Dial Before You Dig provides approximate locations of underground services based on asset owner records, while on-site locating physically identifies the exact position and depth of services on the ground. Dial Before You Dig is a planning tool, not a guarantee. On-site locating is required to reduce risk before excavation, drilling, or trenching.
Why Understanding the Difference Matters
Every year, underground services such as power, gas, water, and communications are damaged because their exact location wasn’t confirmed before works began. In WA, striking an underground asset can lead to serious safety risks, service outages, costly repairs, and legal consequences. Knowing the difference between Dial Before You Dig (DBYD) and on-site locating helps property owners, builders, and contractors make safer, smarter decisions before any ground is broken.
What Is Dial Before You Dig?
Dial Before You Dig is a free service that provides utility plans from asset owners showing the approximate location of underground services on or near a property. These plans are useful for early planning and include information supplied by electricity, water, gas, and telecommunications providers. However, the drawings are based on records that may be outdated, incomplete, or generalised. Importantly, DBYD plans usually come with disclaimers stating that service locations are approximate only and should not be relied on for excavation without further verification.
Limitations of Dial Before You Dig
While Dial Before You Dig is an essential first step, it has clear limitations.
- Plans may not show the exact depth of services.
- Older installations may not be accurately recorded.
- Private underground services are often excluded.
- Changes made over time may not appear on plans.
Relying on DBYD alone increases the risk of damaging live services during digging or drilling.
What Is On-Site Locating?
On-site locating involves physically identifying underground services using specialised detection equipment. This process is carried out by trained professionals who scan the area and mark the exact position and depth of services on the ground. On-site locating provides real-world confirmation of where services actually run, not where records suggest they might be.
When On-Site Locating Is Essential
On-site locating should be carried out before:
- Any excavation, trenching, or drilling
- Installing underground power or communications
- Fence post or retaining wall installation
- Boring under driveways or slabs
- Working near existing services
In many cases, on-site locating is a critical risk-management step and may be required to meet safety and duty-of-care obligations.
Key Differences at a Glance
Dial Before You Dig helps you understand what services may be present.
On-site locating confirms where those services actually are.
DBYD is suitable for planning.
On-site locating is suitable for excavation.
DBYD uses maps and records.
On-site locating uses physical detection and marking.
Safer Digging Starts With the Right Information
Dial Before You Dig is a valuable starting point, but it’s not the final step. When accuracy matters and safety is critical, on-site locating provides the certainty that plans alone cannot. If you’re planning works that involve digging or underground services, contact DJL Electrical to discuss professional locating support across Albany and the Great Southern.
