If there’s one thing that still catches teams out early on a project, it’s what they assume is happening below ground. On paper, a site can look straightforward. Clear access, familiar surroundings, nothing immediately suggesting complexity. But underground utilities rarely respect what a site “looks like” and that gap between assumption and reality is where… Read More
Underground Utilities
Underground utility colour codes explained
What are underground utility colour codes? Underground utility colour codes are used to differentiate and identify underground utilities to protect it from potential damage during excavation. There are different types of utilities and in order to tell them apart, either coloured lines or flags, or sometimes both are used. These lines/flags help mark the location… Read More
The cost of utility plans (disbursements) – where’s the cheapest city in the UK?
It’s nearly 7 times the cost to pay for utility plans a basic utility search in London as it is in Yorkshire. The cheapest place to call for utility plans covering Gas, Electric, Water, Sewer and BT is Leeds, Bradford and Sheffield at only £20.00 + VAT. The cost in London is a staggering £139.94… Read More
Taking care when locating buried utilities
Whether you are planning a self build project, an extension or simply excavating an area where you are unsure of what is beneath the surface it is wise to check with the utility companies first. Many people make assumptions with regards to locating buried utilities that often come back to haunt them. Locating buried utilities… Read More
The importance of outsourcing your underground utility searches
What happens when you outsource your utility search? Simple really. You provide details of the site/route that you require a utility search for – usually also providing a plan with the search area clearly defined. You then need to choose your search requirement. Most providers offer a basic search (gas, water, sewer, electric, BT etc.)… Read More
What happens in the US with utility searches when Donald Trump builds his Mexican wall
Safer, cheaper, quicker and much easier than the UK! I’m new to the Industry and the whole process of Underground Utility Searches. I must admit my first impression is that calling for utility plans here in the UK can be slow, frustrating, expensive and exhausting. I was duly reminded that these are the exact… Read More