Starting any construction, landscaping, or excavation project comes with a list of to-dos—but one of the most crucial steps is often overlooked: calling utility locating services. Whether you’re a homeowner planting trees or a contractor breaking ground on a new development, identifying what’s beneath the surface before you dig is essential for safety, efficiency, and compliance.
Failing to locate underground utilities can lead to damaged infrastructure, serious injuries, and costly delays. Here’s how to know when it’s time to call in the professionals and why doing so should always be at the top of your project checklist.
Why Utility Locating Is Important
Beneath our feet lies a complex network of buried utilities—water and sewer lines, electrical cables, gas pipes, and communication networks. Digging without knowing their exact location risks:
Disrupting vital services
Creating safety hazards such as gas leaks or electric shocks
Triggering legal consequences and financial liability
Professional utility locating services use advanced tools like electromagnetic detection and ground-penetrating radar to accurately map these utilities, helping you avoid problems before they start.
When to Call Utility Locating Services
1. Before Any Excavation Work
No matter how small the project seems, if it involves digging—even a few inches into the ground—you need to know what’s below. This includes:
Installing fences, posts, or signboards
Planting large trees or shrubs
Digging trenches for irrigation or drainage
Building decks, patios, or driveways
Regrading or leveling the ground
Even hand tools can cause damage to shallow utilities, making professional locating services a necessity for all excavation projects.
2. During Major Construction Projects
Large-scale residential or commercial developments should involve utility locating from the design stage. Engineers, architects, and project managers rely on accurate utility maps to plan foundations, access roads, and utility connections.
Calling locating services early ensures that the construction schedule stays on track and minimizes unexpected underground conflicts.
3. When Working Near Public Rights-of-Way
Many underground utilities run along streets, sidewalks, and easements. If your project is near a road or in an area with city-owned infrastructure, utility locating is especially important. This prevents disruptions to public services and helps you remain compliant with local regulations.
4. When Modifying Existing Structures
Adding a garage, building an addition, or upgrading a septic system? These modifications often require deep digging near existing utilities. A locating service can verify current utility locations and detect any abandoned or outdated lines that still pose a risk.
5. Before Demolition or Site Clearing
Demolishing a building or clearing a lot involves heavy machinery and ground disturbance. Before you begin, it’s essential to locate and mark underground utilities to avoid cutting through active lines and creating hazardous situations.
The Legal Side of Utility Locating
In many jurisdictions, it is legally required to call for utility locating before any digging takes place. Failure to do so can result in fines, permit revocation, or being held liable for damages. Utility locating ensures your project meets all safety and compliance standards, protecting both your crew and your budget.
When planning any project that disturbs the ground, calling utility locating services is more than just a precaution—it’s a necessity. Early detection of underground utilities not only keeps your project on time and on budget but also ensures the safety of everyone involved.
If you’re unsure whether your project qualifies, it’s better to be safe than sorry. A quick call can prevent major headaches down the line—and keep your project moving forward with confidence.
