When To Call In a Private Utility Service Locator?

Oct 28
20:08

2020

Nancy Whitman

Nancy Whitman

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Digging into the ground without initially verifying the location of utility lines of that area, may end up damaging water, gas, electrical, communications or sewer lines because it can cause utility cut off, severe injuries or expensive repairs. So, always hire a highly reliable utility locator services available in your area.

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Digging into the ground without initially verifying the location of utility lines of that area,When To Call In a Private Utility Service Locator? Articles may end up damaging water, gas, electrical, communications or sewer lines because it can cause utility cut off, severe injuries or expensive repairs. So, always hire a highly reliable utility locator services available in your area.

You can choose to even call private utility locators for doing the task. Private utility locators are the ones who mark out the electrical, gas, septic, water and drainage lines in private, residential, commercial and municipal properties.

This article will help you understand better so that you are informed before you dig

WHAT IS 811 ONE-CALL?

We’ve heard the phrase, “call before you dig.” 

This campaign is launched to educate people on the importance of locating underground utilities before digging. We need to make sure that a particular area is free of utility lines before people start doing landscaping, put in a pool, or instal a fence.

You or the company hired, should call at 811 from any state before excavating any commercial or residential land, including private property. It is a free service. Technicians will be sent and using electromagnetic equipment they will locate public utilities. Then, they will mark any that run from the street to the service meter, which will help to prevent damage to public water, sewage, power and natural gas lines.

But it doesn’t mean that now the area is clear and you are all set to begin with the digging process. One-call location crews only locate public utility lines.

WHEN DO YOU NEED A PRIVATE UTILITY LOCATOR?

You are required to make a second call before starting excavation. You may want to call a private utility locator to find and mark underground electrical lines, gas pipes etc.

Lines that run beyond the service meter are using electromagnetic equipment. For example, electrical cables that go from meter to a house are private. For safety, these lines must be accurately marked before digging. To get these marked, you will need to call a private underground utility locator.

Private locator crews hardly rely on utility maps because of their outdated and inaccurate nature. So, they perform the task by using specialized tools such as electromagnetic equipment, ground penetrating radar (GPR), electronic or radio frequency (RF) pipe and cable locating tools.  Using these a private locator produce high-quality utility maps of where current and abandoned lines run.

WHAT ARE PRIVATE UTILITY LINES?

Maximum properties do have unmarked private utility lines which present a real danger for anyone digging. Below are a few instances of hidden underground utilities.

  • Electricity for exterior lighting
  • Propane lines
  • Septic pipes
  • Sprinkler systems
  • Gas for heated pools
  • Power for a detached garage
  • Storm drains

WHERE ARE PRIVATE UTILITY LINES?

Private utility locators often work on the below-mentioned sites:

  • Apartment
  • Neighbourhood communities
  • School and college campuses
  • Medical facilities
  • Industrial areas
  • Commercial property
  • Government facility

Different laws prevail, but generally private owners are responsible for maintaining these types of cables and pipes.

Safety should be a priority. Before anyone digs on their commercial or residential property, it is vital to always call in the experts.