Top 5 Mistakes People Make When Locating Utilities on Their Own

DIY projects can be rewarding, and for many, locating utilities before digging feels like a job they can handle alone. After all, calling 811 and checking a few blueprints doesn’t sound too hard, right? But here’s the thing: locating utilities is trickier than it seems. Even the smallest mistake can lead to a costly repair, project delays, or even safety hazards.

A friend of mine learned this the hard way. He was installing a new fence and decided to mark the utilities himself after calling 811. But during digging, he hit an unmarked irrigation pipe that wasn’t covered by the public utility service. The result? A flooded yard, a costly repair, and a few weeks of downtime. His experience is a common one, and it inspired this article to help others avoid similar pitfalls.

Here, we’ll walk through the top five mistakes people make when locating utilities on their own, and how to avoid them for a safe, smooth project.

1. Assuming Public Locates Cover Everything

The biggest misconception people have is thinking that calling 811 is all they need to do. While public locates are essential, they don’t cover everything on your property. Public utility companies will mark the utilities they own, like gas, electricity, water, and sewer lines—but that’s it.

The Consequences

If you have private lines, like a gas line to an outdoor grill, irrigation systems, or even lighting cables, these won’t be marked by public locates. Missing them could lead to unexpected strikes, which not only cause damage but can quickly lead to budget overruns and project delays.

How to Avoid This Mistake

Hiring a private locator fills in the gaps left by public locates, as they’ll detect both public and private lines, ensuring everything on your property is marked. This one step can save a lot of hassle and give you a complete map of what’s underground.

2. Relying Solely on Old Site Maps or Blueprints

It’s tempting to pull out old blueprints or site maps, especially if they show where utilities were originally placed. However, over time, the location of utilities can shift or new ones may have been added. Relying on outdated maps is risky, as they may not accurately reflect what’s beneath the surface today.

The Consequences

I once heard about a contractor who relied on a 20-year-old site map and ended up hitting a communication line that had been installed by the previous owner. It wasn’t on the map, and cutting it meant several days without internet service for the entire property—and an unplanned expense for repairs.

How to Avoid This Mistake

Use current maps alongside professional locating tools or call a private locator to verify everything. Locating services use advanced tools like ground-penetrating radar (GPR) to provide accurate, up-to-date information on what’s actually there now, not just what was there years ago.

3. Not Using the Right Equipment

Many people assume they can locate utilities with basic tools, like a shovel, a metal detector, or a DIY locator. But these tools are limited in what they can detect. Professional-grade equipment is essential for a complete, accurate locate.

The Consequences

Standard tools often can’t detect non-metallic lines (like PVC pipes for irrigation), deeper utilities, or lines with low magnetic signatures. This means you may miss a line entirely, only to strike it when you least expect it.

How to Avoid This Mistake

Professional private locators use advanced equipment like GPR and electromagnetic locators that can detect all kinds of utilities, including non-metallic pipes and buried cables. For most DIYers, it’s well worth the investment to call in a professional who has the right equipment to get the job done correctly.

4. Ignoring Depth Variations

Another common mistake is assuming all utilities are buried at the same depth. In reality, utility depths can vary due to ground shifts, landscaping changes, or installation variations. Ignoring these depth differences can lead to accidental strikes if you assume a line is deeper or shallower than it actually is.

The Consequences

If you’re unaware of depth changes, you could end up digging too close to a shallow line or cutting right through a deeper line. Either scenario can result in delays, extra costs, and, depending on the utility, potential safety hazards.

How to Avoid This Mistake

Always use tools that detect depth, like GPR, or hire a professional who can provide you with accurate depth measurements. This is especially important if your project involves digging deeper than just a few inches, as even slight misjudgments in depth can lead to utility strikes.

5. Skipping Private Locates to Save Time or Money

Sometimes, people skip private locating services to save time or cut costs. They might assume that public locates cover enough or that they’ll be able to handle any small lines on their own. But skipping a private locate often backfires, leading to expensive mistakes and unnecessary delays.

The Consequences

Private lines often go unmarked, and if you hit one, the repair costs are yours to handle. A missed private line can lead to budget-busting repairs, property damage, and even legal liabilities if it impacts neighbors or public services.

How to Avoid This Mistake

Including a private locate in your project plan is the best way to protect your budget and ensure your project goes smoothly. The small upfront investment is far less costly than an unexpected repair bill.

DIY Carefully, but Know When to Call a Pro

Locating utilities on your own might seem doable, but there are some serious risks involved. From assuming public locates cover everything to skipping private locates to save money, even small mistakes can lead to big problems. Taking the time to do it right is always worth it.

Before you start digging, consider hiring a professional locator. Their expertise, tools, and experience can help you avoid these common mistakes, ensuring your project stays on time, within budget, and, most importantly, safe. So, don’t take chances—get every utility located and dig with confidence.