Colorado Utility Locating

Scheduling utility locates in Colorado is essential for safe digging and preventing costly damages. To cover publicly registered utilities like gas, electric, water, and telecommunications lines, start by calling 811 or submitting a request online at least 2-3 business days before your project begins. The 811 service will notify the relevant utility companies, and their technicians will mark the locations of underground lines with paint or flags.

However, 811 doesn’t cover private utilities such as irrigation systems, septic tanks, propane lines, or electrical connections within private property. For these, you’ll need to hire a private utility locating service. Companies like JLP Tech specialize in private locates in Colorado, using advanced tools like ground-penetrating radar (GPR) and electromagnetic sensors to detect unregistered or hard-to-find utilities.

By scheduling both public and private utility locates, you ensure comprehensive coverage, preventing accidents, delays, or legal fines. It’s a simple process—just make sure to plan ahead to give technicians enough time for the inspection and marking.

Public utility locating involves services provided by 811, which marks only publicly registered utilities such as municipal water, gas, sewer, electric, and communication lines. When you submit an 811 request, the utility companies in your area send technicians to identify and mark these lines to help prevent damages during excavation. However, this service has limitations, it doesn’t cover utilities installed beyond the meter or within private property.

Private utility locating fills this gap by identifying unregistered utilities that public locators miss. This includes irrigation systems, septic tanks, propane lines, sprinkler systems, private water pipes, and electric cables on private land. Private locating companies, like JLP Tech, use advanced tools like ground-penetrating radar (GPR) and electromagnetic sensors to ensure every underground line is accurately mapped.

For complete excavation safety, it’s crucial to schedule both public locates and private utility locates, especially for projects on residential or commercial properties, to avoid costly damages and project delays.

Failing to locate underground utilities before digging can result in serious risks and costly consequences. Striking gas lines can cause dangerous leaks or explosions, while damaging electrical cables can lead to power outages or electrocution. Similarly, hitting water, sewer, or communication lines can disrupt essential services, delay projects, and result in expensive repairs.

In Colorado, not calling 811 before excavation is also a legal violation, which may result in fines and liability for damages. However, since 811 only marks publicly registered utilities, neglecting to schedule private utility locates can leave private irrigation lines, septic tanks, and propane pipes unaccounted for, creating unexpected issues.

To avoid accidents, fines, and project delays, it’s essential to schedule both public and private utility locates. Taking this step ensures safe, efficient excavation and gives you peace of mind knowing that every underground line, whether public or private, is properly marked.

No, 811 does not cover private property utility locates. The 811 service only identifies and marks publicly registered utilities, such as gas, water, sewer, electric, and communication lines, that run up to the meter or service connection. Once utilities cross into private property, like backyard irrigation systems, septic tanks, propane lines, or underground power cables for pools and sheds, 811 won’t mark them.

To safely dig on private land, you’ll need to hire a private utility locating company. Services like JLP Tech specialize in private utility locates in Colorado, using advanced tools like ground-penetrating radar (GPR) and electromagnetic detection to find hidden, unregistered lines. Scheduling both public and private locates ensures you avoid costly damage, delays, and accidents by covering all underground utilities, whether public or private.

Yes, private utility locating services can accurately detect septic tanks, irrigation lines, and other unregistered utilities on private property. Using advanced technologies like ground-penetrating radar (GPR) and electromagnetic sensors, private locators can pinpoint the exact location and depth of these underground systems, even if they aren't documented on public utility maps.

Septic systems often include tanks, leach fields, and lateral lines that can be easily missed without specialized equipment. Similarly, sprinkler systems and irrigation pipes—which are common on residential and commercial properties—aren’t marked by 811. Hiring a private utility locator ensures these utilities are properly mapped before excavation, helping you avoid accidental damage, costly repairs, and project delays.

For peace of mind and comprehensive coverage, always schedule both public and private locates to safely manage all underground systems on your property.

Yes, utility locators typically provide detailed documentation and reports after completing a survey. These reports include marked maps, utility depths, photographs of flagged or painted utilities, and notes on any special conditions. For private utility locates, documentation may also highlight non-public lines like septic systems, irrigation pipes, or propane tanks, which aren’t covered by 811.

Having thorough documentation is essential for planning and excavation safety, as it ensures contractors have a clear understanding of all underground utilities. It also serves as a reference for future projects, helping to avoid costly accidents or disruptions. Companies like JLP Tech offer easy-to-read, accurate reports to give you peace of mind and support efficient project management.

Yes, utility locating is required by law in Colorado for any excavation project to prevent damage to underground utilities and ensure public safety. Colorado’s Excavation Requirements Law mandates that you contact 811 at least two business days before digging. This free service ensures that public utilities, such as gas, water, sewer, and electrical lines, are marked to avoid hazardous accidents or disruptions.

However, 811 only covers publicly registered utilities. If your project involves digging on private property, such as in yards, parking lots, or construction sites, private utility locating services are highly recommended. Private locators, like JLP Tech, can detect non-public systems like irrigation lines, septic tanks, and propane pipes to give you full coverage.

Complying with both public and private utility locating practices ensures that you avoid legal penalties, prevent costly damages, and complete your project safely and efficiently.

Underground utility detection relies on advanced technologies to accurately locate buried lines and systems. One of the most common tools is ground-penetrating radar (GPR), which uses radar pulses to detect utilities like septic tanks, irrigation lines, and pipes beneath the surface. GPR works well in various soil conditions and can even locate non-metallic objects, such as plastic water lines or concrete structures.

Another essential tool is electromagnetic (EM) detection, which identifies metallic utilities, such as gas, electric, and communication lines, by sending signals through them. Technicians often combine these methods with sonde transmitters, which are small beacons inserted into non-metallic pipes to trace their path. Some companies also use acoustic sensors to detect leaks in pressurized systems like water lines.

By using a combination of GPR and EM detection, professional utility locators, such as JLP Tech, ensure a comprehensive and precise survey, helping you avoid accidents, delays, and unexpected utility damage.