Utility contractor · Cincinnati, OH · reviewed since 2016
iHow the Experts Score is calculatedEach factor is scored 0–100 on absolute terms (standing in the category can only raise it), then weighted; problems flagged in review highlights or a recent slide in ratings are subtracted:Satisfaction 64%48+30.5Reliability 28%7+2Replies to reviews 8%63+5.2Momentum penalty68−3.2Experts Score= 34Not enough data for value; its weight is shared by the others.Grade D: A = 80+, B = 60–79, C = 40–59, D = 20–39. Needs 10+ reviews.34SCORE
DGradeiLetter from the Experts Score: A = 80+, B = 60–79, C = 40–59, D = 20–39, F = under 20.
#18 of 18 land surveyorsiPosition by Experts Score among all companies we track in this category. · better than 0%
4.5★★★★★29 Google reviews · 16 photos
83%five-star reviews
4.14★last 12 monthsiAverage stars on reviews from the last 12 months only.
20%1–2★, last 20 reviewsiShare of 1–2★ reviews in the last 24 months — or the 20 newest reviews when the company had fewer than 20 in that time.
Customers frequently praise the company for responsive scheduling, professional communication, and accurate detection of underground pipes, leaks, and septic tanks. Reviews highlight successful smoke tests, ground scans, and camera inspections that often save clients from unnecessary repairs. However, some lower-rated experiences cite issues with inaccurate pipe marking or being charged a service fee when the target could not be located, alongside isolated complaints about staff rudeness.
Google rating: 4.5 out of 5 from 29 reviews (83% five-star).
Reviews on this page: 29 Google reviews (27 with written comments, 2 with photos).
Owner responses: the business replied to 93% of reviews.
Most recent review: August 31, 2026.
Service: Land Surveyor serving Cincinnati, Ohio.
Data from Google, last updated October 29, 2026.
Score profile vs other land surveyors
Score per factor (100 = best)iEach factor is scored 0–100 on absolute terms (star average, share of 1–2★ reviews, price verdicts…); standing within the category can only raise it, never lower it.. Strongest: momentum and replies to reviews; weakest: reliability.
This companyLand Surveyors median0 = centre, 100 = best
SatisfactioniSatisfaction · 54% of the scoreRecency-weighted star average (2-year half-life), shrunk toward the category mean by review volume; the company’s own lifetime average as the prior; absolute: 4.0★ = 0, 5★ = 100.Underground Detective Cincinnati: 48/100 on this factor. Category median: 75.C
48
ReliabilityiReliability · 24% of the scoreHow rarely jobs go badly: share of 1–2★ reviews — 60% the last 24 months (or the 20 newest if fewer), 40% all-time; 0% = 100, 15%+ = 0; the category percentile can only raise it.Underground Detective Cincinnati: 7/100 on this factor. Category median: 52.F
7
Craft & serviceiCraft & service · penalty only, up to −10 pointsGoogle review highlights: Quality, Professionalism, Responsiveness, Punctuality — how rarely reviewers flag them as a negative, per review since highlights began; 0% = 100, 5%+ = 0. Subtracted from the score (up to −10), never averaged in — clean highlights are the norm, not a bonus.Not enough reviews for this factor yet. Category median: 99.–
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ValueiValue · 14% of the scoreCustomers’ own price verdicts (Great / Reasonable vs Overpriced) and Value highlights; 65% absolute (all “reasonable” ≈ 80, “great” = 100), the category percentile can only raise it.Not enough reviews for this factor yet. Category median: 87.–
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MomentumiMomentum · penalty only, up to −10 pointsPenalises only a real slide: last-12-month average below lifetime (−0.5★ = 0). Still 4.8★+ over the last year, or steady/improving = 100. Subtracted from the score (up to −10), never averaged in.Underground Detective Cincinnati: 68/100 on this factor. Category median: 100.B
68
Replies to reviewsiReplies to reviews · 7% of the scoreHow often the owner publicly replies to reviews under 5★ (1–4★). Needs 3+ such reviews, otherwise not counted; 65% absolute (80%+ replied = 100), the category percentile can only raise it.Underground Detective Cincinnati: 63/100 on this factor. Category median: 27.B
63
Bar = this company · dark tick = category median.
Star ratings
29 Google reviews we collected
4.5of 5
5 stars2483%
4 stars13%
3 stars00%
2 stars27%
1 star27%
Praise vs complaints
Phrases our text analysis found in 27 written reviews
90%praise
Praise5290%
Complaints610%
Topic share
How often each topic comes up in the written reviews
6topics
Quality & results1424%
Speed & response1221%
Would recommend1221%
Staff & attitude1017%
Communication610%
Price & value47%
What customers talk about
We read 27 written reviews and marked every phrase about these topics. The same colors are highlighted in the reviews.
