Essential Guide to Utility Locating Before Digging

When planning a digging project, whether it's for a new fence, a garden, or a major construction job, one crucial step often gets overlooked: utility locating. Understanding where underground utilities are located can save you time, money, and even prevent serious accidents. In this guide, we will explore the importance of utility locating, the methods used, and the steps you should take before you start digging.

Why Utility Locating is Important

Before you pick up a shovel, it is essential to know what lies beneath the surface. Utility lines, such as water, gas, electricity, and telecommunications, are often buried underground. Hitting one of these lines can lead to costly repairs, service interruptions, and even dangerous situations.

The Risks of Not Locating Utilities

1. Safety Hazards: Striking a gas line can cause explosions or fires. Hitting an electrical line can lead to electrocution. These risks are not just theoretical; they happen every year.

   
   

2. Financial Consequences: Repairing damaged utilities can be expensive. You may also face fines from utility companies for disrupting their services.

   
   

3. Project Delays: If you hit a utility line, your project may come to a halt. This can lead to delays and increased costs.

   
   

4. Legal Issues: In some areas, failing to locate utilities before digging can lead to legal repercussions. You may be held liable for damages.

   
   

How to Locate Utilities

There are several methods to locate underground utilities. Here are the most common ones:

1. Call Before You Dig

In many regions, there is a service that allows you to call and request utility locating. This service is often free and can help you identify the location of underground utilities for publicly owned utilities. In the United States, for example, you can call 811 to reach the national call-before-you-dig hotline for all utilities for the main lines and service lines up to the meter.

2. Use Utility Locating Services

If you need more detailed information, or need help finding those private utilities (everything that is maintained by the customer and is beyond the meter, or between meter and dwelling) consider hiring a professional utility locating service such as Twin City Locating, LLC. These experts use specialized equipment to accurately locate and mark underground utilities. They can provide you with a detailed map of the utility lines in your area.

3. Ground Penetrating Radar (GPR)

Ground penetrating radar is a non-invasive method that uses radar pulses to image the subsurface. This technology can help locate utilities without digging. It is particularly useful in areas where utilities are densely packed or nonconductive utilities, such as common water/irrigation lines, poly gas lines, or other inaccessible utilities. There are some limitations such as moisture content and terrain of the soil.

4. Electromagnetic Locators

These devices can detect the electromagnetic fields generated by buried utilities. They are effective for locating metallic pipes and cables. However, they may not work with pipes that have gaskets or non-metallic joiners connecting pipes, as the signal cannot continue. These work by sending or inducing a line with a frequency from a transmitter to complete a circuit and it is picked up with a receiver as it travels through the line.

Steps to Take Before Digging

Now that you understand the importance of utility locating, here are the steps you should take before you start your digging project:

Step 1: Plan Your Project

Before you dig, take the time to plan your project. Know exactly where you want to dig and how deep you need to go. This information will help utility locators provide you with accurate data. Always call 811 at least 2 business days before any planned excavating to allow public utilities to mark any and all utilities they own and maintain within or near the work area.

Step 2: Call Before You Dig

As mentioned earlier, calling a utility locating service is a crucial step. Make sure to do this at least a few days before you plan to start digging. This will give utility companies time to mark their lines. 8-1-1 is the number to call for a locate request for public utilities.

Step 3: Mark Your Digging Area

Once you have received information about the location of utilities, mark your digging area. Use flags or white spray paint to outline where you plan to dig. This will help you visualize the area and avoid accidental strikes or public locators from marking the wrong area.

Step 4: Dig Carefully

When you start digging, do so with caution. Use hand tools when you are close (required within 2' of edge of locate markings) to marked utility lines. This will help you avoid damaging any underground utilities.

Step 5: Know What to Do in Case of an Accident

Despite your best efforts, accidents can happen. If you hit a utility line, stop digging immediately and call 8-1-1 for an emergency locate, specifying that you have hit or uncovered an unknown utility. If it is a gas line, evacuate the area and call emergency services as well as the gas company. For other utilities, contact the utility company to report the damage.

Common Utility Types to Be Aware Of

Understanding the different types of utilities that may be buried underground can help you be more cautious. Here are some common types:

1. Water Lines

Water lines are often buried at a shallow depth. Hitting a water line can cause flooding and damage to your property. They can also siphon dirt or contaminants into the supply line requiring flushing the line to ensure safety and low turbidity (discoloration).

2. Gas Lines

Gas lines are typically buried deeper than water lines, but honestly varies. However, they can still be found in residential areas, particularly natural gas. Striking a gas line can lead to dangerous leaks.

3. Electrical Lines

Electrical lines can be found at various depths. Hitting an electrical line can cause power outages and pose serious safety risks from injury to death. Always take precaution digging near known or potential electrical lines.

4. Telecommunications Lines

These lines include phone and internet cables. While they may not pose the same risks as gas or electrical lines, damaging them can disrupt services including vital services such as 911 or emergency response. They can vary in depth greatly, being mere inches or several feet under the ground. It is not entirely uncommon for them to be buried just under the sod.

Best Practices for Utility Locating

To ensure a safe and successful digging project, consider these best practices:

1. Always Call Before You Dig

This cannot be stressed enough. Always call your local utility locating service before starting any digging project.

2. Use Multiple Methods

If possible, use more than one method to locate utilities. For example, combine calling the utility service (8-1-1) along with hiring a professional locator (for all privately owned utilities and/or verify the clearance of a work area).

3. Educate Yourself

Take the time to learn about the utilities in your area. Understanding what types of lines are common can help you be more cautious.

4. Keep Records

Keep a record of the utility locations you have identified. This information can be useful for future projects. But remember, locate ticket requests from 8-1-1 are only legally valid for 45 days in Washington. They expire, and you can be liable to damages occurring outside of their valid dates, even if the locate was incorrectly marked. When in doubt, you can call in update locates at no charge to you.

5. Stay Informed

Stay updated on local regulations regarding utility locating. Laws can change, and it is essential to be aware of your responsibilities.

Real-Life Examples of Utility Locating Success

To illustrate the importance of utility locating, here are a couple of real-life examples:

Example 1: A Homeowner's Experience

A homeowner in a suburban area decided to install a new fence. Before digging, they called the local utility locating service. The service identified several underground lines, including a gas line. Thanks to this information, the homeowner was able to avoid a potentially dangerous situation.

Example 2: A Construction Project

A construction company was hired to build a new office building. Before starting, they hired a professional utility locating service. The service discovered multiple utility lines running through the construction site. This information allowed the company to adjust their plans and avoid costly delays.

Final Thoughts on Utility Locating

Utility locating is a critical step in any digging project. By taking the time to locate underground utilities, you can avoid accidents, save money, and keep your project on track. Remember to always call before you dig, use multiple methods for locating utilities, and stay informed about local regulations.

By following these guidelines, you can ensure a safe and successful digging experience. Whether you are a homeowner or a contractor, understanding the importance of utility locating will help you navigate your projects with confidence.