Underground Utility Locating
Underground utility locating Melbourne is essential before any excavation, construction, trenching, fencing or landscaping begins.
We locate underground services including sewer, stormwater, water, gas, electrical and telecommunications using certified locating methods and ground penetrating radar (GPR). Drain Solutions is Certloc certified, Telstra accredited, Optus accredited and registered with Before You Dig Australia (BYDA), providing accurate underground service locating for commercial, civil and residential projects across Melbourne.
Drain Solutions provides Underground Utility Locating Melbourne services using GPR scanning and professional cable and pipe locating equipment.
Certified Underground Utility Locating Melbourne Services
Underground Utility Locating Melbourne requires certified locating methods and accurate service detection before excavation begins.
We locate and map underground services across Melbourne for construction sites, commercial properties, council works and residential projects. Our role is to identify what is buried beneath your site, determine alignment and depth where possible, and clearly mark it out so excavation can proceed safely.
Pipe and Cable Locating
Using radio frequency locators, we trace metallic services including gas mains, fire hydrants, electrical cables and water mains. For non-metallic services such as PVC pipes and fibre optic conduits, we use trace rods and ground penetrating radar (GPR) scanning to detect alignment and depth. All located services are marked on the ground using colour-coded paint in line with AS 5488 standards. In situations where a CCTV drain inspection is required, our CCTV drain cameras are fitted with a built-in sonde transmitter. As the camera travels through the pipe, the sonde emits a traceable signal that allows us to identify the alignment and approximate depth of the drain from above ground. This provides a located position suitable for excavation and repair planning in accordance with AS 5488 Quality Level B (QL-B) locating practices.
Ground Penetrating Radar (GPR) Melbourne
GPR scanning Melbourne sites allows us to detect both metallic and non-metallic underground assets where standard locators cannot. Ground penetrating radar sends a signal into the ground and identifies objects that reflect that signal back. Pipes, conduits, voids, buried structures and unknown infrastructure can be detected depending on site conditions. We use GPR for residential property scans, commercial investigations and civil projects where a full utility map is required before earthworks begin.
Residential Underground Service Locating Melbourne
Homeowners often require underground utility locating before installing pools, sheds, fencing or extensions. Even small residential excavation works can damage power, gas or water services if not properly identified first. A single locating visit provides clarity and helps prevent costly service strikes.
Non-Destructive Digging (NDD)
If physical confirmation of service depth or position is required, we can arrange hydro excavation (vacuum excavation) to safely expose buried assets without damage, reducing the risk of a utility strike.
Before You Dig Australia Plans
Before any excavation, current Before You Dig Australia (BYDA) plans should be obtained for the site. We review your plans and confirm what is actually present underground using locating equipment and GPR, because plans do not always match reality.
As BYDA , Optus Telstra accredited locators, our Underground Utility Locating meets all Australian safety standards.
Why Certloc Certification Matters
Certloc is the national certification body for underground utility locating in Australia (formerly DBYD Certification Ltd). Being Certloc certified means we meet national standards for competency and site safety. We are also Telstra and Optus accredited for telecommunications network locating. Not every locator in Melbourne holds this level of certification.
Who We Work For
We carry out Underground Utility Locating Melbourne locating across all of Melbourne for a wide range of clients and job types:
- Builders and excavators
- Civil contractors
- Councils and government agencies
- Property developers
- Plumbers and electricians
- Homeowners
How We Work
Every job follows the same process regardless of size:
- Review site plans and BYDA documentation
- Identify expected underground services
- Deploy EMI locators, trace rods and GPR as required
- Mark services on ground to AS 5488 standards
- Provide written report with findings and recommendations
- Arrange NDD if confirmation is required
Every locating job is approached with a safety-first mindset. We do not rely solely on plans or assumptions. Underground environments often change over time due to previous works, undocumented installations or service relocations. That is why physical detection using appropriate locating equipment is critical before excavation begins.
Where multiple services are present, we methodically trace and confirm each asset to reduce the risk of misidentification. Signal interference, congested corridors and non-metallic infrastructure are carefully assessed using the most suitable technology available on site.
Our goal is to provide clear, practical information so excavation can proceed with reduced risk. Markings are applied in accordance with AS 5488 colour codes, and findings are documented to support project records and compliance requirements.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is underground utility locating?
It is the process of identifying and mapping buried pipes and cables before excavation using specialist equipment.
Do I need utility locating before I dig?
Yes. Identifying underground services reduces the risk of damage, injury and costly repairs.
Can you locate non-metallic pipes like PVC?
Yes. we use ground penetrating radar (GPR) and trace rod techniques to find PVC pipes, fibre optic conduits, and other non-metallic assets.
Are you Telstra and Optus accredited
Yes. We are accredited to locate telecommunications infrastructure on Telstra and Optus networks.
How much does underground utility locating cost?
Pricing depends on site size and complexity. Call 0413 522 220 for a clear quote.
Ground Penetrating Radar (GPR) Melbourne
Ground penetrating radar (GPR) is one of the key technologies we use for underground utility locating in Melbourne. GPR scanning allows us to detect both metallic and non-metallic underground assets without excavation.
The system sends a signal into the ground and identifies objects that reflect that signal back. Pipes, cables, conduits, voids, tree roots and buried structures can be detected depending on soil conditions.
GPR is particularly useful on congested sites where plans are outdated or incomplete, or where non-metallic services such as PVC and HDPE pipes cannot be traced using standard electromagnetic locators.
We use GPR across Melbourne for residential property scans, commercial investigations and civil projects where accurate underground information is required before earthworks begin.
More Services
WATER LEAK
DETECTION
CCTV
DRAIN CAMERA
INSPECTIONS
DRAIN
RELINING
For Underground Utility Locating Melbourne, contact Drain Solutions to discuss your project requirements and site conditions.
0413 522 220
Need to know what is buried under your site? Call us on 0413 522 220 or fill in the contact form below. We cover all of Melbourne and we will get the job done right.
