How Pipe Locating Works

HD Inspections uses an iPEK CCTV camera system fitted with a built-in transmitter, commonly known as a sonde. While the camera is inside the pipe, it emits a traceable signal that can be detected from the surface using a locating wand.

The camera can emit frequencies including:

• 33kHz

• 512Hz

• 640Hz

The locating wand picks up the signal from above ground, allowing the operator to identify the approximate position and depth of the camera head. As the camera travels through the pipe, the line can be tracked and marked at key locations.

This allows the pipe alignment to be confirmed in the field using the actual pipe location, rather than relying only on plans or assumptions.

When Is Pipe Locating Useful?

Pipe locating is commonly used when there is uncertainty about where a sewer or stormwater pipe runs underground.

It can assist with:

• Confirming the alignment of buried pipes

• Locating unknown or poorly documented drainage lines

• Finding pipe position before excavation

• Marking pipe locations for repair works

• Identifying the location of a blockage or defect

• Confirming pipe depth from the surface

• Supporting design or construction planning

• Locating pipes between pits, manholes or access chambers

• Investigating discrepancies between plans and site conditions

For civil contractors, plumbers, councils, developers and asset owners, this can help reduce unnecessary excavation and provide better confidence before works begin.

Locating Defects, Blockages and Points of Interest

One of the key benefits of pipe locating is the ability to match CCTV footage to a real-world surface location.

If the CCTV inspection identifies a defect, blockage, break, intrusion or suspected connection, the camera can be stopped at that point and located from above ground.

This can help identify the surface location of:

• Broken or damaged pipe sections

• Blockages or obstructions

• Root intrusion

• Collapsed sections

• Unmapped junctions or connections

• Buried access points

• Areas requiring excavation or repair

This is particularly useful when repair crews need to know where to dig, or when a defect needs to be confirmed on site for planning and quoting.

Pipe Depth Information

In addition to horizontal position, the locating wand can also provide an estimated depth to the camera head.

Depth readings can assist with:

• Planning excavation works

• Understanding cover over the pipe

• Confirming pipe grade or depth changes

• Identifying potential conflicts with other services

• Supporting repair planning

Depth information should always be treated as an onsite locating estimate and may be affected by ground conditions, pipe depth, interference, nearby services and signal quality.

Pipe Locating as a CCTV Inspection Add-On

Pipe locating works best when combined with CCTV inspection. The camera provides the internal view of the pipe, while the sonde and surface locator help identify where the camera is positioned above ground.

This makes pipe locating a practical add-on for:

• CCTV sewer inspections

• CCTV stormwater inspections

• Defect investigations

• Blocked pipe investigations

• Pre-excavation checks

• Drainage asset verification

• Hidden or unmapped pipe location

• Civil construction support

By combining CCTV footage with surface locating, clients receive both a visual inspection record and a practical onsite understanding of where the pipe or defect is located.

Pipe Locating Across Queensland and Northern NSW

HD Inspections provides pipe locating support alongside CCTV sewer and stormwater inspections across South East Queensland, wider Queensland and Northern NSW.

Using our iPEK CCTV camera system and surface locating equipment, we can help identify pipe alignments, camera position and approximate depth for drainage assets 150mm diameter and above.

Contact HD Inspections today to discuss adding pipe locating to your next CCTV pipeline inspection.