Dial Before You Dig (DBYD) is normally the first step. DBYD acts as a point of contact for those who want to excavate and underground asset owners. When you use DBYD they raise an enquiry to the owners of assets, and these owner respond with plans of their assets in the work area selected.

Depending on the assets and location, there are a number of methods and we can employ. Most commonly the method we use to locate pipes depends a lot on the material they are made out of. If they are made from a material that conducts electricity often we are able to send a signal along the pipe. A receiver then picks up this signal to provide location information. Pipes in Queensland are often made from materials that are not conductive (like concrete and poly) and require that we put a traceable conductor into the pipe which then enables us to locate the pipe.

Depending on the type of cable, there are a number of methods and equipment we can employ. Most commonly we use the cable itself and send a signal along it. A receiver then picks up this signal to provide location information. Common cables include electrical, telephone lines and optical fibre.

Each project no matter how big or small has its own unique needs. To ensure the best results, a combination of training and experience is used along with vehicles fully equipped with (what we have found to be) the most useful location devices including ground penetrating radar (GPR).