Understanding the Importance of Private Utility Locating

When you plan to dig on your property, whether for landscaping, building a fence, or installing a new driveway, knowing what lies beneath the surface is crucial. Underground utilities like water lines, gas pipes, and electrical cables are often hidden from view. Striking one of these can cause serious damage, costly repairs, and even safety hazards. This is where private utility locating comes in. It helps you identify and mark underground lines on your property behind the meter before you start digging.

Why Private Utility Locating Matters for Your Property

Private utility locating is essential because it protects your property and the people working on it. Public utilities are usually marked by calling 811, but this service does not cover private lines on your land. Even they can miss lines, or be inaccurate, due to their lack of experience and the rush to meet production quotas. These private lines might include private water lines (or well lines), power to outbuildings such as detached garage/shop, irrigation systems, septic tanks or sewer laterals, or other underground electrical or communication wiring that belongs to your home or business - just to name a few. Twin City Locating can help remedy and verify all of these lines for you!

By hiring a professional service like private utility locating from Twin City Locating, LLC, you get a clear understanding of what is underground. This prevents accidental damage that could lead to:

• Service interruptions

• Expensive repairs

• Safety risks such as gas leaks or electrical shocks

• Legal liabilities if damage affects neighbors or public utilities

  
  

Knowing exactly where these lines are gives you peace of mind and helps you plan your project safely and efficiently. Often saving you money in the long run.

Dangers exist when excavating near marked (or unmarked) utilities. It is important to be careful when doing any sort of digging.

How Private Utility Locating Works

The process of private utility locating is straightforward but requires specialized tools and expertise. Here’s how it typically works:

1. Preliminary Assessment: The homeowner/contractor requests a private locate. They explain the work being done, known utilities or structures in the area, any as-builds or information about the site.

2. Site Assessment: On the day and time of the locate, when the technician visits the site, we will gather visible indicators of potential and actual utilities in or near the work area. Also perform a walkthrough to understand the scope of your project and the areas where digging will occur.

3. Use of Detection Equipment: We will use electromagnetic locators, ground-penetrating radar, or other advanced tools to detect underground lines.

4. Marking the Lines: Once located, the underground utilities are marked on the surface; private locates with color-coded paint, and public utilities in a color-coded paint dot with white line on either side. Where applicable and practical, we will also indicate depth (example; 2'4" for two feet four inches) Each color represents a different type of utility (e.g., red for electric, blue for water).

5. Documentation: You receive a detailed report or map showing the location of all marked utilities.

6. Follow-up: We will confirm with you the area marked, what utilities are of concern, the depths, the safest methods for excavating near them, and remind you to contact us with any questions or concerns in the future.

   
   

This process ensures you have a clear visual guide to avoid damaging any lines during your project.

What You Should Expect from a Private Utility Locating Service

When you hire a private utility locating service, you should expect professionalism, accuracy, and transparency. Here are some key points to look for:

• Clear Pricing: You should know upfront what the service will cost. Avoid surprises by asking for a detailed quote before work begins. At Twin City Locating, LLC, we provide this before arrival. With all pricing including taxes and fees, you know what it will cost before we even begin.

• Experienced Technicians: The locator technician should have the right training and equipment to locate all types of underground utilities accurately. At Twin City Locating, LLC, the one doing the work is the owner/operator of this small local business. With nearly 20 years experience in both the private and public sector of utility locating through a variety of tools; you can be confident in the safe reliable thoroughness your job deserves.

• Comprehensive Coverage: The service should cover all private lines on your property, not just the public ones.

• Safety Focus: The company should prioritize safety for you, your property, and their workers.

• Reliable Scheduling: Timely service is important to keep your project on track.

  
  

Choosing a local expert familiar with Southwest Washington’s specific utility infrastructure can make a big difference in the quality of the service.

Color-coded markings indicating underground utilities in an intersection right-of-way.

Tips for Safe Digging After Utility Locating

Once your private utilities are located and marked, follow these tips to keep your project safe:

• Respect the Markings: Do not remove or alter the flags or paint marks. They are your guide to where it is safe to dig. You can always refresh them by painting over paint markings placed by a locator, and in Washington, locate tickets are good for 45 days. So if you expect it to be longer... call for a refresh locate request to protect yourself.

• Use Hand Tools Near Markings: When digging close to marked lines, use hand tools instead of heavy machinery to avoid accidental strikes. Public locates have a two foot tolerance from the edge of the diameter of pipe. So if a water line is 12" in diameter, the tolerance zone would be 2'6" from the marking.

• Plan Your Digging Path: Adjust your project plans if necessary to avoid crossing marked utility lines. If you must, hand dig within two feet of either side of the locate line.

• Communicate with Your Team: Make sure everyone involved in the digging knows about the utility locations and the importance of following the markings.

• Call for Re-Marking if Needed: If the markings fade or get disturbed, contact your utility locating service to have them refreshed.

  
  

By following these steps, you reduce the risk of damage and keep your project running smoothly.

Making Private Utility Locating Accessible and Affordable

Understanding the importance of private utility locating is one thing, but making it accessible and affordable is another. Many homeowners and contractors hesitate to invest in this service because they worry about cost or complexity. However, the cost of not locating utilities can be far higher.

To make this service more accessible:

• Look for companies that offer clear upfront pricing with no hidden fees.

• Choose local experts who understand the area and can provide efficient service.

• Consider the long-term savings from avoiding utility damage and project delays.

• Ask about package deals if you have multiple projects or properties.

  
  

By prioritizing private utility locating, you protect your investment and ensure your project is safe and successful. Here at Twin City Locating, LLC, we offer the lowest pricing in the state because we are local and believe in safety over profit. With our expertise and experience, few come close in our level of understanding the trade.

Taking the time to locate underground utilities on your property is a smart step before any digging project. It protects your home, your workers, and your budget. When you work with a trusted local expert, you get accurate information, clear pricing, and peace of mind. Remember, safe digging starts with knowing what lies beneath.

For reliable and affordable private utility locating in Southwest Washington, consider reaching out to private utility locating professionals who make safety and transparency their priority.