potholing

Potholing is a method used in civil engineering and construction to expose buried utilities and services before excavation. Its purpose is to identify the exact location, depth, and condition of underground pipes and cables to prevent strikes, leaks, or service interruptions during subsequent digging or construction work.

The process typically involves creating access holes, or potholes, along or adjacent to the suspected utility route. Exposed facilities are located, marked, and recorded for project records. Potholing can employ a range of techniques, from careful hand digging with shovels or small tools to non-destructive methods such as vacuum excavation or air-spade operations. In addition to direct exposure, survey tools like ground-penetrating radar (GPR) and electromagnetic locating may be used to refine the positions and depths of utilities, often supplemented by existing utility maps and records.

Potholing is performed by trained professionals within a controlled safety framework. Work is usually subject to risk assessment, permits, and coordination with utility owners or network operators to ensure safe access and avoidance of service disruption. Key safety considerations include the risk of striking buried services, confined-space hazards, gas or water pressurization, and the potential for trench instability. While potholing reduces certain risks, it is generally followed by more extensive excavation planned with appropriate protective measures, engineering controls, and temporary support where required.