“Great job, and he provided a jump drive with the video of the scan.”
“Appointment was schedule for the next day and Joe arrived when scheduled.”
“Both gentlemen were amazing to work with, and I highly recommend them!”
“…lways so rude to me for no reason, I will never use their service or recommend their service.…”
“The technician was very helpful, went out of his way to assist on finding our water line.”
“This company is very well run and easy to work with.”
“He was also very fair about the charge since it now became two visits.”
praise complaint · found by our text analysis, Google review wording unchanged.
Recent reviews
NNick9 reviewsiTotal number of Google reviews this person has written across all businesses on Google Maps (not just this one). More reviews usually means a more experienced, trustworthy reviewer. · a month ago★★
The people I worked with were great. The two technicians came out and did the best they could with the equipment they had. They were unable to locate any of the pipes around my pool and I was still charged at $75 service fee. While I do understand just don’t think it’s good business practice to charge somebody for…
SSteveLocal Guide · 35 reviewsiTotal number of Google reviews this person has written across all businesses on Google Maps (not just this one). More reviews usually means a more experienced, trustworthy reviewer. · 3 months ago★★★★★
The technician was very helpful, went out of his way to assist on finding our water line. This company is very well run and easy to work with. I would highly recommend.
SScottLocal Guide · 14 reviewsiTotal number of Google reviews this person has written across all businesses on Google Maps (not just this one). More reviews usually means a more experienced, trustworthy reviewer. · 5 months ago★★★★★
I had been chasing a sump pump discharge leak for almost two years. After repairing a number of leaks in my system I still had an issue. Carl came to my house and within 10 minutes diagnosed my problem! I was able to cap off an underground tee that was leaking and that solved my problem. I was going to spend $5000…
DDustinLocal Guide · 14 reviewsiTotal number of Google reviews this person has written across all businesses on Google Maps (not just this one). More reviews usually means a more experienced, trustworthy reviewer. · 6 months ago★★★★★
Quick communication and easy process to schedule. Tech came out (Jordan?) and was very nice and professional and did a great job. Would definitely do business again in the future
WWilliam7 reviewsiTotal number of Google reviews this person has written across all businesses on Google Maps (not just this one). More reviews usually means a more experienced, trustworthy reviewer. · 7 months ago★★★★★
Called Underground Detective at the recommendation of Basement Worx waterproofing. We had some in our basement because the foundation drain was clogged. Appointment was schedule for the next day and Joe arrived when scheduled. He was joined by another employee, unfortunately I can't remember his name, and…
DDebraLocal Guide · 21 reviewsiTotal number of Google reviews this person has written across all businesses on Google Maps (not just this one). More reviews usually means a more experienced, trustworthy reviewer. · 11 months ago★★★★★
What amazing customer service! I needed fast service and they delivered! Ryan took my call, got the appointment scheduled very quickly, and Cody found what we needed! Both gentlemen were amazing to work with, and I highly recommend them!
Thank you for taking such great care of me and my client!
The people I worked with were great. The two technicians came out and did the best they could with the equipment they had. They were unable to locate any of the pipes around my pool and I was still charged at $75 service fee. While I do understand just don’t think it’s good business practice to charge somebody for something they did not want. I paid $75 to have just as much knowledge about my pipes as before they came out.
Everyone I worked with was pleasant and communicative. Just simply don’t agree with the charge
Response from the owner · a month ago
Thank you for your feedback, Nick. We're glad to hear that our technicians were professional, communicative, and did their best to assist you.
We completely understand your frustration. When utilities or piping cannot be located, it can feel like you paid for an answer you didn't receive. While our technicians invested time traveling to the site, performing the investigation, and utilizing the available locating equipment, we recognize that the outcome was not what you were hoping for. We were able to locate the electric line for the pool light.
The service fee helps cover the cost of dispatching trained personnel, travel, fuel, and diagnostic efforts, regardless of whether a utility can ultimately be identified. That said, we understand why the charge felt disappointing given the result.
We appreciate the opportunity to assist and your honest feedback. Reviews like yours help us evaluate how we communicate expectations before arriving on site. If you'd like to discuss your experience further, please feel free to contact us directly.
Thank you again for giving us the opportunity to earn your business.
S
Steve WestLocal Guide · 35 reviewsiTotal number of Google reviews Steve has written across all businesses on Google Maps, not just this one.
The technician was very helpful, went out of his way to assist on finding our water line. This company is very well run and easy to work with. I would highly recommend.
Response from the owner · 3 months ago
We are so happy we could help out, Steve!! Appreciate the awesome review!!
