Everything you need to know about utility searches
A utility search, also known as a utility survey or underground utility detection, identifies the location, depth, and type of buried services beneath a site. This includes water mains, gas pipes, electricity cables, telecoms, drainage, and fibre optics. Results are delivered as utility packs, and where required, coordinated CAD drawings to support safer excavation and construction planning.
Standard desktop utility searches are typically completed within 5 to 10 working days. We also offer priority, 3 to 5 working day, and urgent, 24 to 48 hour, turnaround options. On site surveys, PAS 128 Level B, are scheduled based on site size and complexity, usually within 1 to 2 weeks of order.
Digsure provides nationwide coverage across England, Scotland, and Wales. Our established processes, and our network of qualified surveyors for on site work, means we can deliver searches for UK locations ranging from city centres to rural sites.
PAS 128 is the UK standard for underground utility detection, verification, and location. It defines quality levels from Level D, desktop records searches, through to Level A, precise verification. Digsure can support PAS 128 compliant surveys through our delivery partners, and we can provide desktop record searches to support early stage planning.
In most cases, yes. If you are planning excavation, groundworks, or construction, you should identify underground services before breaking ground. A utility search helps reduce the risk of utility strikes, programme delays, injury, and associated costs, and it supports safer planning and better decision making at design stage.
Costs depend on the site area, location, and services required. Desktop utility searches can start from as little as a few hundred pounds for smaller sites, with pricing increasing where larger areas, additional asset owners, or enhanced deliverables are required. Use our online ordering tool to draw your boundary and receive an instant, transparent quote, with no hidden fees.
Our searches cover major underground utilities including electricity, HV and LV, gas, mains and services, water, mains, services, and hydrants, telecommunications, BT, Virgin Media, and fibre optics, plus drainage and sewerage. Where relevant, we can also include other asset types such as oil pipelines and district heating networks.
Yes. We offer urgent turnaround options, including 24 hour and 48 hour delivery for desktop utility searches. If you have a tight deadline, you can select an urgent option when ordering online, or contact us to confirm availability. Additional fees apply for expedited delivery, and any late arriving asset owner responses are forwarded as they arrive.