Protecting buried infrastructure starts with knowing exactly where it is. For water districts and municipalities, accurate utility locating is essential for safety, service reliability, and long-term asset management.
That’s why we’re excited to share that Cimco is now representing Tempo Communications’ Location and Irrigation product line across Washington, Oregon, Idaho, Montana, and Alaska. For our waterworks customers, this adds another practical option to your locating toolbox: Tempo’s OmniMarker II underground marker balls and locating equipment.
Two Proven Approaches, One Shared Goal
Both tracer wire and electronic marker balls are designed to accurately identify underground utilities so crews can dig with confidence and protect critical infrastructure. Where they differ is how they accomplish the task and where each method shines.
Tracer Wire: Continuous Line Location
Tracer wire, such as Copperhead’s copper-clad steel wire that many districts already specify, is installed along the pipe to create a continuous circuit. When connected to a locator, that circuit allows crews to trace the pipe along its entire length.
This approach is ideal for:
New installations where tracer wire can be installed during construction
Long, continuous pipeline runs
Situations where locating accuracy along the full length of the pipe is critical
Directional drilling and pipebursting where you can drag a wire through
Tracer wire remains the backbone of a strong locating program, and we recommend including Copperhead’s Complete Utility Locating System in specifications for new builds.
Copperhead tracer wire is the backbone of a strong locating program.
Marker Balls: Precise Point Identification
Electronic marker balls, like Tempo’s OmniMarker II, take a different approach. Rather than marking the entire pipeline, marker balls identify specific points of interest underground. Each marker ball is placed at a known location (e.g. valve, tee, service connection, or repair point) and can later be detected using any electronic marker locating device. The OmniMarker II is designed with a self-orienting internal coil, which creates a reliable detection zone directly above the buried marker, regardless of how it was placed.
Marker balls are well-suited for:
Identifying key features along a pipeline
Situations where a full tracer wire installation isn’t possible (e.g. retrofits or repairs)
OmniMarker II Marker Balls contain a large gimballed coil that automatically orients itself horizontally when placed in the ground.
The strength of marker balls is in their flexibility. They can be easily installed during repairs, maintenance, or anytime the line is already exposed. If you’ve ever had to pothole to find a pipe or valve, adding a marker ball ensures it will be much easier next time. Because they’re installed at individual points, marker balls offer an affordable way to improve locating confidence without requiring a continuous wire installation.
It’s worth noting that marker balls are best suited for open-trench placements, rather than directional drilling or pipe bursting applications. Marker balls also need to be stacked on top of each other (every 5 ft) for deeper burials, whereas locating wire can be detected at great depths without stacking.
Copperhead tracer wire installed in pipeburst application
A Complementary Strategy
For many districts, the most effective approach is using both methods in conjunction for even more locating certainty.
A common strategy looks like this:
Tracer wire installed along new pipelines for continuous, high-accuracy locating
Marker balls added at critical points (valves, tees, services) or during repairs as a backup
This layered approach builds redundancy into your locating and helps ensure that crews find what they’re looking for even if records aren’t perfect.
Our practical recommendation to customers: Specify Copperhead tracer wire for new construction, and keep OmniMarker II marker balls on hand for repairs, retrofits, and highlighting key points you’ll want to find again later.
OmniMarker II Marker Balls are available with all industry-standard frequencies and color combinations.
About Tempo Communications and OmniMarker II
Tempo Communications has supported water, irrigation, and utility professionals since 1984 with practical, field-ready locating and testing tools. The OmniMarker II marker balls are passive, environmentally friendly, and designed for long service life–using industry-standard frequencies compatible with common electronic marker locators. All models are Made in the USA and BABA compliant, making them a strong fit for public works projects.
We’re Here to Help You Choose the Right Fit
Whether you’re updating specifications, planning a new install, or looking for ways to make future locating easier during maintenance and repairs, our team is here to help you evaluate the right combination of tools.