If you are planning a construction, landscaping, or excavation project in Colorado Springs, safety and accuracy should be your top priorities.
Many property owners and contractors rely on calling 811 - the national “Call Before You Dig” service - to mark utility lines. While this is an important first step, did you know they only mark public utility lines? Beyond those public utility lines, there are private gas lines, electrical wires, communication cables, and other factors to consider as well.
Understanding what is beneath the surface on your property before you dig is crucial to avoid costly damages and safety hazards. That’s why, in addition to calling 811, you should also rely on a private utility locator to make sure your project is safe and ultimately successful.
Today, our team at Apex Land Surveying and Mapping LLC explores the differences between calling the national 811 hotline and hiring a private utility locator to help you determine which option is best for your next project.
What Happens When You Call 811?
811 is a service provided by utility companies to mark public utility lines before any digging or excavation.
When you call 811, utility providers in your area will send technicians to locate and mark buried lines for gas, water, electricity, and other services. This process typically takes a few days, and the markings are made using flags or paint to indicate the presence of underground utilities.
While 811 is a great first step in preventing accidental damage, it certainly has its limitations. The service only marks public utilities, meaning it won’t account for any privately installed lines, such as irrigation systems, private gas or electrical lines, or communication cables. There are times when an 811 TIcket is not properly completed, leaving room for doubt on underground utility locations.
Because of this, if you are working on a private property, relying solely on 811 often leaves hidden risks underground.
Why Hire a Private Utility Locator?
Instead of simply calling 811, it pays to incorporate a private utility locator service to provide a more in-depth assessment. These services locate both public and private utility lines that may not be covered by 811.
Private utility location services frequently incorporate advanced ground-penetrating radar (GPR), electromagnetic induction, and other specialized techniques to detect underground infrastructure. This is valuable for projects on commercial properties, private residences, or construction sites with complex utility layouts.
When you hire a team like ours for a private utility location, we will reach out to our network of private utility locators and incorporate them into the scope of services of the project. Once we engage with a private utility locator for your project, you get:
A More Comprehensive Set of Results – A private utility locator will locate private and abandoned lines that 811 may not mark. Our Team will follow up and measure the markings in the field.
Greater Accuracy – Private utility locators Advanced tools ensure a precise depth and location of underground utilities while 811 typically has a margin for error of 25 inches in either direction. Calling 811 also does not include the depth of private utility lines.
Faster Service – While public utility technicians can take several days to complete their markings, A private utility locator will arrive promptly for fast and efficient service.
Better Protection for Your Project – Avoid unexpected line strikes, costly delays, and potential fines.
Which Option is Best for You?
Whether you are installing a fence, landscaping, or taking on a large excavation project, calling 811 as well as hiring a private utility locator ensures a more accurate and reliable approach to what lies beneath the surface.
At Apex Land Surveying and Mapping LLC, we offer expert land surveying services for Colorado Springs and the Front Range. This includes Land Survey Plats (LSPs), Improvement Survey Plats (ISPs), ALTA/NSPS Land Title Surveys, Improvement Location Certificates (ILCs), and Topographic Surveys.
Consider private utility location services to get a comprehensive and precise assessment of what lies underneath your property. This is so that you can dig without worrying about unnecessary damage to integral utility components.
Connect with Apex Land Surveying and Mapping LLC today to ensure your project starts on a solid foundation—safely and accurately.
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