Underground Service Locating
Confirming what's below the surface before you dig. We support service locating through physical exposure and verification — read the disclosure below for how this service is delivered.
What is underground service locating?
Underground service locating uses electromagnetic and similar equipment to estimate the position and depth of buried services before excavation. It's the first step in safe digging — but locating alone can be inaccurate, which is why physical potholing remains the most reliable way to confirm a service's true position.
Service disclosure
[Confirm whether underground service locating is provided in-house or through a disclosed partner. Until confirmed, this page describes the service in general terms. Physical potholing and service proving are delivered directly by New England Hydro Vac.]
Common applications
- Pre-excavation service confirmation
- Design-stage asset mapping
- Verifying locate results before mechanical digging
- Identifying unmarked or abandoned services
- Supporting safe digging on congested sites
Suitable project types
- Civil and infrastructure projects
- Utility upgrades and renewals
- Telecommunications and power installations
- Council and roads authority works
The typical work process
- 1
Locate
[Locating method and provider to be confirmed.]
- 2
Mark
Estimated service positions are marked on site.
- 3
Pothole
Vacuum excavation physically confirms key services.
- 4
Record
Confirmed positions and depths are documented.
Safety and planning considerations
- Locating is an estimate — pothole to confirm before high-risk digging
- Always request current service plans from asset owners
- Combine locating with physical verification on critical services
Vacuum excavation reduces the risk of service strikes. It does not guarantee zero damage — accurate service plans and planning remain essential.
Equipment details
- Locating equipment
- [Confirm in-house or partner]
- Potholing / proving
- Delivered in-house (High-capacity & compact NDD units)
Service area
Service locating support is available across New England, North West NSW and the Upper Hunter. [Confirm provider and coverage details.]
Frequently asked questions
Need underground service locating on your site?
Call 0418 790 274 or request a quote with your project details.
Planning excavation work around underground services?
Talk to a regional vacuum excavation specialist. We'll help you scope the work, confirm equipment suitability and arrange mobilisation.