Why is underground service locating important before digging?

Underground service locating gives you clearer information before excavation, helping you avoid costly strikes, delays and safety issues. Locator Guys identifies and marks detectable services such as power, water, gas, fibre, telecommunications, drainage and private services so your team can plan and dig with confidence.

What technologies do you use to locate underground services?

We use advanced methods such as Ground Penetrating Radar (GPR) and Electromagnetic Induction (EMI) to accurately detect a wide range of underground utilities, including non-metallic pipes. The right method depends on the service type, material, depth, access, ground conditions and whether a signal can be applied or detected.

How accurate and reliable is underground service locating?

While factors like soil conditions and pipe materials can influence detection, our industry leading technology combined with expert analysis consistently delivers precise, high confidence results you can trust. We are fully transparent about our findings and any limitations, empowering you to plan your project with complete clarity and confidence.

Are all underground utilities shown on utility maps?

No, maps can be outdated or incomplete. Professional on-site locating is essential to verify and accurately mark all underground services before excavation.

What should I do if I accidentally hit an underground utility?

Stop digging immediately and contact the relevant utility provider. Prompt reporting helps manage hazards and ensures safety compliance.

Residential & Rural Properties

Homes, lifestyle blocks & farms

We help homeowners, lifestyle block owners, farmers, plumbers and rural contractors locate underground services and water leaks before digging, trenching, fencing, landscaping, driveway work, irrigation upgrades, drainage work and water repairs.

Residential and rural jobs are often practical and time-sensitive. A leaking water line, unknown cable, buried pipe or unmarked private service can quickly hold up work or lead to unnecessary digging. We use practical locating methods to help identify services, reduce the risk of damage and give you clearer information before work starts.

Common residential and rural work includes:

Water leak detection
Driveway, shed, fencing and landscaping works
Locating services before trenching or excavation
Drain and service locating around homes and lifestyle blocks
Rural water line tracing
Irrigation and pool pipe investigations

Planning work on a home, farm or lifestyle block? Contact Locator Guys to discuss the safest way to locate what is below before you dig.

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Project FAQs

Yes. Locator Guys works on private residential properties, lifestyle blocks, farms, commercial sites, industrial sites, civil projects and specialist facilities throughout Canterbury and the South Island.
In many cases, yes. Private services are often missing from public plans, especially on older properties, rural sites, commercial yards and sites that have changed over time. We use the most suitable locating method for the site and explain what can and cannot be confirmed.
Yes. BeforeUDig plans are an important starting point, especially for public utility information. On-site locating helps confirm, trace and mark services where possible, including private or unknown services that may not be fully shown on plans.
Yes. We regularly locate and mark underground services before excavation, trenching, drilling, coring, concrete cutting, driveway work, fencing, landscaping, repairs and construction.
Yes. Locate summary reports and mapped information can be provided on request. These are useful for contractors, councils, engineers, facility managers, property owners and anyone who needs a record of located services.
Some services are harder to locate depending on material, depth, ground conditions, access, signal availability and site complexity. If something cannot be confidently located, we will explain the limitation clearly so you can make an informed decision before work continues.

When should you contact Locator Guys?

Before digging, trenching, fencing or driveway work

When a water leak is suspected

Before cutting, drilling or coring concrete

When underground services are missing from plans

Before civil, subdivision or commercial site works

mapping for Future maintenance or planning