Skip to content
Smell Gas? 0800 111 999 Smell Gas?

Is There a Hidden Danger Below? Check Before You Dig

Every year, underground gas pipes are damaged by people who didn’t know what was beneath them. Sometimes it’s a homeowner digging a garden pond, sometimes it’s a groundworker sinking a fence post, and sometimes it’s a contractor starting an extension. In every case, the risk is the same: hit a gas main and you could cause a gas leak, a fire, or an explosion.

This is why we ask you to Dial Before You DIG. It doesn't matter how small the job is – if you're breaking ground, you need to know what's below.

Who does this apply to?

The short answer is: everyone. Whether you're a homeowner or a professional contractor, if you're planning to dig, you need to check first.

0

Homeowners

Extension, fencing, decking, landscaping or a garden pond? Your gas supply pipe runs underground – and won't always appear on standard maps. Check before you start.
0

Contractors

Drainage, foundations, road works or any excavation near the gas distribution network: you have legal obligations before you dig. Get our plans first.
0

Landowners

High-pressure pipelines run under farmland across Wales and the South West. Excavation, tree planting or development near our apparatus means contacting us first.

What could go wrong?

The risks of digging without checking go beyond physical danger – though that’s serious enough.

What do you need to do?

Follow our three-step D.I.G. process:

Dial.

Call our Plant Protection team on 029 2027 8912 or email dig@wwutilities.co.uk at least 10 working days before you start digging. We’ll tell you where our pipes are and what conditions apply to your project.

Investigate.

Use our free online mapping service via LineSearch (LSBUD) to get scaled plans of our gas distribution network. Keep them with you on site – printed in colour, no older than 28 days.

Go ahead.

Once you have our plans and have met our conditions, you can proceed – carefully. Use cable- and pipe-locating devices on site, follow safe digging practices, and call us again if anything is unclear.

If you've already hit a gas pipe – act immediately

  1. Get everyone away from the area.
  2. Ask anyone in nearby buildings to leave.
  3. Extinguish all naked flames and other ignition sources within 15 metres.
  4. Do not operate any electrical switches.
  5. Do not try to seal the leak or fill the hole – gas can travel underground into buildings.
  6. Do not operate any valves.
  7. Call 0800 111 999 immediately.
  8. Help our engineers, the police, or fire services if they ask.

Can you DIG it?

Read our full safe digging guidance before you start work.

Our mapping service

Get free scaled plans of our gas network through LineSearch (LSBUD).

Frequently Asked Questions

We've pulled together answers to the questions we get asked most often. Can't find what you need? Call us on 029 2027 8912. 

Plant Protection team

Gas emergencies

24 hours, 365 days a year

General enquiries

Monday to Friday, 8am–6pm