Question 1

What is private utility locating?

Accepted Answer

Private utility locating identifies underground lines on private property that public 811 locators typically don't mark—like private electric, water, sewer, gas, irrigation, lighting, and data lines. We locate and mark these utilities so you can excavate, bore, or install posts with far less risk of hitting something expensive or dangerous.

Question 2

Why doesn't 811 locate my private utilities?

Accepted Answer

In most cases, 811 is designed to mark utilities owned/maintained by public utility companies up to the service point. Lines beyond that point—often on the customer's side—are considered private and may not be covered. Private locating fills that gap by identifying what may exist on your property before you dig.

Question 3

Do I really need private utility locating before I dig?

Accepted Answer

If your project involves digging, trenching, driving posts, drilling, or directional boring on private property, private locating is strongly recommended—especially for fences, sheds, decks, trees, irrigation, and drainage work. It reduces the chance of outages, injuries, repairs, and delays caused by striking hidden private lines.

Question 4

What types of private utilities can you locate?

Accepted Answer

We can locate many common private utilities such as private electric and lighting feeds, water and sewer laterals, gas lines, irrigation, communications/data lines, and other buried infrastructure—depending on site conditions and access. If you're unsure what's buried, we'll review your project and recommend the best locating approach.

Question 5

What is Ground Penetrating Radar (GPR)?

Accepted Answer

Ground Penetrating Radar (GPR) uses radar pulses to detect changes below the surface that may indicate utilities, pipes, conduits, tanks, voids, or other buried objects. GPR can be useful where traditional locating is limited, and it can work through many surfaces. Results depend on soil conditions, depth, and the materials present.

Question 6

How accurate is your utility locating?

Accepted Answer

Accuracy depends on factors like depth, soil conditions, utility material, congestion, and access. We use professional locating methods (and GPR when appropriate) to provide a strong field estimate, then mark likely routes and key points. For critical excavations, we can recommend verification steps such as careful exposure at key crossings.

Question 7

How much does private utility locating cost?

Accepted Answer

Pricing depends on the size of the area, site conditions, number/type of utilities, urgency, and whether you need deliverables like GPS mapping or reports. The fastest way to get accurate pricing is a quick call or quote request with your address, project type (fence, bore, trench), and timeline.

Question 8

Do you offer emergency or same-day service?

Accepted Answer

Same-day or emergency service may be available depending on workload, location, and the scope of your project. If you have a time-sensitive dig, call with your address and deadline and we'll confirm the earliest scheduling option and what can realistically be completed within your timeframe.

Question 9

How long does a utility locate take?

Accepted Answer

Most locates take anywhere from about 1–4 hours, but larger properties, congested areas, and complex utility networks can take longer. We'll estimate time after learning your project scope, access, and whether you need added services like GPS mapping, marking refresh, or written documentation.

Question 10

Do I need to call 811 before calling you?

Accepted Answer

Yes—calling 811 is still recommended for most digging projects because it helps mark public utility lines. After 811 marks what they cover, private locating can identify additional utilities on the customer's side or on private property that 811 may not mark. Using both is the safest approach.

Question 11

What's the difference between 811 and private locating?

Accepted Answer

811 typically marks public utility-owned lines within their responsibility area, often up to the meter/service point. Private locating focuses on utilities beyond that—on private property and customer-owned systems. If your project involves fence posts, landscaping, drainage, or private site work, private locating helps reduce blind spots.

Question 12

Do you provide written reports?

Accepted Answer

Written documentation may be available depending on the scope—especially when GPS utility mapping is included. If you need records for permitting, engineering, property purchase due diligence, or project files, tell us what format you need and we'll confirm the best deliverable for your situation.

Frequently Asked Questions

About Private Utility Locating

Services & Technology

Pricing & Scheduling

Process & Preparation

Safety & Legal

Specific Scenarios

Technical Details

Still Have Questions?

Call Us

Get a Quote

Ready to Schedule Your Utility Locate?

Frequently Asked Questions

About Private Utility Locating

What is private utility locating?

Why doesn't 811 locate my private utilities?

Do I really need private utility locating before I dig?

What types of private utilities can you locate?

Services & Technology

What is Ground Penetrating Radar (GPR)?

What is GPS utility mapping and why do I need it?

What is directional boring?

How accurate is your utility locating?

Pricing & Scheduling

How much does private utility locating cost?

Do you offer emergency or same-day service?

How long does a utility locate take?

What areas do you serve?

Process & Preparation

What should I do before you arrive?

Do I need to call 811 before calling you?

How long are utility markings valid?

What happens if you find utilities where I need to dig?

Safety & Legal

What happens if I hit a utility line?

Am I legally required to locate utilities before digging?

Are you licensed and insured?

What if you miss a utility during locating?

How deep can you detect utilities?

Can you locate utilities in winter or frozen ground?

Specific Scenarios

I'm installing a fence. Do I need utility locating?

I'm building a shed or garage. What do I need?

I'm planting trees. Do I need locating?

Can you locate my septic system?

I'm a contractor. Do you offer commercial services?

Do you work with homeowners or just contractors?

Can you locate utilities for a property I'm buying?

What's the difference between 811 and private locating?

How far in advance should I schedule locating?

Do you provide written reports?

Technical Details

What color codes do you use for marking utilities?

Can you locate utilities through concrete or asphalt?

What if my property has no utility records?

How do you mark utilities in landscaped areas?

Still Have Questions?

Call Us

Get a Quote

Ready to Schedule Your Utility Locate?