Underground Service Locators (USL) is one of the largest providers of underground cable, pipe and utility locating services in New Zealand, supporting Network Service Providers, contractors, councils, and private individuals during civil projects.

Our team of 30 operates across New Zealand, using technologies such as CCTV, Hydrovac and GIS mapping to safeguard vital infrastructure during construction works. With a third of our technicians certified by BeforeUDig, we are a trusted delivery partner.

Our solutions ensure that all existing utility services are protected before any construction works take place. We offer a full range of services from potholing to more comprehensive inspections using radar, virtual inspections, CCTV and hydro excavation.

Core services

Utilities Services location: We can locate power, gas, sewers, fresh and stormwater pipes, private cable networks and telecoms cables.

Ground Penetrating Radar: Used to identify both metallic and non-metallic buried utility infrastructure. It can also be used to locate voids and cavities foundations, storage tanks, culverts, excavation routes, pipe routes and large, solid objects.

Utility Mapping and Geographical Information Systems: Mapping of utilities and service routes including gas, water, telecoms, electricity and drainage with output to CAD or into GIS systems.

Utility Standovers: Assistance in an observational capacity to ensure work is completed according to health and safety guidelines, for example, excavations taking place near a high-voltage electricity line.

Virtual Trial Pits: This service avoids the need for excavations when detailed information within a local are a is essential. We can undertake surveys using GPR systems and provide a detailed CAD drawing or GIS output to assist with design.

Concrete Scanning: Useful in locating conduit, post-tension cables, reinforcing steel and the identification of anomalies or voids in concrete surfaces.

 

Additional services

Underground CCTV/Condition Assessment and Sewer Lateral Locating: Inspection services to determine if underground ducts, sanitary sewers or HVAC ductwork requires repair or replacement, detailed reports include drawings, GIS and video.

Hydro Excavations: Vacuum excavation is a non-destructive and accurate process to safely locate underground utilities using pressurised water to break up and vacuum away soil, exposing the exact location of utilities.

Geophysical Ground Investigations: Terrestrial and borehole geophysics to support environmental and engineering projects. The output is a 2D or 3D geophysical data acquisition that enhances understanding of subsurface site characteristics.