Given the importance of CCTV camera inspections in diagnosing pipe issues, we provide details of the 3 steps involved in the process. This ensures we understand your needs at the outset and then provide the best service to deal with the issues at hand.

1. Call Online Pipe & Cable Locating (1300 665 384) with details of your requirements, including:

» Location of the job and access to the site

» Location of underground assets, inspection shafts, and shut-off valves

» Diameter and type of pipe (e.g. PVC, earthenware)

» Preferred date and time for scheduling and quotation purposes

» Our Operations team will provide a quote and discuss payment options with you

2. CCTV Camera Inspection

(a) After arriving on site, our technicians will prepare the area for Work Health and Safety requirements to ensure a safe working  environment and protect others from potential hazards. This may include setting up the site for working in confined spaces.

(b) Once the site is prepared, our technicians will prepare the CCTV camera and check all requirements for safe access to the pipe /drain / sewer line and operation of the CCTV camera.

(c) The CCTV camera (push-rod or tractor) is then inserted into the pipe. The CCTV inspection begins – the technician will adjust the CCTV camera settings to ensure correct operation (taking into account the size of the pipe, the surface etc.).

(d) From the Online Pipe & Cable Locating van, our technician manoeuvres the CCTV camera along the length of the pipe to the required distance, or until the blockage or issue is located and identified. Real time images are displayed on a computer in the back of the van. A recording of the inspection is saved and, if required, a DVD copy is prepared for the client.

3. Diagnosis & Reporting

Based on the findings of the CCTV camera inspection, our technician will determine if further remedial action can be taken – such as Water Jetting if there is a pipe blockage – or if other trades are required to undertake specialist works.

If required, Online Pipe & Cable Locating will provide a Report either in DVD format and /or a written report of the CCTV camera inspection.

Benefits of CCTV Camera inspections

» Most efficient method of identifying blockages (type and location) and determining the requirements for clearing blockages(e.g. Water Jetting and Vacuum Loading)

» Highly effective in Identifying issues

» Useful for planning remedial works and preventative maintenance

» Fast and effective

Depending on the results of the CCTV camera inspection, Online Pipe & Cable Locating has a range of complementary services which may be useful in dealing with a range of issues with underground assets. These include:

» Water Jetting » Drain Clearing » Vacuum Loading

» Non-Destructive Digging » Smoke Testing » Leak Detection

» Ground Penetrating Radar

Should you have any questions or require further information on CCTV camera inspections, or any of the above services, please call a member of our friendly team on 1300 665 384.

Advanced CCTV camera technology has provided Online Pipe & Cable Locating with an effective way to diagnose almost any issue with underground pipes and help customers save time and money. 

The following is our list of The Top 5 benefits of CCTV camera inspections:

1. 1. No excavation required – unlike traditional methods which are more expensive and more time consuming.
   2. No-dig and non-destructive – Because CCTV camera inspection does not require digging or excavation, it is completely non-destructive. This means the cost of inspection and or diagnosis of a problem is minimal compared to breaking up above ground structures and excavation in order to get to the pipe or asset.
   3. Real-time results and reporting – Our technicians are able to view the internal pipe structure, blockages, and condition in real-time and also have the ability to record the entire inspection process on DVD and prepare Reports on findings
   4. Cost-effective – CCTV camera inspections are the most efficient way to determine the condition and possible issues within pipes, drains, and sewers. Through CCTV you eliminate the costs of excavation just to identify issues.
   5. Fast and precise – CCTV inspections can pinpoint issues quickly and deliver reports and results faster than any other method.

Where can CCTV camera inspections be performed?

Online Pipe & Cable Locating has a range of push-rod and tractor CCTV camera technology to suite pipes from 50mm to 90mm (mini push rod), 100mm-150mm (push rod) and >150mm (tractor camera). We can provide CCTV camera inspection and reporting on:

»  Sewer and storm water drains and pipes/lines

»  Conduits, piles, boreholes and manholes

»  Pre-commissioned gas and water mains

»  Cavities and underground storage tanks

»  Wet wells, vessels, and electrical conduits

What will a CCTV camera inspection reveal?

The most common issues our technicians come across when performing a CCTV camera inspection include the following:

»  Broken or cracked pipe work (*or other asset being inspected)

»  Misaligned pipes*

»  Collapsed pipes*

»  Drains with back fall and pipe work that has dropped

»  Crushed pipe work

»  Foreign objects in the pipe* (e.g. rubbish, children’s toys, balls, etc.)

