This One Step Can Prevent a Utility Disaster, Are You Doing It?

Every year, countless homeowners and contractors kick off their digging projects full of excitement—only to have everything come to a halt because they hit something underground. Whether it’s a gas line, electrical cable, or water pipe, accidents like these can lead to dangerous situations, costly repairs, and project delays. The craziest part? All of this could’ve been avoided by taking one simple step.

I remember a contractor friend of mine who learned this the hard way. He was installing a new fence in his backyard, and after calling 811, he thought he was good to go. But just a few hours into the project, he struck an unmarked irrigation line that flooded his yard and ruined part of his landscaping. The kicker? Because it was a private line, the damage wasn’t covered by the utility company, and he had to pay for repairs himself.

The truth is, calling 811 isn’t enough. Public locates only mark the utilities they maintain, leaving hidden private lines unmarked. And that’s where things can go seriously wrong if you’re not prepared. In this article, we’ll walk through everything you need to know about the one step that can save your project: locating all utilities, both public and private, before you dig.

The Hidden Dangers Beneath the Surface

You may not think about what’s buried under your property, but the risks are very real. Utilities like gas, water, and electricity are out of sight, out of mind, until you hit one. These underground systems keep your home running, but striking them can lead to gas leaks or explosions, electrocution risks, water damage and service disruptions.

A hidden gas line can create a dangerous leak or trigger a fire while damaging underground electrical cable would result in serious injury or propery-wide outages. You may think it can't get any worse than those and you might be right, but the inconvenience of hitting a water or irrigation pipe could flood your yard and stall your project for days, or severing a communication line could leave you, and possibly your neighbors, without phone or internet service. These problems aren’t just inconvenient, they can be dangerous, expensive, and downright frustrating.

Why Public Locates Aren’t Enough

Many homeowners assume that calling 811 will give them the green light to dig, but that’s only part of the picture. Public utility companies will only mark the lines they own—usually up to the meter, property boundary, or service point. This means they won’t touch:

• Irrigation systems or private water lines running across your yard.
• Gas lines feeding outdoor grills, heaters, or pool equipment.
• Electrical cables supplying power to detached garages, sheds, or outdoor lighting.
• Communication cables added during renovations or installed by a previous owner.

In short, private lines won’t be marked by 811—and that’s where the real risk lies.

The One Step That Can Save Your Project: Get a Private Locate

If you want to avoid costly surprises, hiring a private utility locator is the way to go. Private locating services cover everything public locates miss, giving you a complete picture of what’s buried under your property.

How Private Locating Works

Private locators use advanced tools like ground-penetrating radar (GPR) and electromagnetic locators to find both metallic and non-metallic utilities. They’ll walk your property, scan for buried lines, and provide detailed markings and maps—so you know exactly where everything is before you start digging.

The Difference Private Locating Makes

One contractor I know was about to install an underground pool. He called 811, but a private locator found an unmarked gas line running directly across the project site. If they hadn’t hired the private locator, they would have hit the line during excavation—resulting in dangerous gas leaks and major delays.

When Should You Call a Private Locator?

If your project involves digging, excavating, or installing anything underground, a private locate is essential. Here are a few examples of when you should make that call:

• Building fences, pools, or patios
• Installing irrigation systems or landscape lighting
• Adding new driveways or garden structures
• Renovating older homes with undocumented private lines

It’s also smart to hire a private locator if you’ve recently moved into a new home. Previous owners may have installed private utilities that you don’t know about—and you don’t want to find them the hard way.

What Happens If You Skip This Step?

Skipping a private locate can turn even a simple project into a costly disaster. Here are just a few real-life examples of what can happen:

• Hitting a private gas line: A homeowner planting a tree hit an unmarked gas line running to their outdoor kitchen. Emergency crews had to shut off the gas, and the repairs cost thousands.
• Cutting through a sprinkler pipe: A contractor installing a fence hit an irrigation line, flooding the backyard and causing a two-week delay.
• Severing a communication cable: One family lost internet for several days—and had to pay the repair bill—after hitting a private fiber optic line during a patio installation.

The bottom line? You’re responsible for damages to private utilities, and the repair costs can quickly spiral out of control.

How Private Locating Saves You Time, Money, and Stress

Hiring a private locator may feel like an extra step, but it’s one that pays off. Here’s how it benefits your project:

• Prevents Accidents and Delays: Knowing where every utility is allows your project to stay on schedule and within budget.
• Avoids Costly Repairs: A small investment in locating services is far cheaper than emergency repairs for damaged utilities.
• Gives You Peace of Mind: You’ll dig with confidence, knowing your site is safe, secure, and properly marked.

By understanding the role technology plays in shaping the future, individuals and organizations can position themselves to take advantage of the endless opportunities it offers. The future is digital, and those who leverage technology will undoubtedly lead the way.

Don’t Skip the Step That Could Save Your Project

Digging on your property without knowing what’s underground is like playing a dangerous game of chance. Public locates are only part of the solution if you want to prevent accidents, protect your property, and keep your project running smoothly, hiring a private locator is a must.

Before you grab that shovel or rent an excavator, make the smart choice. Schedule a private locate, get the full picture of what’s beneath your feet, and dig with peace of mind. One step really can save your project and your wallet. Call JLP Tech today to learn what's lies underground on your property!