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A Concrete Walkway Has a Green Cross Painted on It— Dowds Pipe and Cable Locating in Shellharbour, NSW

Shellharbour Utility Locating Services

At Dowd’s Pipe and Cable Locating, we deliver trusted underground detection services throughout Shellharbour and the surrounding Illawarra region. With over 25 years of experience in the field, we provide professional, risk-assessed locating solutions to builders, trades, councils and homeowners in this fast-growing coastal area.


Shellharbour’s expanding infrastructure and mix of residential and commercial developments require careful planning—and that starts with knowing what lies beneath. We offer a full range of services, including pipe and cable locating, concrete scanning, ground-penetrating radar (GPR), water leak detection, CCTV pipe inspections and thermal imaging. All services are conducted using industry-leading technology and carried out to Australian standards.


Our team is fully insured, DBYD certified and accredited with Telstra and NULCA. Whether you’re renovating in Shell Cove, managing a civil works project in Albion Park or extending a property in Warilla, we provide clear results and detailed reports to support safe, efficient work.


For expert utility locating services in Shellharbour, call 0434 635 134 and request a free quote today.

Utility Locating Services We Offer in Shellharbour

  • Pipe Locating Services
  • Cable Locating
  • Thermal Camera Imaging
  • Ground Penetrating Radar
  • Water Leak Detection
  • CCTV Pipe Inspections
  • Concrete Scanning
A Yellow Pipe Has a Red Wire Attached to It — Dowds Pipe and Cable Locating in Shellharbour, NSW

Pipe Locating Services in Shellharbour

Pipe locating in Shellharbour is key for identifying stormwater, sewer and water lines before any excavation work begins. Using electromagnetic detection, we trace pipe paths across residential, commercial and civil sites—minimising risk, saving time and supporting smooth project delivery across the region.

Cable Locating Services in Shellharbour

Our cable locating service in Shellharbour pinpoints electrical, communications and NBN lines—both live and de-energised. Ideal for dig sites in driveways, easements and commercial zones, this service helps prevent utility strikes and ensures safe digging across Shellharbour’s growing suburbs and industrial areas.

A Brick Sidewalk With Numbers Spray Painted on It — Dowds Pipe and Cable Locating in Shellharbour, NSW
A Thermal Camera Image — Dowds Pipe and Cable Locating in Shellharbour, NSW

Thermal Camera Imaging in Shellharbour

Thermal imaging in Shellharbour allows us to detect moisture issues, insulation gaps and electrical faults without invasive work. Using infrared cameras, we provide fast diagnostics for homes, offices and commercial spaces—supporting maintenance, insurance claims and property management throughout the Shellharbour region.

Ground Penetrating Radar in Shellharbour

Ground-penetrating radar (GPR) is a key tool for subsurface scanning in Shellharbour. We use GPR to detect buried utilities, voids and structural changes under roads, concrete and open ground. It’s ideal for construction sites, council projects and heritage-sensitive areas throughout the Illawarra.

A Person in an Orange Jacket is Holding a Ground Penetrating Radar — Dowds Pipe and Cable Locating in Shellharbour, NSW
A Brick Wall With a Metal Pipe Coming Out — Dowds Pipe and Cable Locating in Shellharbour, NSW

Water Leak Detection in Shellharbour

Water leak detection in Shellharbour uses acoustic and thermal technology to locate hidden leaks in plumbing and underground pipes. From minor residential leaks to complex commercial systems, we help property owners and managers stop water loss and avoid structural damage.

CCTV Pipe Inspections in Shellharbour

Our CCTV pipe inspections in Shellharbour provide high-resolution internal views of stormwater and sewer systems. This non-invasive service is used to identify blockages, cracks or collapsed pipes—supporting accurate repairs and compliance across homes, businesses and council-maintained networks.

A Man is Kneeling Down in Front of a Machine — Dowds Pipe and Cable Locating in Shellharbour, NSW
A Yellow Marking on a Road That Says 850 — Dowds Pipe and Cable Locating in Shellharbour, NSW

Concrete Scanning in Shellharbour

Our concrete scanning service in Shellharbour is essential for safe construction and renovations. Using ground-penetrating radar, we detect rebar, post-tension cables and conduits within concrete slabs and walls. This non-destructive method helps builders and electricians across Shellharbour avoid damaging structural elements before cutting, drilling or coring on site.

Frequently Asked Questions

  • 1. What is utility locating and why is it needed?

    Utility locating identifies underground pipes, cables and infrastructure before digging begins. It prevents utility strikes, injuries and costly repairs. It’s essential for safety and is often required by law before any excavation or construction work.

  • 2. How do professionals locate underground utilities?

    Professionals use electromagnetic locators and ground-penetrating radar (GPR) to trace and map utilities. These tools detect signals or material changes underground, allowing for accurate identification of buried services like gas lines, sewer pipes and electrical cables without excavation.

  • 3. Do I need utility locating on private property?

    Yes. Even on private land, underground services may be present. Locating is crucial before installing fences, planting trees or starting renovations to avoid damaging buried pipes, cables or conduits and prevent safety and legal issues.

  • 4. What utilities can be found during a locate?

    Utility locating can detect gas, water, sewer, stormwater, electrical, telecom and fibre-optic lines. Depending on equipment used, both metallic and non-metallic utilities can be located with a high level of accuracy, including those not shown on plans.