-frequency sound waves that travel through soil and interact with the buried pipe structure.

Acoustic Sensor Module
The handheld receiver detects resonant vibration changes in the soil and converts them into visual and audible locating cues.

Wireless Communication Link
A low-power radio transceiver maintains communication between actuator and sensor modules for streamlined field operation.

Data Processing & Display
The system uses signal averaging, peak hold, gain control, and zoomed-in analysis to distinguish pipe signals from surrounding noise.

Locating & Operating Principles

Benefits & Use Cases

Engineered to Locate Plastic & PVC Pipes

The SonicFinder 1000 is purposely designed as a PVC pipe detector for water, gas, and irrigation utilities. Its acoustic sensing approach solves detection challenges that EM locators and GPR struggle with.

Non-Invasive PVC Pipe Detection

The SonicFinder 1000 is a reliable, non-invasive buried PVC pipe detector and locator. Because it uses acoustic vibrations rather than electromagnetic signals, crews can trace PVC, PE, and HDPE lines without tracer wires, potholing, or unnecessary excavation—reducing disruption and improving jobsite efficiency.

Improved Safety & Damage Prevention

Accurate plastic pipe locators help prevent cross-bores, service strikes, and costly utility damages.  By giving technicians a dependable plastic pipe locator and detector, the SonicFinder lowers risk and strengthens safe-digging practices for municipalities, contractors, and water departments.

Time & Cost Savings

The SonicFinder locator delivers fast, focused results for PVC pipe detection, allowing teams to locate PVC and PE pipes in minutes instead of hours and reducing dependence on specialty equipment like GPR rentals.

Versatile Across Water, Gas, and Irrigation Lines

The SonicFinder 1000 is the ideal locator for detecting a wide range of non-metallic utilities, including water service lines, irrigation systems, and certain gas line applications. Its acoustic technology performs effectively beneath turf, asphalt, concrete, and compacted soil, making it suitable for both municipal and residential environments.

Long Battery Life & Ergonomic Design

Designed for field professionals, the SonicFinder features extended battery life and a lightweight, ergonomic form factor. Crews can perform long locating sessions with minimal fatigue, ensuring reliable plastic pipe detection across full workdays and demanding jobsite conditions.

SonicFinder 1000 Operating Modes

The SonicFinder 1000 locator includes several specialized modes that enhance locating accuracy:

• Averaging Mode: Stabilizes readings in variable soil conditions.
  
  
• Peak Hold: Locks onto the strongest acoustic signal to confirm pipe centerline.
  
  
• Zoomed-In Mode: Provides fine-detail analysis for precise localization.
  
  
• Real-Time Acoustic Bar Graph: Offers immediate feedback for quick scanning.
  

Core Applications

1. Plastic Pipe Locating

The SonicFinder 1000 detector is engineered to locate PVC, PE, HDPE, and other non-metallic lines where traditional electromagnetic locators and detectors fail. Its acoustic sensitivity allows technicians to confirm pipe alignment even when depth, soil composition, or background noise make other methods unreliable. The system’s low-frequency signal response also supports locating through surface obstacles such as turf, asphalt, or compacted fill.

Use cases include:

• Residential and commercial water service lines
  
  
• Gas distribution laterals
  
  
• Irrigation and farming infrastructure
  

2. Infrastructure Mapping

The system’s consistent signal response creates repeatable data points that improve GIS accuracy and long-term asset documentation. This enables utilities to establish baseline records that reduce future excavation risks and streamline infrastructure planning.

Ideal for producing accurate field maps of plastic piping, especially buried PVC, networks before:

• Construction
  
  
• Trenching
  
  
• Horizontal drilling
  
  
• Leak detection diagnostics
  
  
• Asset verification
  

3. Cross-Bore Prevention

Validates service line routing before drilling, helping prevent accidental utility strikes by serving as a dependable acoustic locator and detector. By validating service line pathways acoustically, crews can prevent utility strikes and maintain compliance with drilling safety standards. It also supports pre-bore and post-bore verification workflows, enabling contractors to document safe drilling paths for regulatory and customer requirements.

4. Non-Intrusive Verification

Technicians can verify service line routing without digging, pressurizing lines, or installing tracer wires—making this PVC pipe detector ideal for sensitive or landscaped properties.

This eliminates the need for costly exploratory digging during verification work. Its surface-based approach reduces labor time and allows verification tasks to be completed efficiently even in paved or landscaped areas. 

Replaces intrusive methods such as:

• Exposing service lines
  
  
• Pressurizing with gas or water
  
  
• Installing tracer wires
  

Technical Specifications

Performance Considerations

Soil Type Influence

Acoustic energy behaves differently depending on conditions:

• Dry sandy soil: Longer propagation, stable peaks
  
  
• Clay-rich or saturated soil: Higher attenuation; use averaging mode
  
  
• Rocky soil: Requires slower scanning and peak hold mode
  

Pipe Material Variations

Material density affects the vibrational signature:

• PVC & PE produce strong resonance
  
  
• HDPE may require additional gain
  
  
• Ribbed or corrugated pipes yield sharper signatures
  

Depth Sensitivity

Acoustic detectability varies with depth—typically affected by:

• Soil compaction
  
  
• Pipe diameter
  
  
• Background noise
  

Operator Technique

For highest accuracy:

• Maintain consistent sweep speed
  
• Position the actuator directly over the suspected routes
  

Common Configurations

Key Advantages

Non-Intrusive Operation
No digging, pipe entry, or tracer wire required.

High-Accuracy PVC pipe detector performance
Patented acoustic sensing reliably identifies pipe position.

Field-Ready Power System
Long battery life with hot-swappable 18V Li-ion packs.

User-Friendly Interface
Large LCD, fast visual feedback, intuitive controls.

Wireless Communication
Sensor–actuator synchronization simplifies field workflow.

Portable & Lightweight
13.2 lb receiver reduces operator fatigue during long scans.

Upgradeable in the Field
USB-port firmware updates extend system lifespan.

Unfailing Dependibility

A reliable tool to locate PVC and PE pipes in challenging conditions

Accessory Options

Eastcom provides complementary accessories to maximize system performance:

• Replacement or extended-life Li-ion batteries
  
  
• Charging stations
  
  
• Carrying cases and transport kits
  
  
• Acoustic actuator mounts
  
  
• USB firmware upgrade packages

Why Eastcom?

Eastcom Associates is a trusted supplier of advanced utility locating technology, providing:

• Product training and on-site demonstrations
  
  
• Technical support and troubleshooting
  
  
• Field guidance for challenging soil or pipe conditions
  
  
• Expert recommendations for long-term infrastructure mapping workflows
  

Request a Quote Today

Enhance your plastic pipe locating capabilities with the Solinas SonicFinder 1000.
Contact Eastcom Associates today to request pricing and learn how our acoustic locator technology can improve your accuracy, safety, and operational efficiency.

908-722-7774‍

Request a Quote