Utility Locating Sydney
Need utility locating in Sydney to avoid hitting underground cables or pipes? We provide certified detection for all buried services, so you dig safely, without shutdowns.
Smartscan Locators finds underground services before you dig. Our team locates electricity, gas, water, sewer, stormwater, NBN, and unknown assets across all types of sites, residential, civil, rail, or commercial.
We scan using electromagnetic locators and ground penetrating radar (GPR), then clearly mark all services on-site. Nothing is missed or overlooked. This helps prevent strikes, delays, and repair costs, keeping your project on track.
What Is Utility Locating and How Does It Work?
Utility locating means finding underground pipes, cables, and other buried services before any digging, drilling, or cutting begins.
In NSW, this isn’t optional, it’s a safety requirement on almost every construction site. Skipping it can lead to damaged utilities, serious injuries, costly delays, and major repair bills.
Here’s how it works:
- EM locators trace active power lines, copper services, and metallic pipes using electromagnetic signals
- GPR (Ground Penetrating Radar) detects non-metallic assets like plastic water mains, stormwater pipes, and voids
- All services are marked on the ground with paint, pegs, or flags so crews know exactly where to dig
- Optional documentation can be provided, including photos, sketches, or digital maps for records or compliance
Once located, you know where services run, how deep they are, and what’s at risk. It’s the first, and most important, step before any work begins.
Why Choose Smartscan for Utility Locating in Sydney?
Full-Service Utility Detection
We locate all underground services:
- Electrical lines (LV, HV)
- Water mains
- Sewer and stormwater
- Gas lines
- NBN and telco conduits
- Fibre optics and unknown assets
Certified Technicians
Every crew member is:
- BYDA Certified
- Telstra and Fibre Plant Accredited
- Trained in AS5488 utility mapping
- Experienced in high-risk zones like roads, schools, airports, and rail
Safe, Documented, and Compliant
We don’t just scan and leave. Every job includes:
- Clear markings on the ground so crews know where to dig
- Problem areas identified and explained on-site
- Photo records or basic reports available if needed
- Work backed by full safety coverage and legal compliance
Integrated with Other Smartscan Services
Locating is often just the first step. We also offer:
- Concrete scanning before coring
- Vacuum excavation to expose services
- Utility mapping and conflict checks
- Test pitting and remediation
With Smartscan, you get one team who can locate, expose, and document everything below ground, start to finish.
24/7 Availability Across Sydney
We work to your site schedule, weekdays, weekends, nights, or shutdowns.
Service areas include:
- Sydney Metro + Inner West
- Greater Western Sydney (Penrith, Liverpool, Campbelltown)
- Hills District, Bankstown, Camden
- Wollongong, Blue Mountains, and regional NSW (on request)
Our Utility Locating Services in Sydney Include:
We help you locate underground services accurately before any digging, cutting, or drilling begins.
Pre-Dig Ground Scanning & Markouts
We locate and physically mark underground services, cables, pipes, ducts, before excavation or coring begins.
Paint, pegs, or flags are used to show exact locations and depths, helping crews avoid service strikes.
Utility Risk & Conflict Detection
We identify areas where services cross, overlap, or run too close to excavation paths. This helps engineers and site managers avoid costly redesigns, service clashes, or safety risks.
Emergency & Last-Minute Locating
Need urgent clearance to keep work moving? We provide 24/7 emergency response for critical digs, shutdown works, or unplanned incidents, often same-day, across Sydney and nearby regions.
Common Utility Locating Use Cases in Sydney
Civil trenching, boring, or piling
Concrete slab scanning before coring
Pre-construction planning
DA utility validation
Rail and infrastructure upgrades
Areas We Serve
Need utility locating outside of Sydney? We travel to wherever underground service detection is needed.
Sydney Metro & Greater Western Sydney
Serving Sydney Metro and Western Sydney with certified underground utility locating services.
Liverpool, Kings Langley, Campbelltown
Delivering fast, compliant service locating from Liverpool to Penrith for civil, commercial, and residential projects.
Bankstown, Castle Hill, Camden
Providing expert EMF and GPR-based utility locating in Bankstown, Castle Hill, Camden, and surrounding Sydney suburbs.
Utility Locating Sydney – Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What services can be detected during utility locating
We can detect underground electrical cables, water pipes, gas lines, sewer, stormwater, NBN, fibre optics, and abandoned or unknown services. Metallic and non-metallic utilities are identified using a combination of electromagnetic locating and ground penetrating radar (GPR).
Is utility locating required before excavation work in NSW?
Yes. It’s a legal and safety requirement. Before You Dig Australia (BYDA) guidelines and SafeWork NSW standards require all underground assets to be located before excavation, drilling, or coring begins—especially on public or commercial sites.
Can non-metallic pipes like PVC or fibre optics be located?
Yes. Non-metallic services are located using GPR, which detects changes in ground density and structure. If GPR isn’t sufficient, we use tracing sondes inserted into accessible pipes or conduits for accurate detection.
What is the difference between electromagnetic locating and GPR?
Electromagnetic locating (EMF) is used for conductive services like power cables or copper water lines. Ground Penetrating Radar (GPR) detects non-conductive services such as plastic pipes, fibre optics, and voids by sending radar pulses into the ground and measuring their return.
Do you provide service markouts or documentation after locating?
Yes. We mark all located services directly on the ground using paint, pegs, or flags. Upon request, we also provide photo evidence, site sketches, or digital mapping to support compliance, site management, or planning documentation.
Can utility locating help avoid downtime or service strikes?
Absolutely. Locating services before work begins reduces the risk of asset strikes, which can cause injuries, project delays, legal issues, or unplanned shutdowns. It’s one of the most effective ways to protect people, infrastructure, and timelines.
How deep can underground utilities be located?
Depth detection depends on site conditions, soil type, and service material. Electromagnetic locating typically reaches up to 3 metres, while GPR can detect deeper in suitable soil—often up to 4 metres. For accurate depth, we always calibrate equipment on-site.
Book Utility Locating in Sydney Now
Smartscan Locators helps you avoid strikes, stay compliant, and move your project forward without risk. Book a certified utility scan today.