S
Scott CoughlinLocal Guide · 14 reviewsiTotal number of Google reviews Scott has written across all businesses on Google Maps, not just this one.
I had been chasing a sump pump discharge leak for almost two years. After repairing a number of leaks in my system I still had an issue. Carl came to my house and within 10 minutes diagnosed my problem! I was able to cap off an underground tee that was leaking and that solved my problem. I was going to spend $5000 on a repair that was not necessary. The location flag he set was spot on and I was able to find the tee and cap it off. Great job, and he provided a jump drive with the video of the scan.
Response from the owner · 5 months ago
Hey Scott! Appreciate you leaving this wonderful review. It always makes us happy when we can help customers out and ultimately save them money!!! Thanks again!
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Dustin LongLocal Guide · 14 reviewsiTotal number of Google reviews Dustin has written across all businesses on Google Maps, not just this one.
Quick communication and easy process to schedule. Tech came out (Jordan?) and was very nice and professional and did a great job. Would definitely do business again in the future
Response from the owner · 5 months ago
Thanks for the kind words, Dustin! Always nice to hear!
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William Galvin7 reviewsiTotal number of Google reviews William has written across all businesses on Google Maps, not just this one.
Called Underground Detective at the recommendation of Basement Worx waterproofing. We had some in our basement because the foundation drain was clogged. Appointment was schedule for the next day and Joe arrived when scheduled. He was joined by another employee, unfortunately I can't remember his name, and together they quickly found the clog. The service is only to put a camera in the pipe and find the clog, but they tried as best they could to dig out the clog with me. We could not dig it out, but they tried. Because of their work I was able to dig in the exact spot and had the water flowing within 20 minutes. I can't say enough about how professional, efficient, courteous and helpful they were. Well done Underground Detective, Joe, and his coworker! Highly Recommended!
Response from the owner · 7 months ago
WOW! Thank you for the kind words. We sincerely appreciate it and so happy we could help!! Thanks.
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Debra FerrisLocal Guide · 21 reviewsiTotal number of Google reviews Debra has written across all businesses on Google Maps, not just this one.
What amazing customer service! I needed fast service and they delivered! Ryan took my call, got the appointment scheduled very quickly, and Cody found what we needed! Both gentlemen were amazing to work with, and I highly recommend them!
Thank you for taking such great care of me and my client!
Response from the owner · 9 months ago
We really appreciate you taking the time to write such a wonderful review. We are so happy we found what you needed!!
B
Bryson Modlin4 reviewsiTotal number of Google reviews Bryson has written across all businesses on Google Maps, not just this one.
The technician was very nice and helpful but the location of the pipe was mismarked, which was the whole point of using this service. When the plumber came to do the work, he cut a whole in the wall where the pipe was marked but there was no pipe there. After cutting multiple wholes in the wall, we found the correct location.
Response from the owner · 9 months ago
We are sorry that you were unhappy with our service, but we discussed this with the plumber onsite. We were not able to predict what direction the pipe went inside the wall because we were not able to get our locating sonde far enough into the pipe. The only location we gave was before the 90 degree bend in the wall. We are glad you got your problem solved!
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Andrew W8 reviewsiTotal number of Google reviews Andrew has written across all businesses on Google Maps, not just this one.
I wish I had found them sooner. Jason was responsive and helpful, called me back the same day and had me scheduled. Carl was friendly, informative and thorough. I'd definitely recommend Underground Detective.
Response from the owner · a year ago
We really appreciate you taking the time to share your experience! Have a great rest of your week!
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David Yancey6 reviewsiTotal number of Google reviews David has written across all businesses on Google Maps, not just this one.
I do not have experience with the company. because of one of the workers who comes into my gas station driving your company van and wearing your uniform who is always so rude to me for no reason, I will never use their service or recommend their service.
M
Michelle2 reviewsiTotal number of Google reviews Michelle has written across all businesses on Google Maps, not just this one.
I was very impressed with the customer service that I received from Jake specifically. He was very quick to answer any of my questions ! Then I got to meet Phil the technician that came to my home. Phil did an amazing job finding the source of a drain leak. When my plumber came the next day to fix the actual leak, he couldn’t find it. I was able to reach Phil very quickly, and I might add, Phil was on another job site and still took the time to call me back and help my plumber resolve the situation. Phil went above and beyond helping me. That evening, he also inquired about the leak being fixed properly and wanted to make sure that I was happy with everything. I was truly impressed with the customer service and the great service work that I received. I highly highly recommend, this company.
Response from the owner · 2 years ago
We really appreciate you taking the time to share your experience. We are so happy we could help resolve your problem.
