The Importance of Contacting Both Public and Private Utility Locators Before Excavation

Excavation projects, whether for construction or landscaping, can quickly turn dangerous and expensive if utility lines are damaged. To avert these risks, it’s essential to contact both public and private utility locators before any digging begins.

1. Public Utilities: Your First Stop
   Public utility locators, like the 811 service, provide free assistance to identify common utility lines such as water, electricity, gas, communications, and sewer systems. These are crucial services that connect neighborhoods and cities, thereby posing significant community-wide risks if disrupted. In many areas, calling 811 is a legal requirement before starting any excavation.

• • Varied Names Across States: Depending on where you are, these services might be known as Digline, Onecall, or other regional designations. However, their purpose remains consistent – to mark the presence of public utility lines.
  • Limitations: While essential, public utility locators generally provide a surface-level overview, which may lack detailed information like the precise depth or the condition of the utilities.

2. Why Private Utility Locators Matter
   Private utilities include lines that extend from the public connection to private properties. These are not covered by 811 services, meaning any damage here would directly impact private property owners and could lead to hefty repair bills.

• • In-Depth Insights: Private utility locating services often have the technology to deliver detailed data on underground infrastructures, such as digital maps, line depths, and even the status of potentially abandoned lines.
  • Preventative Safety Measures: By identifying all utilities on a property, these services can prevent costly accidents and ensure the safety of project workers and the surrounding community.

3. Best Practices for Comprehensive Safety
   For thorough protection and the smooth operation of any excavation project, both public and private utility locators should be engaged. This dual approach ensures a comprehensive understanding of all potential underground hazards, thus safeguarding not only the project but also the safety and peace of those involved and affected.