EXPOSE UNDERGROUND SERVICES

(Potholing & Positive Identification)

When underground utilities need to be confirmed with absolute accuracy, non-destructive digging (NDD) is the safest and most reliable method. Vacsafe provides professional potholing and vacuum excavation to expose underground services without causing damage to the surrounding area.

Whether you're working on civil construction, mining, council projects, or private property works, our NDD process ensures every buried asset is identified safely, cleanly, and precisely.

Locate Services

What Is Non-Destructive Digging (NDD)?

Non-destructive digging uses high-pressure water and a vacuum extraction system to remove soil without harming underground utilities.
This method allows us to safely expose assets such as power, water, fibre, stormwater and gas lines.

NDD is the industry-preferred method for confirming the exact depth, alignment, and condition of services before mechanical excavation begins.

Why Expose Underground Services?

Even with DBYD plans and electromagnetic locating, the exact position of underground utilities can vary due to:

Inaccurate or outdated utility maps
Past repairs or relocations
Unmarked or abandoned services
Deep or complex service alignments
Crossings between multiple utilities

Potholing provides a Positive Identification (Positive ID) by physically exposing the asset so there is no guesswork.

Benefits of NDD Potholing

✔ Zero-damage method – protects pipes, cables, and conduits
✔ Pinpoint accuracy – confirms depth and alignment
✔ Safety compliance – reduces risk of strikes or outages
✔ Fast and efficient – small access footprint
✔ Essential for tight or sensitive sites
✔ Suitable for high-risk utilities (gas, HV cables, fibre)
✔ Clean and controlled excavation

What We Can Positively Identify

Our vacuum excavation teams can safely expose:

Electrical conduits and high-voltage cables
Water and recycled water lines
Stormwater and sewer
Gas mains and services
Fibre optic and communications
Irrigation and private services
Unidentified or abandoned assets

Our Potholing Process

Review DBYD & service locating results
Mark out safe dig areas and target spots
Perform NDD using water pressure & vacuum extraction
Expose and clean around the utility
Depth measurement & photographic documentation
Backfill or leave exposed as required
Provide reporting (optional)

When Should You Pothole?

NDD is recommended before:

Trenching or open-cut excavation
Installing footings or piers
Horizontal directional drilling (HDD)
Installing fences, poles, signs, or structures
Road or civil construction
Verifying utility locations from service locating
Any high-risk excavation around critical infrastructure