How to Locate a Cut or Broken Underground Irrigation Wire

Why underground wire damage is difficult to find

Damage can be caused by edging, fencing, landscaping, roots, trenching, previous repairs, or deterioration. Once the soil is closed back up, there may be no visible clue at the surface.

Trace the route first

The first objective is usually to establish where the conductor actually runs. Professional locating equipment can help identify the underground route and reduce the area that needs further investigation.

A complete break can be more challenging

If a conductor is completely severed, the signal may stop at or before the damaged area depending on the system and locating method. Site conditions, grounding, access, and the remaining conductor all affect what can be detected.

Important: no locator can guarantee every buried break will be pinpointed under every condition. That is why RO Locating's No Find, No Fee offer applies only to qualifying standard locates.

Why locating first can save digging

If the problem area can be narrowed down, the repair may require opening only a small section of the yard rather than trenching an entire route.

Find the fault. Dig only where needed. That is the practical value of locating before committing to full line replacement.

Need Help Finding the Problem?

RO Locating specializes in buried valve locating, irrigation control-wire tracing, ground-fault locating, and cut or damaged underground wire locating.

Request a Locate Call (352) 460-1180 Text RO Locating

RO Locating does not replace Sunshine 811. Contact 811 before excavation where required. Locating results depend on site conditions, access, conductor condition, and whether a usable signal can be applied.