Buried Treasure? Nope, Just Utilities! Why Private Locates Are a Must

Starting a new project that involves digging—like putting in a pool, building a fence, or planting a large garden bed—can be exciting. But before you grab that shovel or rent an excavator, there’s something crucial to consider: hidden utilities. Beneath your property, there’s likely a network of pipes, cables, and other lines that keep your home functioning smoothly. Unfortunately, many people only think to call 811, not realizing that public locates leave out a lot of what’s under the ground.

A friend of mine learned this lesson the hard way. He was installing a patio and called 811 to mark the lines. Confident he’d done his due diligence, he started digging—only to hit an unmarked irrigation line installed by a previous homeowner. Not only did it delay his project, but the repair costs added up quickly, turning his weekend project into a full-scale, unexpected renovation.

In this article, we’ll explore why private locates are a must for any digging project. From missed utilities to potential hazards, we’ll cover the risks and show you why a private locate is the best way to protect your property and budget.

Understanding Private Utilities: More Than Meets the Eye

When we talk about utilities, we often think of the major ones—gas, water, sewer, and electricity. Calling 811 will get these public utilities marked, but only up to the property line or the utility meter. However, there are often additional lines that belong to you, the property owner, and these won’t be covered by public locating services.

Public vs. Private Utilities

Public Utilities

These include utilities owned by your service providers, like gas, water, sewer, and electricity up to the meter. Public utility companies will mark these when you call 811.

Private Utilities

These are all the other lines on your property that were likely added after initial construction. This can include gas lines for a fire pit, irrigation pipes, electrical wiring for outdoor lighting, or a drainage system. Since 811 doesn’t mark these, they can be easy to overlook but very costly to ignore.

Some examples of private lines that may be lurking under your yard include:

• Gas lines feeding outdoor grills or fire pits.
• Irrigation and drainage systems for landscaping.
• Electrical lines running to detached garages, sheds, or outdoor lights.
• Fiber optic or communication lines added during renovations.

Risks of Ignoring Private Locates

Skipping a private locate may seem like a way to save time or money, but the risks far outweigh the convenience. Here’s why:

Accidental Strikes Can Lead to Major Costs

Striking a private line means you’re responsible for the repair costs, which can add hundreds or even thousands of dollars to your project. Hitting a water pipe, for example, can flood your yard and ruin your landscaping, leading to an unplanned repair bill and extended downtime.

Safety Hazards

Utilities like gas lines and electrical cables pose serious safety hazards if struck. A damaged gas line can leak, creating a fire hazard, while hitting an underground electrical line can cause injuries or power outages. Protecting your crew, yourself, and your neighbors by accurately locating all utilities is critical for a safe project.

Unexpected Service Interruptions

Hitting a line you didn’t know was there can also mean interrupting essential services, sometimes for your entire block. Severing a communication line, for instance, could leave you—and potentially your neighbors—without internet or phone service, with you responsible for the repair.

Why Public Locates Aren’t Enough

A common misconception is that calling 811 is all you need to do. While public locates are an important first step, they won’t cover everything under your property. Here’s why public locates alone fall short:

Limited Coverage

Hitting a line you didn’t know was there can also mean interrupting essential services, sometimes for your entire block. Severing a communication line, for instance, could leave you—and potentially your neighbors—without internet or phone service, with you responsible for the repair.

Private Lines Are Common on Most Properties

Many homes have private utilities installed over time, especially as outdoor living spaces become more popular. Features like outdoor kitchens, detached garages, or backyard lighting often come with their own utility lines, which public services won’t locate.

Without a private locate, you’re effectively digging “blind” for any utilities beyond the main public lines, which can lead to major surprises.

The Benefits of Private Locating

Private locating offers several important benefits that protect your project from unexpected delays and costs. Here’s what a private locate can provide:

Complete and Accurate Utility Mapping

Private locators use advanced tools like ground-penetrating radar (GPR) and electromagnetic locators to detect both metallic and non-metallic lines, giving you a comprehensive view of all utilities, not just the public ones. With private locating, you’ll get a detailed map showing the location of every utility on your property, so there are no surprises.

Cost Savings and Avoided Downtime

While hiring a private locator may seem like an extra expense, it’s far cheaper than unexpected repair costs. Avoiding delays caused by accidental utility strikes keeps your project on schedule and within budget, often saving you thousands in potential repairs.

Increased Safety for You and Your Team

Knowing exactly where utilities are allows you and your team to work with confidence. A private locate prevents accidents, keeps everyone safe, and protects your property from unnecessary damage.

When You Should Call a Private Locator

Certain types of projects—and certain property types—always benefit from a private locate. Here are some situations when calling in a professional is the safest choice:

Major Projects

If your project involves significant digging, such as installing pools, decks, fences, patios, or even large gardens, a private locate is essential. These projects often involve deeper digging, increasing the chance of hitting a utility line.

Older or Recently Purchased Properties

Older properties often have undocumented private utilities. Similarly, if you’ve recently purchased a home, it’s a good idea to conduct a private locate, as previous owners may have installed utilities that aren’t covered by public locates.

Adding New Utilities or Upgrading Outdoor Spaces

Whenever you’re installing new utilities, like gas or water lines, it’s best to have a private locator map out existing lines first. This ensures you won’t hit any existing utilities while adding new ones.

How to Choose the Right Private Locator

Choosing a reputable private locator ensures you get accurate, reliable results. Here’s what to look for:

Certification and Experience

Look for companies certified by industry organizations, like the National Utility Locating Contractors Association (NULCA). Experienced locators understand the nuances of both residential and commercial properties.

Modern Tools and Techniques

Confirm that the locator uses advanced tools, such as GPR and electromagnetic locators, for comprehensive detection of all utilities, not just metallic lines.

Positive Reviews and Referrals

Check online reviews or ask for referrals to find a company known for quality service and reliability. Working with a trusted locator gives you confidence that your project site is fully and accurately mapped.

Don’t Leave Your Project to Chance—Locate Every Utility First

Skipping a private locate may save you time in the short term, but it’s a gamble that could end up costing much more in the long run. When it comes to keeping your property, your project budget, and your team safe, a private locate is a small but essential investment.

So, before you start your next project, take the extra step to schedule a private locate. By finding every utility—public and private—you can dig with confidence, knowing that what’s buried beneath your feet won’t come back to haunt your project. Don’t let unexpected surprises derail your plans. Call a private locator and get the full picture before you break ground.