Don’t Let a Missed Line Blow Your Budget, Find Every Utility!

Starting a new project on your property can be exciting, but if it involves digging, it can also come with hidden dangers—and costs. Imagine halfway through building a new fence or digging out a garden bed, you hear that ominous clang of hitting something metal. Turns out, it’s a private utility line you didn’t know was there. Suddenly, your budget-friendly project has turned into a costly repair job.

A friend of mine was installing a patio in his backyard, and, like many people, he only called 811 for a public utility check. He was shocked when he accidentally hit an unmarked irrigation pipe, the result was a flooded yard, a delay in the project, and a repair bill that added hundreds to his budget. It’s stories like his that highlight how important it is to locate every utility line before digging, not just the public ones.

In this article, we’ll explore why locating all utilities on your property, public and private, is crucial to avoid unnecessary expenses and keep your project on track.

Why Missing a Line Can Cost You Big

The unfortunate truth is that missing even a single underground line can have big repercussions on your budget and timeline. Here’s why:

Immediate Damage Costs

Accidentally striking an underground utility means immediate damage and repair costs, often out of your pocket. While public utilities may offer some assistance with repairs, private utilities—like irrigation systems, outdoor kitchen gas lines, or garden lighting—are completely your responsibility.

Delays and Project Downtime

Unexpected utility strikes can halt your project and add days or even weeks of delay. Time spent repairing the damage means extra labor costs and, for contractors, possibly paying for extended equipment rentals.

Safety Risks and Liability

Some underground lines, like gas or electrical, pose serious safety risks if damaged. Hitting a gas line can lead to a dangerous leak, and striking an electrical line can put workers and homeowners at risk of electrocution. In severe cases, these incidents can result in legal liabilities.

Commonly Missed Utilities Include:

• Private irrigation and sprinkler systems
• Gas lines to outdoor grills or pool heaters
• Electrical lines for landscape lighting
• Extra communication lines installed for home offices or other uses

Why Public Locates Won’t Find Every Line

Public locating services like 811 are a great start, but they have limitations. Public utilities will only mark the lines they own and maintain, which typically stops at the meter or property line. That means private lines running through your property won’t be covered, and if you miss one, it’s up to you to cover the repair costs.

Examples of Private Lines Public Locates Might Miss:

• Irrigation systems and water lines feeding sprinklers or garden features
• Gas pipes running from your main meter to backyard fire pits or outdoor kitchens
• Electric cables providing power to detached garages or outdoor lighting

This is why private locating services are crucial. They can scan the entire property to find private utilities, filling in the gaps left by public locates and ensuring your project site is fully marked.

How a Missed Line Can Blow Your Budget

Budget overruns often start with a single missed line. Here’s how a simple utility strike can quickly lead to ballooning costs:

Unexpected Repair Bills

When you strike a line that isn’t covered by public locates, the repair bill can add hundreds or thousands to your budget. Imagine hitting an irrigation line during a quick landscaping project. Suddenly, what started as a weekend job turns into a full-blown repair situation.

Labor and Equipment Delays

If your team has to wait for repairs, extra labor and equipment rental costs can pile up. Many projects rely on tight schedules, and downtime due to utility damage can disrupt these plans, affecting the budget and the project’s completion date.

Insurance and Liability Issues

Damaging a private utility might not only result in repair costs but also legal fees if property or individuals are harmed. For contractors especially, dealing with claims can be time-consuming and costly.

Making sure that the ground underneath you is clear before you start digging is crucial to the success of every project, and that doesn't just mean public locates. I hear a story from a contractor once that was installing a fenc and his apprentice accidentally hit a fiber optic telecommunication line which ended up leaving half the neighborhood without internet for 3 days and he had to pay a pretty hefty repair bill from the internet company all because they didn't have a little extra locating done in the beginning to know just what was under their feet.

The Complete Solution: Hiring a Private Locator

The best way to avoid these potential setbacks? Hire a private utility locator before any digging project. By bringing in a private locator, you’re ensuring that all utilities—public and private—are accounted for.

How Private Locating Works

Private locating companies use specialized tools like ground-penetrating radar (GPR) and electromagnetic locators to detect everything, from metallic gas lines to plastic irrigation pipes. They’ll also create a detailed map showing exactly where these utilities are located.

Why Private Locating Is Cost-Effective

The cost of hiring a private locator is minimal compared to potential repair and downtime costs from hitting an unmarked utility. A private locate ensures every utility line is accounted for, reducing the risk of unexpected expenses and keeping your budget in check.

When to Call a Private Locator

Not every project needs a private locate, but if it involves digging or excavation, calling one is a wise choice. Here’s when you should absolutely consider it:

• Building pools, patios, fences, or driveways
• Installing landscape lighting, irrigation systems, or outdoor kitchens
• Digging for garden features or home additions
• Renovating older properties where private utilities might not be documented

If you’ve recently bought a property, a private locate is also recommended. You may not be aware of all the private lines that previous owners installed, and it’s better to be safe than sorry.

Avoid the Common Pitfalls of Utility Strikes

Not every project needs a private locate, but if it involves digging or excavation, calling one is a wise choice. Here’s when you should absolutely consider it:

Top Mistakes That Lead to Utility Strikes

• Assuming 811 marks all utilities, not just public ones.
• Overlooking private lines added during renovations or by previous owners.
• Skipping private locates to save time, only to face repair costs and delays later on.

Tips for a Safe, Budget-Friendly Project

• Always schedule a private locate to get a full map of underground utilities.
• Plan for extra time in your schedule to complete a full locate. It’s time well spent compared to dealing with emergencies later.
• Mark all utilities clearly and share the map with anyone working on your project.

Protect Your Budget, Locate Every Line Before You Dig

Missing even one utility line can turn a straightforward project into a stressful, costly situation. Locating every line, both public and private, is the best way to protect your budget, timeline, and peace of mind.

Before you start digging, make sure you know what’s underground. Hiring a private locator is a simple step that can save you from costly surprises down the road. Whether you’re a homeowner tackling a new backyard project or a contractor preparing a larger site, taking the time to locate all utilities is essential. Don’t let a missed line blow your budget, make the smart choice and schedule a private locate today.