You Called 811, But Did You Know That’s Only Half the Job?

You’ve probably heard the phrase, “Call before you dig,” and you know that dialing 811 is a key step before starting any project that involves digging. But did you know that calling 811 is only half the job? While 811 helps identify public utilities like gas lines, water mains, and electrical cables, it leaves many private utilities unmarked, which could cause major headaches during your project if overlooked.

This is where private utility locating services come in. Hiring a private utility locator ensures that underground utilities on private property, like irrigation systems, propane lines, and underground power to sheds or pools, are identified before you break ground. Whether you're planning a landscaping project, installing a fence, or managing a commercial construction site, knowing when to call a private utility locator can save you from unexpected delays, costly repairs, and safety risks.

In this post, we’ll dive into why private utility locates are essential, what 811 misses, and the best times to hire a private locator. You'll learn how to avoid the common pitfalls of digging on private property and gain peace of mind by ensuring that all buried utilities are accounted for. If you think calling 811 is enough to protect your property, this blog will give you the insights you need to rethink that approach.

What Does 811 Cover and What Does It Miss?

Most homeowners and contractors know that calling 811 before starting any digging project is a crucial safety step. It’s a widely known service that helps prevent costly damage to public utility lines like gas, water, and electricity. But what many people don’t realize is that the 811 service only marks public utilities. Anything on private property that was installed after the home or building was constructed is considered a private utility, and it won’t be marked by 811.

Think of it this way: if the utility company installed it, 811 will mark it. But if you or a previous property owner added it later, it’s your responsibility to locate it before you dig. This includes things like underground sprinkler systems, propane lines, septic systems, and even power lines running to a detached garage or shed. If those private lines aren’t marked and you hit one during your project, you’re on the hook for the damage. That’s why knowing when to call a private utility locator is so important.

Here’s a quick story to illustrate this point. A friend of mine was installing a new fence around his backyard. He called 811, the public utilities were marked, and he thought he was good to go. But about halfway through the project, he hit an underground irrigation line that wasn’t marked. Water gushed everywhere, and he ended up with a much bigger project than he anticipated. The repair costs weren’t cheap, and the whole ordeal could have been avoided if he’d known to hire a private utility locator to mark those private lines.

Public Utilities vs. Private Utilities

To better understand why private utility locating is essential, it helps to clarify the difference between public and private utilities. Public utilities are the main service lines provided by utility companies — things like gas, water, sewer, electricity, and communication lines. These are typically located in public easements and are the responsibility of the utility companies to maintain and mark.

Private utilities, on the other hand, are lines that property owners install for their personal use. These can include:

• Water lines for a backyard sprinkler system

• Power lines running to a detached garage, shed, or outdoor lighting

• Septic system lines

• Propane or natural gas lines for outdoor grills or pools

• Underground fiber optic cables for home networks

Private utilities can be located anywhere on your property, and they’re not always obvious. That’s why relying solely on 811 can leave you with a false sense of security. Just because the public utilities have been marked doesn’t mean you’re in the clear. Hiring a private utility locator is the only way to ensure you know what’s buried on your property before you dig.

The Risks of Relying Only on 811

Many people assume that once they call 811, they’ve done their due diligence. But as we’ve already discussed, 811 doesn’t cover everything. Ignoring the need for a private utility locator can result in unexpected delays, damage, and even safety hazards.

One of the biggest risks of relying only on 811 is hitting a private utility line during your project. Imagine you’re digging a trench for a new drainage system and suddenly hit an underground power line that wasn’t marked. Not only could you damage the line, but you could also create a serious safety hazard for yourself and anyone else working on the project. In some cases, hitting an unmarked line can even result in fines or legal action, especially if the damage impacts a neighbor’s property.

Beyond the immediate risks, there are also financial consequences to consider. Repairing a damaged utility line can be expensive, particularly if you’re dealing with something like a propane line or an underground fiber optic cable. On top of that, project delays caused by unexpected utility damage can be frustrating and costly. No one wants to halt a project midway through because they’ve hit something they didn’t know was there.

