What tool assists in the location of a plastic gas service line?

The correct choice is the tracer wire. Tracer wire is specifically designed to aid in locating underground utility lines, including plastic gas service lines. It is usually a conductive wire installed alongside the plastic piping, allowing utility locators to detect the signal emitted by the wire. This is essential because plastic pipes do not conduct electromagnetic signals like metal pipes, making traditional detection methods ineffective for plastic lines.

Tracing utilities relies on this method since the tracer wire provides a reliable way to pinpoint the exact location of the buried line. The electrical signal can be picked up by a locator device, enabling technicians to accurately map out the underground infrastructure without the need to excavate or disrupt the surface.

Tools like signal locators, pipe locators, and magnetic detectors serve different purposes or are applicable to different types of utilities and installations. For instance, while a pipe locator might be used for conducting electromagnetic surveys on metal pipes, it would not be effective for plastic lines unless they are equipped with tracer wire.