»  Tree roots growing into the pipe* (typically to find/follow a source of water)

When do I need a CCTV camera inspection?

If you notice any of the following ‘signs’, you should consider calling us to enquire about a CCTV camera inspection.

»  Persistent blockages

»  Slow draining water or water that backs-up

»  Bad odours

»  Gurgling noises

As it will often save you time and money in the long-term, we recommend taking a “sooner rather than later” approach to investigating issues with underground assets. If you have any questions about CCTV camera inspections or require further information on any of our services, please call us on 1300 665 384 to discuss your needs.

With a busy lifestyle, we often have the best intentions in regards to regular maintenance around the home only for them to end up on a list of “Things to do” (one day).

If this is the case, the best place to start is to check if you’ve noticed any of the following signs of a blocked stormwater drain.

Leaves in a stormwater pipe can cause blockages

Signs of a blocked stormwater drain

º Does water pour off your gutters during heavy rain?

º Are your gutters often backed up or overflowing?

º Are your stormwater drains regularly blocked?

º Are your stormwater drains draining slowly?

º If you have stormwater grates installed in concrete/pavers are they covered with leaves, sticks, grass clippings, chip bark, mulch, etc.?

If any of these sound familiar, your storm water drain/pipes may be blocked.

Tips for preventing blocked stormwater drains

Prepare a Preventative Maintenance Plan, including the following:

Once a month check your downpipes and gutters – remove leaves, sticks, and dirt where practicable. Leaf matter and other debris can prevent water from reaching the downpipe.
Check all downpipes – if there is a blockage flushing out with a hose may help. Alternatively, call your local plumber for advice and assistance.
Consider installing gutter guards (monthly visual checks should be done*).
Consider installing a leaf diverter on your down pipes to ensure leaves and sticks fall to the ground.*
On a weekly basis, do a quick spot check of all stormwater grates for a build up of debris and if present, remove all debris to prevent it entering the stormwater drain. Over time leaf matter will decay and slowly build up with dirt, sand, sticks etc. to form a compost-like blockage. This can cause problems with slow drainage, back-ups, and costly repairs due to overflows. It can also be costly to remove from a storm water drain.
Consider installing filters on stormwater grates to stop leaves, debris, sand, and soil from entering your drains.
Prevent any foreign object from entering your drains (e.g. building materials, children’s toys, tennis balls, stones, weeds, tree roots, etc.).
Once a year, have your drains water jetted to clear any debris. Online Pipe & Cable Locating are experts in water jetting and clearing blocked drains.
If you notice your gutters, downpipes, or stormwater drains are draining slowly, you can save time and money by having them cleaned out sooner rather than later.
Call Online Pipe & Cable Locating on 1300 665 384 to discuss your needs and finding the most efficient and cost-effective way to clear your blocked drains and prevent future problems.
» Before storms

» After storms, flooding, or particularly windy days

» During Autumn when deciduous trees and plants drop their leaves

» The start and end of Summer

Given the potential risks and hazards in working near underground assets, it’s important to understand the terminology often used by utility owners, service providers like Online Pipe & Cable Locating and
and other stakeholders.

The following is a sample of commonly used terms and their definitions as provided in more detail in the Work Near Underground Assets: Guide 2007 (WorkCover NSW):

NB. For a complete list of terms and definitions, please refer to the  Work Near Underground Assets: Guide 2007 (WorkCover NSW)

»   Potential customers making enquiries about our services.

»   Potential customers making enquiries with utility companies.

»   Staff of utility companies, construction and infrastructure companies, Councils and other government agencies, builders, plumbers, electricians, residential customers.

Should you have any questions or like further information, please call our friendly team on 1300 665 384.

Locating underground assets may seem to be a relatively simple task, but excavation based on assumptions can be risky and expensive.

The following checklist is based on Dial Before You Dig‘s (DBYD) 4 Ps – Plan, Pothole, Protect, Proceed – and it should help eliminate possible issues:

1. Plan, plan, plan your project. DBYD recommend contacting them at least 2 days before commencement of works, to allow time to receive relevant papers/plans*.
2. Never “assume” you know the exact location or depth of underground assets. Second guessing can lead to damage and expensive repairs (and possible injury).
3. Never underestimate the depth of underground assets, always lodge a DBYD enquiry before any excavation.*
4. You will receive plans from all utility providers who are registered with DBYD and who have assets on the site in question.
5. The plans you receive only indicate the presence of the utility company’s pipes and cables* (private assets won’t be shown on these plans, but junctions may be).
6. Before excavating, inspect the site for evidence of underground (or overhead) assets that may be connected to the property, but not recorded on the plans.*  For example, water meters, vent shafts, and manholes.
7. Before excavating, engage an accredited locator – Online Pipe & Cable Locating – to accurately locate and mark asset locations.*
   (*Source: Dial Before You Dig)

Options for locating underground pipes and cables

We have a range of  pipe and cable locating devices to locate underground assets on just about any site.

