LinesearchbeforeUdig is an online service that helps you identify the location of underground utility assets before you start any digging or excavation work. This helps prevent damage to electricity, gas, water, and telecommunications networks.
Check before you dig
If you are planning any building work you will need to know about the location of our cables, overhead lines or any other electrical equipment located near to where you will be working. Working near electricity is dangerous and can cause serious injuries or even fatalities. Never take chances, always check.
Request plans from Linesearchbeforeudig (LSBUD). This service is to check planned works against over 100 utility assets all in one location
Why should I check before carrying out work?
- Safety – Protect workers from the unforeseen hazards. Working near electricity is dangerous and can cause serious injuries or even death
- Reduce damage - Avoid damaging utility's equipment as this would have to be paid for and prevent disrupting neighbours
- Decrease unnecessary spending – Identify any presence of assets early to avoid costs later that might include being charged for damaging utility's equipment
- Save time – Get the process started early, before it affects the work’s timeframes
How much are the Linesearch beforeudig plans?
Linesearch beforeudig prices
Domestic customers |
Free |
Local authorities/utilities and contractors excavating on someone's behalf |
Free |
Commercial use including solicitors, architects, developers, consultants and conveyancers |
£30* |
Commercial use annual membership for unlimited plans |
£600 |
*Price per area circle diameter (min 25m – max 1.13km), Line (min 5m – max 5km), Area(min 5m2 – max 1km2) Pricing is reviewed on an annual basis.
- All prices include VAT
- Plans are not suitable for black and white photocopying
- Our prices are set solely to cover the costs of providing the service, without any profit margin
How to register and request information on Linesearch beforeudig
1: Visit https://lsbud.co.uk/ and select ‘Register’ at the top of the page
2: Once you’ve registered and logged in to the LSBUD website, select ‘New Enquiry’
3: Follow and enter the ‘Enquiry details prompts’ on the form
4: You can expect to receive a response from LSBUD within 24 hours with the required information and instant access once registered
- Our ENWL team are available to review any enquiries 9 am - 4 pm Monday to Friday and aim to provide a response within 24 hours during these working times. Please allow longer time over weekends.
Never take chances, always check.
In case of an emergency:
- Call 999 if there is a serious immediate risk or if someone requires medical help
- Call 105 to report the emergency
Electricity assets may be located under roads, footpaths, on sites or across open land. Always assume that they are present and treat any cable as 'live'. Service cables and pipes can often be mistaken for another, for example black plastic covered electricity cables can look like plastic water pipes.
For further information please read Health and Safety Executives (HSE) guidance document HS(G)47 'avoiding danger from underground services before commencing work on site.