A method of and an apparatus for detecting damage to a buried object which includes the steps of (a) providing a buried object extending in a longitudinal direction which has an electrically insulating layer over a conductive member, (b) connecting one terminal of a power supply to the conductive member at a first position thereon, (c) connecting the other terminal of the power supply to an ammeter which is grounded, (d) connecting both terminals of at least one voltmeter to the conductive member on each side of the first position with the terminals of each voltmeter being spaced apart in the longitudinal direction, (e) connecting at least one voltmeter and the ammeter to data processing equipment for analyzing output values from the at least one voltmeter and the ammeter when power is supplied to the conductive member from the power supply, (f) supplying electric current from the power supply to the conductive member, and (g) measuring and comparing output values from the ammeter and the at least one voltmeter for detecting the presence of damage to the buried object and the relative location of any damage present as indicated by larger output values from any of the at least one voltmeter connected to the conductive member between the first position and a point of damage to the buried object.