Underground Asset Management

Subsurface utility mapping

Information is essential for planning any project or before digging in unknown areas.

Significant cost and safety risks can be removed by planning and locating hidden underground services before you commence works. An Underground Service Survey provides the vital information required to avoid such problems and produces an accurate drawing and report for your permanent records and future developments.

QEST can provide Utility Mapping services in Melbourne, Geelong and across Victoria. Our qualified and experienced staff locate underground pipes and cables with the use of specialised Radiodetection equipment and Ground Penetrating Radar. Stormwater and Sewer networks are investigated using safe pit lifting techniques with pipe inverts, diameter and material recorded. All marked information is then captured with an Underground Utility Survey using state-of-the art Survey equipment. Above ground features such as buildings, roads, vegetation, and levels for contours can all form part of your Feature and Level Survey, capturing existing conditions on the surface. Combining both Utility and Feature Surveys is integral to the planning and success of every Project. Our team can overlay existing surveys and proposed drawings as a reference for powerful planning capability.

Our team plan your project from start to finish to suit the needs of your site. DBYD information is used as a template to further improve the Quality from Class D to C and B according to the Classification of Subsurface Utility Information (SUI) (AS5488). The benefit of using QEST is in our ability to safely NDD at key locations and upgrade your Utility Survey again to Class A, Exposed and Surveyed to sub 50mm 3D coordinates.

CCTV can also be used to investigate the condition of the pipes and detect the cause of blockages, construction materials used with all information clearly presented on the plans.

Benefits:

  • Increased productivity and efficiency
  • Avoid high costs to repair damaged Infrastructure
  • Avoid serious injury to workers and the public
  • Avoid cost and inconvenience of interruptions to Utility Services
  • Accurate data for planning and design

Non-destructive Excavation

Non Destructive Excavation (NDE) is a clean, low impact and non destructive method of excavation that utilises the gentle digging power of high pressure water and vacuum.

Our underground is densely packed with services whose locations are often poorly mapped. Excavation with traditional methods can damage these services and puts operators and property at risk.

Non Destructive Excavation, which is also known as Hydro Excavation, Non Destructive Digging and Vacuum Excavation creates MINIMAL ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT, allows for safe working around underground utilities, gas mains, sewer pipes and water pipes without risk to property or operators, and is effective for:

  • Verification of Underground Service Location
  • Potholing & Trenching
  • Excavating in Confined and Restricted Areas
  • Digging in Heavily Serviced Areas
  • Precision Excavation
  • Foundations Repair
  • Light Pole Installation
  • Traffic Signal Installation
  • Sign Installation
  • Landscaping

Benefits:

  • Avoid high costs to repair damaged Infrastructure
  • Avoid serious injury to workers and the public
  • Avoid cost and inconvenience of interruptions to Utility Services
  • Increased productivity and efficiency
  • Less invasive to the environment
  • High precision excavation
  • Clean and Environmentally friendly

It is important to note that locations obtained by the use of plans, verbal information, marker posts, trench lines, electronic devices or lines between locations are Nominal Locations only and MUST NOT be treated as Confirmed Locations.

The actual location of plant can only be confirmed by physical exposure of the plant ie. Potholing. The use of a water lance and vacuum extraction technology such as Hydro Excavation is recommended by asset owners as the preferred method of physical exposure of Plant.

Precision pipe and cable location

Information is essential for planning any project or before digging in unknown areas. Significant cost and safety risks can be removed by planning and locating hidden underground services before you commence works. For a small investment prior to excavation, thousands of dollars in repair costs, penalties, downtime and reputation can be avoided. Our qualified underground asset locators can assist in the detection and location of underground utilities services, such as:

  • Telecommunications
  • Sewer and Stormwater
  • Electricity
  • Water
  • Gas

Benefits:

  • Avoid high costs to repair damaged Infrastructure
  • Avoid serious injury to workers and the public
  • Avoid cost and inconvenience of interruptions to Utility Services
  • Increased productivity and efficiency

Once located, our Non Destructive Excavation process can expose and verify detected services. The use of a water lance and vacuum extraction technology is recommended by asset owners as the preferred method of physical exposure of Plant. QEST Environments can also provide a complete Survey Package of Location, Recording, Mapping and Plotting of Services. This information can be provided in digital format for underlaying in design plans by Engineering Surveyors

Drain and pipe cleaning

Drain and pipe cleaning is a professional service that involves the use of high-pressure water jets to remove blockages, debris, and buildup from drains and pipes. This service is essential for maintaining the proper functioning of plumbing systems and preventing costly damage from blockages or backups.

As a drain and pipe cleaning service provider, our goal is to provide effective and efficient cleaning solutions that restore the flow and functionality of drains and pipes using high-pressure water jets. Our service includes:

  1. Drain inspection: We use advanced camera systems to inspect the interior of the drain and identify the location and cause of the blockage.
  2. Drain cleaning: We use high-pressure water jets to blast away blockages and remove buildup from the interior of the drain.
  3. Pipe cleaning: We use specialized high-pressure water jet equipment to remove debris and buildup from pipes, ensuring that water flows freely through the plumbing system.
  4. Preventative maintenance: We offer regular maintenance plans to prevent future blockages and ensure the long-term health of plumbing systems.
  5. Emergency services: We provide 24/7 emergency services to quickly address any plumbing issues that require immediate attention.
  6. Odor control: We use eco-friendly and effective solutions to control unpleasant odors that can result from clogged or dirty drains.
  7. Professionalism and safety: We ensure that our technicians are trained, licensed, and insured to provide safe and professional services that meet industry standards.

In summary, our drain and pipe cleaning service using high-pressure water jets helps to maintain the proper functioning of plumbing systems, prevent costly damage from blockages, and ensure the safety and hygiene of living spaces. We offer comprehensive solutions that address a wide range of plumbing issues, from routine maintenance to emergency repairs.

Closed Circuit Television Survey (CCTV)

CCTV inspections on drainage and sewer systems involve the use of specialized cameras to inspect the interior of pipes and other underground structures. The cameras are connected to a monitor above ground, allowing the technician to view the footage in real-time and identify any potential problems.

During the inspection, the technician will typically insert the camera into the pipe or sewer and guide it through the system, looking for any signs of damage, blockages, or other issues that may be causing problems. For example, pipe dislodgement and tree roots. Our Laser Profiler is equipped with high-quality sensors that can detect even small cracks or leaks in the pipes, and the footage can be recorded for later analysis.

Once the inspection is complete, the technician will provide a detailed report of their findings. This can help property owners and maintenance teams to identify and address potential issues before they become more serious and expensive to fix.

Combining this service with our Data management and Surveying will allow you to have an easily accessible and interactive mapping solution with direct links from the mapping solution to the CCTV footage and reports.

Overall, CCTV inspections are an important tool for maintaining the integrity and functionality of drainage and sewer systems and can help to prevent costly damage and disruptions to services.