»   Hand-held Locators – for the location of metallic pipes, cables, rebar and other structures 300-400mm sub-surface.

»  Ground Penetrating Radar (GPR) – for the location of outdoor metallic and non-metallic pipes, cables and other structures from 2-3m sub-surface; suited to roads, construction sites, and other outdoor sites.

»  Indoor GPR – for concrete scanning and locating post-tension cables and rebar 300-400mm sub-surface prior to concrete cutting or core hole drilling.

All locating devices can show the depth of the underground asset.  However, it should be noted that Telstra prevents locating companies from indicating the depth an asset and has a preference for non-destructive digging (also known as pot holing).  Utility companies may also provide specific guidelines to follow before excavation.

Non-destructive digging (NDD) is widely recognised as the safest method of exposing underground assets. Depending on the sector, NDD may also be referred to as hydro excavation or pot holing. Regardless of the term used, NDD uses a high pressure water lance to safely excavate soil, dirt and sand from around the underground asset. In some instances, Vacuum Loading is required to remove the spoil from the site.

Benefits of Locating & Non-destructive Digging

»  Saves time in determining the actual location of underground pipes and cables.

»  Saves time required to complete the works required or project.

»  Helps prevent damage and costly repairs to underground pipes and cables.

»  Helps manage risks of accidents and injuries caused by accidental damage to the underground asset.

»  Compliance with utility company requirements and related regulatory and legal obligations.

Conclusion

Expert location of underground assets is a must before excavation commences. As an accredited utility locator contractor, Online Pipe & Cable Locating has the expertise, technology, and experience to accurately locate underground assets. Safe. Accurate. Timely.

Should you have any questions, or require more information on our locating expertise, please give a member of our friendly team a call on 1300 665 384.

Here’s a snapshot of what’s involved in locating a water leak for a large manufacturing business and some of the variables encountered.

Overview

Our client requested a water leak detection at a large manufacturing business in an industrial estate at Port Kembla.

Given the nature of the manufacturing business and for safety reasons, it was vital to detect and fix the water leak as soon as possible.

1. Gather information from the client

On arrival on site, our technician met with the client contact who provided an overview of the situation, diagrams of the site, and the locations of water valves.

2. Process of elimination

With this information, and seeing the extent and location of the actual water leak, our technician started the leak detection process by opening and closing a series of valves. By doing this, the technician was able to gradually eliminate sections of pipework that weren’t leaking.

3. Detecting sounds caused by water leaks

As the acoustic listening device detected significant sounds caused by water moving through the shut off valves and on a landing valve, our technician concluded that all signals were indicative of a large water leak.

4. Factors impacting pinpointing the exact location

Pinpointing the exact location of a water leak can be challenging at the best of times. For this detection, our technician had to contend with a number of factors: (a) the water main was reasonably shallow; (b) the extent of the water leak; and (c) the complex layout of the site.

Outcome

With many years’ of experience using acoustic listening devices for water leak detection across a range of sites, our technician was able to provide the client with an accurate location of the water leak over an area of pipework. This allowed the client to implement a remediation plan and a return to normal drain flow volume.

Expert Leak Detection services

Online Pipe & Cable Locating are experts in leak detection. Should you like further information or a quote for leak detection services, please call our friendly team on 1300 665 384.

In this case study we highlight some of the questions we ask customers in order to find the best solution for clearing a blocked drain (pipe, or sewer).

Scenario – Blocked drain (residential customer)

Our customer – whom we shall refer to as James – has an external laundry located near the kitchen which is located at the back of the house. He has noticed a combination of seemingly coincidental occurrences in and around the laundry and kitchen:

1. Water is very slow to drain from kitchen sink.
2. Water backs up and is very slow to drain from laundry tubs during washing cycles.
3. Gurgling sounds come from the kitchen sink when the washing machine is draining.
4. Occasionally, odours come from the kitchen sink, similar to that of used water from the washing machine.

