Digging Without a Private Locate? Prepare for the Worst!

If you’re planning a project that involves digging, like putting in a fence, planting trees, or building a patio, one of the most important steps you can take is locating utilities. While many homeowners call 811 for public locates, there’s a hidden side to utility locating that often goes unnoticed: private locates. Skipping this extra step might seem harmless, but it can lead to unexpected—and costly—surprises.

I’ve seen the consequences of forgoing a private locate firsthand. A friend of mine recently started a landscaping project and decided to rely solely on the public markings from 811. But as they started digging, they hit a buried irrigation pipe that had been installed by the previous homeowner. The result? Flooded landscaping, project delays, and repair bills that turned a simple weekend project into an extended ordeal.

In this article, we’ll break down why private locates are essential for a safe, smooth project and what you risk by skipping them.

The Limited Scope of Public Locates

Public locates, like the ones offered through 811, are a great resource, but they only tell part of the story. Understanding the limitations of public locates can help you see why private locates are often necessary.

What Public Locates Cover

Public locating services will mark public utilities on your property, like gas, water, electric, and sewer lines—up to the meter or property line. These services are typically free, but they’re designed to protect the utility companies’ infrastructure, not yours.

What Public Locates Cover

Anything installed beyond the property line or meter—such as sprinkler systems, private gas lines, outdoor lighting cables, and other privately owned utilities—won’t be marked. These private lines are often added after the home is built, and they can go unrecorded or undocumented, making them easy to forget.

Common Misconception

It’s easy to assume that 811 covers everything beneath your yard, but public locates only reveal a portion of what’s underground. If you skip a private locate, you’re essentially digging blind for any lines that aren’t marked by public locators.

Risks of Digging Without a Private Locate

Deciding to skip a private locate might seem like a quick way to save a bit of time or money, but it opens the door to several risks that can impact your project and budget.

Accidental Strikes and Repair Costs

One of the biggest risks is hitting an unmarked utility. Striking a private utility line means paying for repairs out of your own pocket, which can quickly add hundreds or even thousands of dollars to your project costs. Imagine damaging a water line—suddenly, you’re dealing with flooded landscaping and an unplanned plumbing bill.

Safety Hazards

Certain types of lines pose serious safety risks if struck. Gas lines can leak, creating fire hazards, while electrical cables can cause shock or injury. Protecting yourself, your crew, and your property is essential, and skipping a private locate leaves you vulnerable to these kinds of accidents.

Delays and Project Disruptions

Accidentally hitting a line doesn’t just affect your budget—it can also throw your project schedule off course. Damaging a utility often leads to unexpected project downtime, meaning you’ll have to pause work, handle repairs, and potentially pay for additional labor or equipment rentals.

Hidden Utilities You Could Hit

Many homeowners are surprised to learn how many private utilities might be hidden below their yards. Here are a few of the most common ones you might encounter:

Gas Lines

Many homes have private gas lines that run to outdoor grills, fire pits, or pool heaters. These lines won’t be marked by public locators, but hitting one can lead to serious safety hazards and require immediate, costly repairs.

Irrigation and Water Pipes

Sprinkler systems and private water lines are frequently added by homeowners after initial construction. They’re often close to the surface, making them easy to strike, and damaging one can lead to flooding, water waste, and costly repairs.

Electrical Cables and Communication Lines

It’s easy to assume that 811 covers everything beneath your yard, but public locates only reveal a portion of what’s underground. If you skip a private locate, you’re essentially digging blind for any lines that aren’t marked by public locators.

How Private Locates Protect Your Project

Private locating services go beyond public locates to map out all utilities on your property. Here’s how private locates can protect your project from unwanted surprises:

Full Coverage of All Utilities

Private locators use specialized tools, like ground-penetrating radar (GPR) and electromagnetic locators, to detect every line on your property. Unlike public locates, private locates will mark both public and private utilities, giving you a comprehensive map of what’s below.

Accurate Mapping for Safe Digging

Private locating ensures that every utility is marked accurately, preventing accidental strikes. By knowing exactly where each line is, you can dig with confidence, making sure your project stays on track and your crew stays safe.

Peace of Mind and Cost Savings

Calling a private locator might seem like an additional step, but it’s an investment that saves money and stress in the long run. By knowing every utility’s location, you protect your budget, timeline, and peace of mind.

Real-Life Consequences of Skipping a Private Locate

The risks of skipping a private locate aren’t hypothetical—they’re real scenarios that many homeowners have faced. Here are a few examples of what can happen when utilities go unmarked:

Case 1: Flooded Yard from a Broken Irrigation Pipe

A homeowner was planting trees and assumed they could skip the private locate. Halfway through digging, they hit an unmarked irrigation line, causing a flood that not only delayed the project but also required expensive repairs to the landscaping.

Case 2: Gas Leak During Patio Installation

During a patio installation, a contractor struck an unmarked private gas line that was installed for an outdoor fireplace. Emergency crews had to be called to handle the gas leak, delaying the project and leading to a repair bill the homeowner hadn’t anticipated.

Case 3: Internet Outage from a Severed Cable

In another case, a homeowner digging for a garden project accidentally cut a communication line, disrupting their internet and phone service. It ended up costing them in repair fees and left them without internet access until the line was fixed.

When You Should Never Skip a Private Locate

While private locates are recommended for most projects, there are a few situations where they’re especially crucial:

Major Projects

Projects like installing pools, decks, patios, fences, or large garden beds involve extensive digging, increasing the likelihood of hitting a utility. These types of projects should always start with a thorough private locate.

Older Properties

If you’ve recently bought a home, a private locate can help you understand what utilities are below the surface. Previous homeowners may have installed private lines, and a private locate gives you confidence before you start digging.

Recently Purchased Properties

It’s easy to assume that 811 covers everything beneath your yard, but public locates only reveal a portion of what’s underground. If you skip a private locate, you’re essentially digging blind for any lines that aren’t marked by public locators.

Don’t Take Chances, Locate Every Utility for a Safe Project

Skipping a private locate might save a bit of time upfront, but the risks far outweigh the benefits. From unexpected repair costs to safety hazards and project delays, the consequences of hitting an unmarked utility can turn a simple project into an expensive, stressful ordeal.

Before starting your next project, take the time to call a private locator and ensure that every utility is accounted for. With a private locate, you can dig safely, protect your property, and keep your project on track. Don’t leave your project to chance, be a smart homeowner and schedule a private locate for peace of mind.