Planning to Dig? Here's How to Find Hidden Utilities Like a Pro

If you’re getting ready to tackle a project that involves digging—whether it’s building a fence, putting in a new garden bed, or adding a pool—there’s one crucial step you can’t afford to skip: locating utilities. Underground lines for gas, water, electricity, and even internet can be lurking just below the surface. Hitting one can cause unexpected delays, costly repairs, and safety risks.

I recently helped a friend who thought calling 811 for public locates would cover everything. He was confident he’d done his due diligence, but once he started digging, he struck an unmarked irrigation pipe installed by a previous homeowner. Not only did it flood the yard and delay the project, but it also led to unexpected repair bills. The experience taught him the importance of locating every utility—both public and private—before digging.

In this guide, we’ll walk you through the professional approach to finding hidden utilities on your property, with easy-to-follow steps to ensure a smooth, safe, and efficient project.

Start with the Basics: Call 811 for a Public Locate

The first step for any project involving digging is to call 811. This free public utility locating service is designed to mark essential lines like gas, water, electric, and sewer—up to your property boundary. While it’s a great starting point, it’s important to remember that public locates are limited in what they cover.

Why Public Locates Matter

Public locates help mark out major utilities that utility companies own and maintain. By calling 811, you’ll have key infrastructure marked, which protects you from hitting critical lines that could cause serious hazards or damage.

Limitations of Public Locates

Public locates only cover lines up to your meter or property line. That means anything on the private side of the property, like sprinkler systems, gas lines for outdoor kitchens, or electrical lines to detached structures, won’t be marked by 811. This is where private locates become essential to fully understand what’s below.

Identify Potential Private Utilities on Your Property

After calling 811, it’s a good idea to think about any additional lines that might be present on your property. Most homes have some form of private utility that’s not covered by public locates, especially if the property has been modified with landscaping, outbuildings, or other add-ons.

What Are Private Utilities?

Private utilities include any underground lines that were added after the initial construction of the home. Examples include:

• Sprinkler or irrigation systems for landscaping.
• Gas lines for outdoor grills, fire pits, or pool heaters.
• Electrical cables running to sheds, garages, or outdoor lighting systems.

Inspect for Clues of Private Utilities

Look for any visible indicators that suggest buried lines. Sprinkler heads, outdoor gas hookups, electrical boxes, or valve covers are common signs of private utilities. These clues can help you identify areas where private utilities may be buried, making it easier to explain to a private locator where additional checks are needed.

Consider Using DIY Utility Locating Tools for Basic Detection

For small or shallow projects, DIY utility locating tools can be helpful in identifying basic underground utilities, especially if you’re only working on a small area. However, these tools have limitations.

When DIY Tools Can Help

If you’re planting a small garden or installing shallow landscaping features, a hand-held metal detector or a stud finder with metal detection may help locate metallic objects just below the surface. However, keep in mind that these tools are limited in depth and can only detect metallic items.

Limitations of DIY Tools

DIY tools can miss critical lines that aren’t made of metal, like PVC pipes, fiber optic cables, and irrigation lines. They also lack the depth range of professional tools, meaning you could still miss deeper utilities. While DIY tools are handy for small tasks, they’re not reliable for larger projects, and professional locating is always recommended.

For Comprehensive Coverage, Call a Private Locator

Once you’ve called 811 and identified potential private lines, it’s time to bring in a private locator to make sure you have a complete picture of what’s underground. Private locators use advanced equipment to locate both public and private utilities, ensuring that every potential hazard is accounted for.

Why Private Locates Are Essential

Private locators use specialized tools like ground-penetrating radar (GPR) and electromagnetic locators to find both metallic and non-metallic utilities. Unlike public locates, a private locate will mark any utility on your property, whether it’s owned by a utility company or privately installed.

How Private Locators Work

A private locator will scan your property using advanced equipment, map out all detected lines, and provide a detailed layout. This map includes both public and private utilities, giving you a comprehensive guide for digging safely and accurately.

Best Practices for Safe Digging Once Utilities Are Marked

Once all utilities are marked, there are a few best practices to keep in mind as you start your project. Following these guidelines will ensure you avoid accidental strikes and keep everyone safe.

Mark Out Utility Lines Clearly

Use brightly colored spray paint or flags to make each utility line’s location visible to everyone on-site. This way, all workers are aware of where utilities are located, reducing the chance of accidental strikes.

Establish Safe Digging Zones

Creating a buffer zone around marked lines is key. Avoid using heavy machinery directly next to utilities; instead, use hand tools near sensitive areas to avoid any accidental contact.

Follow Local Regulations and Depth Recommendations

Check your local guidelines for recommended digging depths, and ensure that your project plan adheres to these standards. Some utilities may require specific clearances to avoid interference.

The Cost of Skipping a Private Locate

One homeowner shared their story of what happened when they decided to skip a private locate for a simple garden project. Thinking public locates were enough, they began digging, only to hit an unmarked irrigation line. The line was severed, resulting in water flooding the area and leading to unplanned repair costs and delays. It was a costly lesson that could have been avoided with a private locate, which would have ensured that every line—public and private—was marked.

Key Takeaway

By bringing in a private locator, homeowners can prevent these kinds of mishaps. Private locating services provide peace of mind, reduce the risk of accidents, and keep projects on schedule and within budget.

Locate Like a Pro, Get Every Utility Marked for a Safe Project

Finding hidden utilities like a pro isn’t difficult, it just takes a few simple steps and a bit of preparation. Start with a call to 811 for public locates, identify potential private utilities on your property, and follow up with a private locate for comprehensive coverage. By doing this, you’ll avoid unexpected problems, protect your property, and ensure a safe worksite.

Before breaking ground on your next project, follow these steps and consider hiring a private locator to help you locate every utility. By taking a professional approach to locating utilities, you’re investing in the success and safety of your project from start to finish. Dig smart, dig safe, and tackle your project with confidence!