Protect Your Property: Why Public Locates Aren’t Always Enough

If you’ve ever taken on a home improvement project that involved digging, you’ve probably heard the phrase, “Call before you dig!” Public locating services like 811 are a great first step to avoid accidentally cutting through essential utility lines such as gas, water, or electricity. But here’s the thing: public locates don’t always mark everything. And that can spell trouble.

Imagine this: A contractor I know was working on a backyard pool installation. They called 811 and got all the major lines marked. Confident everything was good to go, they started digging—only to hit a private gas line that ran to an outdoor grill. One emergency call and a hefty repair bill later, they learned a hard lesson: public locates only cover public utilities. The hidden private utilities on the property? Completely unmarked.

In this article, we’ll explain the key differences between public and private locates, highlight the risks of only relying on public services, and show how private locators can save you from costly mistakes.

What’s the Difference Between Public and Private Locates?

When you call 811, you’re asking public utility companies to mark any major service lines on your property—things like water, gas, electricity, and sewer lines. However, public locates only cover the lines they own. Their responsibility typically ends at your property boundary or utility meter.

Here’s the catch: anything beyond that—like outdoor lighting systems, underground sprinklers, private gas lines to a grill, or cables feeding detached garages or pools—falls under your responsibility. These are considered private utilities and won’t be marked by 811. That’s where private locators come in. They specialize in identifying those hidden lines so you can dig with confidence.

The Risks of Relying Only on Public Locates

Skipping a private locate might seem harmless—until something goes wrong. The consequences of missing hidden utilities can be both dangerous and expensive.

Missed Lines Lead to Costly Repairs

A friend of mine learned this the hard way while installing a fence. They thought they were safe since 811 had marked the lines. However, as they were digging, they hit an irrigation pipe that wasn’t marked. Water flooded the yard, and they had to call in a repair service. That simple mistake added hundreds of dollars to what was supposed to be a weekend project.

Accidents Can Be Dangerous

While hitting a sprinkler pipe is frustrating, hitting a private gas line or electrical cable can be downright dangerous. A misstep could rupture a gas line, leading to a hazardous leak or even an explosion. And while public services respond quickly to emergencies, the liability often falls on you or your contractor—not the utility company.

So What Can Go Wrong?

I once saw a news article about a contractor that was digging post holes and hit a private gas line that fed a backyard heater. The gas company had to shut off the service to the entire block for several hours, leaving the homeowner with an unexpected repair bill and some very unhappy neighbors

Another homeowner installing a new mailbox didn't realize that a fiber optic cable ran under their driveway. A quick strike with a shovel severed the line, cutting off internet to several homes in the area. Since they cut the fiber cable, the repair bills were on them.

During a patio expansion, a homeowner hit an irrigation pipe they didn't know was there. The flooding that ensued delayed the project for days and ruined a section of their newly planted garden.

When you hire a private utility locator, they go beyond the public lines marked by 811. Private locating services use advanced tools like ground-penetrating radar (GPR) and electromagnetic locators to detect underground utilities on your entire property, even the ones installed by previous homeowners or contractors. Make sure to think about this during your next project or you might end up with some costly repairs that could have been avoided!

When to Call a Private Locator

• Building pools, fences, or driveways
• Installing irrigation systems or outdoor lighting
• Excavating for new foundations or outbuildings
• Renovating older homes with unknown utility layouts

But How Do You Choose The Right Private Locator?

Not all private locating services are the same. When hiring one, look for companies with certification from groups like the National Utility Locating Contractors Association (NULCA). Ask about their experience with residential projects, especially if you’re dealing with complex underground systems.

Make sure they use modern equipment, like GPR, since this can make a huge difference in finding utilities hidden deep underground. It’s also worth reading online reviews or asking for referrals to find a company you can trust. JLP Tech has the equipment and experience necessary to help find any utilities that aren't marked by public locators. Give us a call and we can help you make sure you're safe from utilities on your next project!

The Benefits of Hiring a Private Locator

Calling a private locator isn’t just about avoiding damage—it’s about peace of mind. Here’s what you gain:

• Confidence: Knowing you’ve found every hidden utility means you can move forward with your project stress-free.
• Savings: Avoiding repair bills for damaged utilities can save you thousands.
• Safety: You’ll reduce the risk of dangerous accidents, keeping your family, workers, and neighbors safe.
• Legal Protection: You’ll be in compliance with local regulations and avoid potential liabilities.

Take the Extra Step for a Safer Project

Calling 811 is essential, but it’s just the first step. For any serious project on private property, hiring a private locator ensures that you’re fully protected from unexpected surprises buried underground. Whether you’re building a new fence or installing a pool, it’s worth the extra time and cost to make sure you’ve identified every utility, both public and private.

So, before you break ground on your next project, take that extra step. Protect your property, your budget, and your peace of mind. Call JLP Tech today and dig with confidence!

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