patriot locating & inspections

What is a Cross Bore?

A cross bore is the intersection of an existing underground utility or underground structure by a second utility installed using directional drilling technology. This results in an intersection of the utilities, compromising the integrity of either or both utility or underground structure.  A utility line, such as a gas or electric line, installed using a trenchless excavation method that may have been inadvertently bored through an existing non-pressurized line, such as a sewer.

What Makes It Dangerous?

The situation can go undetected for years until in such time, the line fails or becomes clogged. A professional drain clearer or homeowner attempting to open a clogged sewer line with an aggressive cutting tool may be exposed to a potentially hazardous situation such as electric shock or natural gas from a broken gas line traveling into their property.