Understanding the Differences Between Private Utility Locating and Call Before You Dig

When planning any digging project, whether for landscaping, construction, or home improvement, knowing what lies beneath the surface is crucial. Striking an underground utility line can cause serious damage, costly repairs, and even safety hazards. Two common methods help prevent these risks: private utility locating, such as Lewis County's premier private locate service company Twin City Locating, and the Call Before You Dig service. While both aim to protect underground infrastructure, they serve different purposes and operate in distinct ways.

This post breaks down the differences between private utility locating and Washington's Call Before You Dig, explaining how each works, when to use them, and why understanding these differences matters for your project’s safety and success.

What Is Call Before You Dig?

Call Before You Dig is a free, government-mandated service designed to protect public underground utilities such as gas, water, electric, and telecommunications lines. This is reached through 811 or their website to submit a locate request.

How Call Before You Dig Works

• Notification: You contact the service before starting any digging project.

• Utility Marking: Utility companies receive the notification and send authorized representatives (either a public locating company or their own staff) to identify, locate, and mark any of their maintained pipes or lines.

• Marking Standards: Markings typically use color-coded flags or spray paint to indicate different types of utilities. Red for electrical

  Blue for drinkable water

  Orange for communication (TV, Phone, Internet) Yellow for combustables such as gas or oil

  Green for sewer, storm, drainage

  Purple for reclaim or irrigation

• Time Frame: Utility companies in Washington have two full business days to locate a ticket. The day it is called in does not count towards the two business days, and project tickets longer than 740' in length can be legally extended for additional days. So it is important to plan accordingly when requesting a locate ticket.

  
  

When to Use Call Before You Dig

• For ANY distrubance of the ground is considered excavation, it is important to use this free service to allow utilities to mark their underground infrastructure. Small to medium-sized digging projects such as planting trees, installing fences, or minor landscaping are common. It is also common that a utility can be mere inches under the surface.

• Any project using machinery or mechanical excavation.

• Situations where you want to avoid damaging public utility lines.

  
  

Limitations of Call Before You Dig

• It only covers utilities owned by public or regulated companies. This ends at either a meter or connection transfer, such as off the main line.

• Private lines, such as those running to a detached garage or from the meter to the home, are not marked.

• Markings are approximate and may not show precise locations as public 811 locates do not provide depth and have a tolerance zone of 24" on either side of the markings.

• It is not a substitute for detailed utility locating in complex projects.

  
  

What Is Private Utility Locating?

Private utility locating is a specialized service provided by private companies, such as Twin City Locating out of Centralia in Washington that use advanced equipment such as electromagnetic or radio frequency locating and ground penetrating radar (GPR) to detect underground utilities on public or private property. This service goes beyond the scope of Call Before You Dig by locating both public and private utility lines. Though not a substitute for 811, private locators can verify public markings and provide approximate depths.

How Private Utility Locating Works

• Advanced Equipment: Technicians use electromagnetic locators, ground-penetrating radar (GPR), and other tools to detect buried utilities.

• Comprehensive Scanning: The process includes scanning for pipes, cables, conduits, and other infrastructure regardless of ownership.

• Custom Services: Can better offer utility locating tailored to specific project needs, such as construction site preparation or utility repairs, and offer their knowledge of how to best navigate the complexity of the underground world of utilities.

  
  

When to Use Private Utility Locating

• Large construction projects requiring precise utility locates.

• Situations involving private utility lines not covered by Call Before You Dig.

• Projects where safety and accuracy are critical, such as commercial developments or major renovations.

• When you need documentation for permits or compliance.

• When you need to know the route of water or sewer lines from the home to the main in the street or alley.

  
  

Benefits of Private Utility Locating

• Detects all underground utilities, including private and unmarked lines.

• Provides precise location and depth information.

• Reduces risk of costly damage and project delays.

• Supports compliance with safety regulations and insurance requirements.

  
  
  
  

Key Differences Between Private Utility Locating and Call Before You Dig

| Aspect | Call Before You Dig | Private Utility Locating |

|----------------------------|--------------------------------------------|-----------------------------------------------|

| Cost | Free | Paid service |

| Coverage | Public utilities only | Public and private utilities |

| Accuracy | Approximate markings | Precise location and depth |

| Response Time | Usually within a few days | Scheduled based on project needs |

| Equipment Used | Utility company marking tools | Electromagnetic locators, GPR, etc |

| Use Case | For all work, it's the law | Private lines or verification of 811 |

Why Both Services Matter for Safety and Project Success

Ignoring underground utilities can lead to serious consequences:

• Safety Hazards: Striking a gas line can cause explosions; hitting electric cables can cause electrocution.

• Costly Repairs: Repairing damaged utilities can and does cost thousands of dollars.

• Project Delays: Accidents or damage can halt work for days or weeks.

• Legal Issues: Violating regulations can result in fines or liability.

  
  

Using Call Before You Dig is the first step for any digging project. It ensures public utilities are marked and reduces risk. However, for projects involving private utilities or requiring detailed information, private utility locating is essential.

How to Choose the Right Service for Your Project

• Assess Project Size and Depth: Small, hand dug shallow projects usually only need Call Before You Dig, but some call just for verification. Many people say, "I didn't think it ran like that!" So for the safest route, it's best to call Twin City Locating or other private locate company for a quote.

• Consider Utility Ownership: If private lines may be present, consider private locating.

• Evaluate Risk and Cost: For high-risk or expensive projects, investing in private locating can save money and time.

• Check Local Regulations: Some areas require private locating for certain permits.

• Consult Professionals: When in doubt, ask utility locating experts for advice, and Twin City Locating is here to answer your questions.

  
  

Understanding the differences between private utility locating and Call Before You Dig helps you plan safer, more efficient digging projects. Start with the free Call Before You Dig service to mark public utilities, then consider private utility locating for detailed information on private lines or complex projects. Taking these steps helps protect your property, your safety, and your budget.