Realising there is probably a blockage in the pipes, James decides to attempt to clear the blockage by using (a) a plunger (and breaking it!); (b) and a number of off-the-shelf products; and (c) some home remedies based around bicarbonate of soda, vinegar, and boiling water. With much hope and anticipation, but to no avail, James found none of these DIY remedies worked in clearing the blockage.

Questions we ask in order to provide the right service

After doing a Google search and clicking on the Online Pipe & Cable ad for Clearing Blocked Drains, James decides to give us a call. After hearing of James’ situation, our Operations Manager has the following questions for James:

»  Do you have a current  sewerage service diagram? (if not, you will need to obtain one from Sydney Water Tap In™ – it will help our technicians locate access points.)

»  What is being affected?   (see 1-2 above)

»  Are there any signs something is wrong?   (see 3-4 above)

»  Have you engaged a Plumber to look at the problem?  If not, we may advise calling a Plumber first, or suggest you try a number of “test and note what happens” suggestions (e.g. fill the sink/laundry tub with water and let it drain while observing the water flow/trickle from the sewer inspection shaft or boundary trap).

»  Is there access to the site?  Together with the answers to the above questions, this will help us determine what vehicles and equipment are best suited for your situation.

How we unblock drains, pipes and sewer

Online Pipe & Cable Locating has a range of equipment and technology to remove blockages. Whether some or all of these are used will depend on the situation and the customer’s requirements.

• CCTV cameras ranging in size to suite most pipes, drains and sewers. CCTV inspection is the best non-destructive way to look into pipes and see exactly what the situation is. Live footage (and recordings) together with information about the blockage can help our technicians determine the cause of the blockage (in this case tree roots invading a cracked pipe and greasy sludge) and options to remove it.
• Water Jetting – We have a range of high pressure water jets to break up and clear blockages. Water jetting is a safe, effective, and fast method of removing blockages with little or no impact on the environment or the pipes being cleared.
• Vacuum Loading – Debris, waste and sludge can be removed from site and disposed of safely with our vacuum loading trucks.

The Outcome – Restoring water flow

For James’ particular problem, Online Pipe & Cable Locating provided CCTV camera inspection to determine the cause of the blockage (tree roots and greasy sludge), as well as water jetting to break up and blast the tree roots and sludge through the pipe until they could be removed from the vertical inspection shaft. With the blockage removed, full water flow was restored and elimination of all problems as identified in 1-4 above.

For more information, or if you have further questions, please call us on 1300 665 384.

We hope you enjoyed your Christmas and New Year break. Here’s our 2015 in Review.

Business Expansion – Wallongong, Central Coast, and Hunter

In 2015 we welcomed three new franchisees – Declan Dowd who is servicing the Wollongong region; Ian Lockie who is servicing the Central Coast and Newcastle regions; and Tim Nelson who is servicing the Hunter and mid-North Coast regions. We invite you to check out their respective web sites, follow them on Facebook, and recommend them to your friends, families and colleagues.

Completion of Darling Harbour Project

Online Pipe & Cable Locating was excited to be appointed to conduct locating and CCTV inspection services at Darling Harbour. Through the precise location of underground assets and comprehensive CCTV inspection of existing pipes and drains, we were able to report on the current location and condition of underground assets. This allowed the project managers to plan and schedule appropriate works, saving time and reducing costs and risks during planned excavation works.

WestConnex M4 Widening

Throughout much of 2015 Online Pipe & Cable Locating was engaged by Leighton Contractors (now CPB Contractors) to locate underground assets, perform non-destructive digging, and provide vacuum loading services. The locating services and non-destructive digging were critical for protecting underground assets, and preventing costly damage and disruption to essential services. We were also engaged for vacuum loading services, particularly after heavy rainfall, as removal of mud and sludge from the site was required to keep the project running to time frames and allowing further works to be carried out. Online Pipe & Cable Locating will continue to work with CPB Contractors throughout 2016.

Pipe Freezing to restore water and air conditioning

During the year we assisted many plumbers and air conditioning mechanics by providing pipe freezing services to stop the flow of water in water pipes and air conditioning units at many commercial and retail sites. Although pipe freezing is a small part of the process, it is often a crucial step in repairing or repositioning pipes and reinstating water supply and air cooling/heating services.

