Gas Connection Tracking - Illawarra Region
Our client, an infrastructure company managing a residential project, faced an unexpected challenge: locating four small-diameter gas service pipes that had evaded discovery through manual excavation for over a week. Unable to progress and incurring significant costs, they reached out to Durkin, seeking a solution that could deliver results with precision and efficiency.
Project Background
The client had been attempting to locate these elusive gas service pipes using hand excavation for 1.5 weeks but had made little progress. The small diameter of the NY or PE gas service pipes, combined with the absence of a trace wire, made them particularly difficult to locate using standard electronic techniques. Faced with this complexity, Durkin's expertise in advanced electronic locating techniques was exactly what the project needed.
The Durkin Difference in Action
Durkin deployed one of its highly trained SUI Technicians to the site, equipped with Ground Penetrating Radar (GPR) technology and a specialised Gas Tracker – tools not typically used in standard locating processes. The Gas Tracker, when paired with skilled GPR usage, allowed us to locate NY/PE gas services effectively. Additionally, a licensed plumber was present to handle the attachment and disconnection of the Gas Tracker, ensuring compliance and operational precision.
Beyond technical equipment, Durkin obtained a Jemena Gas metre list, offering valuable information beyond what was available on BYDA plans. This extra layer of data provided insight into possible pipe routes and enhanced our understanding of the area’s infrastructure, allowing our technician to refine the search process further.
Results: Precision, Efficiency, and Cost Savings
In just four hours, Durkin successfully pinpointed the location of all four gas service pipes. Our technician not only located the pipes but also facilitated immediate hand excavation, allowing the client to proceed without further delay. By efficiently identifying the precise location of the gas services, Durkin saved the client approximately $10,000 in unnecessary excavation costs.
This outcome is a testament to the Durkin Difference: delivering on-time, on-brief, and with the utmost precision. Through a combination of advanced technology, specialised skills, and a commitment to excellence, Durkin transformed uncertainty into certainty for this project.