Pipe Laser Setup Checker
Checks pipe laser setup for invert, grade line and target when laying drainage or stormwater pipe.
Checklist
Check a pipe laser setup before laying — invert, line, grade and target — so the pipe is laid to design.
Still outstanding
- Design invert levels and grade to hand
- Setup invert / reference RL checked
- Chainage and direction confirmed
- Laser level and stable
- Line set to design alignment
- Grade dialled to design
- Target height matches laser height
- Independent check of grade over a known length
- First pipe(s) checked against invert
- Re-check after any knock or move
A field and study aid only — follow your organisation's procedures, project brief and QA requirements. Nothing here is stored.
Before you rely on this: First-pass guide only. Verify safety-critical or regulated work against the relevant standards, your project requirements and a qualified professional.
How to use this calculator
- Confirm the reference invert and grade, then the laser line, grade and target settings.
- Tick each item; use the outstanding list to catch a missed check.
- Clear everything — and check the first pipes against invert — before laying.
How it works
A pipe laser projects the design line and grade down the trench. Getting the reference invert, line, grade and target height right — then independently checking grade over a known length — keeps the pipe on design.
This is a browser-only setup aid; follow your equipment's manual and the project drawings.
Worked example
Laying a stormwater line. Design inverts and grade to hand, laser level and stable, line on the design alignment, grade dialled in, target height matching the laser, and the grade checked over a known length before the first pipe.
Frequently asked questions
Why independently check the grade?
A laser can be set or knocked to the wrong grade and still look fine. Checking the fall over a known length against the design invert catches it before a whole run is laid wrong.
Is this official course material?
No. It is free study support mapped to surveying course levels — not official North Metropolitan TAFE content or advice. Always follow your lecturer and the official assessment brief, and check your own working.
Related tools
- Grade & Fall Calculator
- Batter Peg Reduced Level Calculator
- Basic Drainage Grade Calculator
- Stormwater Invert Table Builder
- Cut Fill Chainage Table Builder
- Site Set-out Tolerance Report
Explore more in Surveying, Coordinates, GIS & CAD.
Cite this tool
Zerdly. (2026). Pipe Laser Setup Checker. Retrieved from https://www.zerdly.com/tools/pipe-laser-setup-checker/
Tip: Enter any known values to calculate the remaining results.
All calculations run in your browser. Your inputs are never saved or transmitted.