Footpaths, Roads, and Drains

Our team continued to work with Councils, Sydney Water, and utility companies in providing a range of services. These included locating underground assets, non-destructive digging, and vacuum loading to enable work to and around assets below footpath and road surfaces. As part of many of these jobs, we also reinstated the site to allow normal use and access by the public. Other projects included providing CCTV inspection of drains and culverts, water jetting and vacuum loading to remove blockages.

Increased Capability – New CCTV and Vacuum Loaders

To meet the requirements of our clients, in 2015 we continued to invest in the latest technology and also in expanding our fleet. We acquired a new Van equipped with an advanced Kummert CCTV tractor camera. Robust and fully portable with a 200 metre cable, the tractor camera provides CCTV inspection and reporting (photos and DVD) capability with advanced control and flexibility to reach and inspect pipes up to 1.2 metres in diameter. We also acquired two new Vacuum Loading trucks with 5,000 litre and 8,000 litre capacity meaning fewer disposals trips and allowing our team to stay on site longer, saving clients time and money.

Without you we don’t exist

Team Growth +8

As business continued to grow, in 2015 we welcomed five new technicians supporting our clients, and three new office staff across accounts, admin, and marketing. It was a pleasure to welcome everyone to the team.

Accreditations and OHS

As part of our commitment to running our business to the highest standards and industry benchmarks, we once again achieved the following accreditations:

National Association of Testing Authorities (NATA) approved inspection Body for inspection activities according to ISO/IEC 17020.
Quality (AS/NZS ISO 9001-2008)- Global Mark
Environmental (AS/NZS ISO 14001-2004) – Global Mark
Occupational Health and Safety (AS/NZS 4801-2001) – Global Mark. We are also very pleased to report that no major OHS issues were recorded during the year.

Without you we don’t exist

We thank our clients, suppliers, and our dedicated team. We look forward to working together in 2016.

Utility companies need their underground assets to be protected.  For construction companies, underground assets represent a potential hazard.  

Ground penetrating radar is just one of the methods Online Pipe & Cable Locating use to determine the precise location and depth of underground assets.  

Here’s a link to a video (published by GSSI) titled What is ground penetrating radar (GPR)? And how does it work?  – which will assist in explaining its application in locating underground pipes, cables, rebar, electrical conduit, underground storage tanks, voids, etc.

Benefits & Applications

• Portable, fast, and precise
• Various models to suit site conditions and application – Online Pipe & Cable have GPR devices suitable for depth penetration of 300-400mm up to 2-3m
• Locates metallic and non-metallic assets
• Concrete scanning for post- and pre-tension cable / conduit / rebar location, enabling core hole drilling and concrete cutting to be done with confidence
• Accurate determination of the thickness of concrete slabs
• Detection of voids which may present serious hazards for excavation and construction
• Position and depth can be marked out on site and visualised in 3D sub-surface image reports
• Non-destructive
• Ability to scan large areas quickly and accurately
• Protect underground assets
• Reducing risks and enhancing safety on site while saving costs and downtime.

NB. for the GPR device to work accurately, the surface should be flat / level and dry. Some soil compositions may mean a limited ability to scan.

According to Geophysical Survey Systems, Inc. (2015) “In general, dry sandy soils with little salt content return excellent survey resolution, but heavy clay-based soils are difficult to penetrate with GPR. In some situations, penetration depth may be limited to a few feet or less within clays, whereas pipes residing in sandy soils could be detected at depths up to 30 feet.”

In order to provide the most suitable locating service, the Online Pipe & Cable Locating team seeks to understand the customer’s needs and the unique requirements of the site and project.

Should you have any questions or require further information, please let us know.

Depending on the site, there is a variety of technology available for locating underground assets. But how do underground locators work?

In this article, Understanding locators 101 (Ehm, 2011), a good explanation of how different locators work is provided, as well as how locating technology can save time and money on site.

It should be noted that in Australia, the first port of call should be making contact with Dial Before You Dig (Tel: 1100) as the first step to locating underground assets.



The team at Online Pipe & Cable Locating use hand-held locators and Ground Penetrating Radar (GPR) for locating pipes, cables and other underground assets. The decision about which technology to use will depend largely on:

• the condition of the site (flat, sloping, hard surface, bumpy, etc.)
• the surface structure (eg. concrete slab, road, footpath, earth, etc.).

This is why we believe it is essential to take time to ask the right questions, at the outset, in order to understand the customer’s needs and the unique requirements of the site and project.

Should you have any questions or require further information, please call the team at Online Pipe & Cable Locating.