Why Is Utility, Pipe & Cable Location Is Required?
Before you start renovating it is essential to locate and attain certification of these services.
What is Utility, Pipe & Cable Location?
Surveying of utilities, pipes and cables is a service conducted by industry professionals using a range of electromagnetic technology, high frequency radars and camera equipment, to detect underground systems and amenities.
This information is utilised during renovation to help prevent damage and assist in ensuring a safe work environment.
Why It Is Required?
Certification and identification of a property’s pipes and utilities is a legal requirements and is mandatory before commencing any renovation works.
This knowledge allows for informed decision making during construction and mitigates risks to your project, saving time and money.
What Needs To Be Located?
The Five Major Types of Utilities - There are five major types of utilities, pipes and cables that need to be located before any excavation or construction work begins.
These include:
Water Pipes and Sewerage Systems
Gas Services and Pipes
Electricity Services and Cables
Internet and Communication Services
Petrol Pipelines
These are unlikely to be present in residential areas, however, can be present in industrial estates and other locations.
Detecting Pipe Blockages and Leaks
CCTV Push Camera
A common way to assess your property’s pipe and sewerage systems, is to utilise an extendable cable camera system.
For this process the camera is manoeuvred through the length of the plumbing system, inspecting and identifying damages, leaks and blockages pre and post construction. This technology allows surveyors to record accurate images and videos, and pinpoint problematic locations.
Example Imaging: Tree roots found in the sewerage system.
Underground Location Technology
A combination of ground penetrating radar and radio frequency technology is used to identify and locate underground plumbing systems and utilities, such as water, electrical, internet and gas.
The Two Main Techniques/Technologies Utilised Include:
Electromagnetic Frequency Technology (EMF): Utilises a receiver that can trace the alignment and depth of a service. Considered the safest and most accurate method for detection.
Ground Penetrating Radar (GPR): Non-intrusive method, that identifies underground services and structures, such as pipes, cables, concrete culverts etc. Considered not as accurate as it cannot detect the exact size and shape of materials.
Oztown Constructions can help facilitate certification of your property and coordinate all aspects of your renovation from start to finish.
Want to find out more?