When to Call a Private Utility Locator for Complete Coverage

The key to avoiding these risks is knowing when to call a private utility locator. In general, if your project involves digging on private property, it’s a good idea to hire a private locator to mark any private utilities that 811 won’t cover. This includes both residential and commercial projects.

Home improvement projects are one of the most common scenarios where private utility locating is necessary. For example, if you’re installing a new fence, building a deck, or putting in a pool, there’s a good chance you’ll encounter private utilities. Landscaping projects that involve digging, such as planting trees or installing an irrigation system, are also high-risk activities. Even something as simple as adding a new mailbox post can be risky if there are unmarked lines in the area.

Commercial construction projects often require private utility locating as well. In these cases, the stakes can be even higher, as commercial properties tend to have more complex utility systems. Skipping this step can result in significant delays and added costs, which can impact the overall success of the project.

Knowing when to call a private utility locator can save you a lot of trouble down the road. It’s a small investment that can prevent major headaches and unexpected expenses. Plus, it gives you peace of mind knowing that you’ve taken all the necessary precautions to dig safely.

How Private Utility Locators Work

If you’ve never used a private utility locator before, you might be wondering how the process works. Private utility locating companies use specialized equipment to detect underground utilities that aren’t marked by 811. One of the most common tools they use is ground-penetrating radar, or GPR, which can identify a wide range of buried objects, including pipes, cables, and even underground storage tanks.

The process typically begins with a site visit, where the locator will survey the property and identify any areas where digging is planned. They’ll then use their equipment to scan the ground and mark the location of any private utilities they find. These markings are usually made with paint or flags, similar to the markings you see from 811.

One of the benefits of hiring a private utility locator is that they can provide a more comprehensive picture of what’s underground on your property. Unlike 811, which only covers public utilities, a private locator will identify both public and private lines, giving you a complete understanding of what’s there. This can be especially helpful for larger projects or properties with complex utility systems.

Another advantage of using a private utility locator is that they can often provide additional services, such as utility mapping and conflict analysis. This can be useful if you’re planning a major construction project and want to avoid any potential issues with underground utilities.

The Consequences of Skipping a Private Utility Locate

If you’re still not convinced that hiring a private utility locator is worth the investment, let’s talk about the consequences of skipping this step. One of the most obvious consequences is the risk of damaging an unmarked utility line. As we’ve discussed, this can result in costly repairs, project delays, and even safety hazards.

Beyond the immediate risks, there are also long-term consequences to consider. For example, if you damage a utility line and don’t repair it properly, it could lead to ongoing issues with your property’s infrastructure. This can be especially problematic if you’re planning to sell the property in the future, as any unresolved utility issues could impact the sale.

There’s also the potential for legal consequences. In some cases, hitting an unmarked utility line can result in fines or legal action, particularly if the damage impacts a neighbor’s property or a public service. By hiring a private utility locator, you can reduce your liability and ensure that you’re taking all the necessary precautions to dig safely.

Ultimately, the decision to hire a private utility locator comes down to peace of mind. It’s about knowing that you’ve done everything you can to protect your property, your project, and your safety. So the next time you’re planning a digging project, remember that calling 811 is only half the job. Make sure you also know when to call a private utility locator to get the complete picture of what’s underground on your property.

Don’t Let Hidden Utilities Derail Your Project

Digging into any project without knowing what lies beneath the surface is a risk that can cost you time, money, and peace of mind. While calling 811 is a critical first step in identifying public utilities, it doesn’t give you the full picture. Private utilities, like irrigation systems, underground power lines, and septic connections, remain hidden and unmarked unless you take that extra step to call a private utility locator.

By now, you understand why relying solely on 811 leaves you vulnerable to unexpected complications. You’ve learned when to call a private utility locator and how doing so can protect your property, prevent project delays, and keep everyone safe. Skipping this step may seem like a time-saver in the moment, but the risks far outweigh the minimal cost and effort involved in hiring a professional to get the job done right.

Don’t leave your next project to chance. Contact JLP Tech today to ensure all underground utilities are accounted for before you dig. Let us help you avoid unnecessary risks and move forward with confidence. Reach out now to get started and dig safely!