Obtaining utility line information

Everything you need to know

Developers, construction firms and engineering offices need utility line information before carrying out excavation work. Find out everything you need to know about utility line information here – and how to obtain it easily.

Request utility line information

What is utility line information needed for?

Developers, construction firms and engineering offices need utility line information before carrying out excavation work. This information covers utility lines such as electricity, district heating, telephone, gas or water, which may run beneath roads, paths or private land.

Damage occurs when these lines are not taken into account during excavation work. Obtaining utility line information in good time protects against personal injury, supply outages and considerable liability risks.

"Leitungsauskunft", "Planauskunft" and co. – the key terms

The German terms Leitungsauskunft, Planauskunft, Trassenauskunft, Spartenauskunft and Netzauskunft all mean the same thing. They provide information on the position of a network operator's pipes or cables and are presented on a map. Protective instructions are often added.

Excavation permit

Permission from the network operator for excavation work in a specific area through which the operator's lines run.

Notice of excavation

Separate notification of the start of work to the network operator.

On-site briefing

The route of the lines is indicated on site and documented in a written record.

How is utility line information obtained?

Utility line information should be requested at least two weeks in advance. You can obtain it from local utility companies and telecommunications providers. Making contact is often time-consuming, as there is no central authority or public register of all operators.

Contact the municipality's civil engineering office – they will provide a list of utility providers

Search online using terms such as "Planauskunft" together with the name of the town

Ask the network operators you have already contacted whether they know of further utility companies

What do I need to provide?

You will need a clear site plan and a list containing the following details. Once you have received the utility line information, you should compile a construction file with all documents and contacts.

Project name

Address of the construction site

Project description

Detailed location description

Type of activity

Type of civil engineering work

Expected start of work

Expected completion of work

Client commissioning the project

Construction firm carrying out the work

Utility plan information in civil engineering

Before any civil engineering work, it must be known which lines run through the construction area. Utility plan information shows the position of pipes and cables on a map and is usually supplemented by protective instructions from the network operator.

As there is no central register of all operators, every utility provider must be contacted individually. Yellow marker posts, blue plates for water or boundary markers indicate further possible lines on site.

Route information for your construction project

Together with our partner LAO, DocEstate offers a full-service package for utility line information. Our experts handle all communication and coordination with each individual network operator.

This saves you considerable research effort and provides all relevant information in one place – in good time before your excavation work begins.

Request full service

Utility line information as a full service

We handle coordination with every individual network operator – you receive all information in one place.

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FAQs

How can I check on site whether further network operators exist?

Yellow marker posts, blue plates for water or boundary markers indicate further possible lines.

Am I required to obtain utility line information?

Yes. Only sufficient information about the position of the lines can ensure that the infrastructure is not destroyed. Particular care is required with gas, electricity and water lines.

What is an excavation permit?

An excavation permit is issued by the network operator and grants permission to carry out excavation work in a specific area through which the operator’s lines run.

Can a network operator refuse to provide utility line information?

No. The network operator is obliged to release plan information about its lines to entitled applicants.

How much do I have to pay for utility line information?

A small number of providers charge an expense allowance, but most utility companies offer this information free of charge – often directly via online portals.

How deep are pipes and cables laid?

The depth varies, but for cables and gas lines it is generally around 60 to 120 cm. House connection lines may lie closer to the surface.

Obtain utility line information now

In good time before excavation work – we coordinate all network operators for you.