Do we need a Before You Dig diagram?

If you're digging, the answer is yes. Before You Dig Australia (formerly Dial Before You Dig) is a free service that sends you plans of underground networks, such as gas mains, water mains, sewers, electricity and telecommunications cables, near your dig site. Hitting a gas main or power cable is dangerous and expensive, so it's worth the few minutes it takes. Here's what it covers and, just as importantly, what it doesn't.

How it works

• You lodge a free enquiry online with the address and dig area, before work starts.
• The network owners in that area send you plans or advice, usually within a couple of business days.
• Plans have expiry dates, so a new enquiry is needed if they expire.
• Homeowners are encouraged to lodge an enquiry even for digging on their own property.

What the plans don't show

For your own pipes, use your Sydney Water sewer diagram, and have the pipes located with a camera and locator if you're digging near them.

When we use it

Before any excavation, such as a new water service, sewer repair, stormwater pipe or gas line, we check the plans and locate services on site. It's part of doing the job safely. If you're planning a pool, extension, fence posts or landscaping, we can locate your private pipes before you dig so nothing gets damaged. You get a fixed price before any work starts.

In southern Eastern Suburbs homes

Older blocks in Matraville, Maroubra and Botany often have Sydney Water mains running through yards, plus gas services and old private pipes that nobody has a record of. Locating them first saves damage and delays.

Related help: sewer service diagrams, CCTV drain inspection, gas safety guide and moving a water meter. Local pages: Matraville, Maroubra, Botany and Pagewood. Browse all our plumbing guides.