When Should Homeowners Schedule Private Utility Locating?

If you're planning a home improvement project that involves digging, you’ve probably heard the advice: Call 811 before you dig.

Calling Georgia 811 is always the right first step. But many homeowners are surprised to learn that 811 does not locate every underground utility on private property.

So, when should homeowners schedule private utility locating?

Let’s walk through the most common situations.

First: What Does 811 Cover?

Georgia 811 notifies public utility companies before excavation. They typically mark public utilities up to the meter or public right-of-way.

However, 811 does not usually mark:

• Private power lines beyond the meter

• Irrigation systems

• Landscape lighting wiring

• Sewer laterals

• Secondary gas lines

• Detached garage or outbuilding feeds

• Previously installed private utility lines

On many properties — especially older homes or larger lots — there may be underground utilities that were added over time and never documented.

That’s where private utility locating becomes important.

Projects That Often Require Private Utility Locating

Homeowners in Georgia should strongly consider private utility locating before:

Installing a Fence

Fence posts require digging. Even shallow digging can strike irrigation lines, electric lines, or private gas lines.

Installing a Pool or Hot Tub

Pool or hot tub excavation is extensive. Knowing what lies underground before excavation protects both the project and your investment.

Irrigation System Installation or Repairs

Yards may already contain older irrigation lines or utilities that cross the property.

Landscaping & Tree Planting

Tree roots and underground lines can overlap. Digging without confirming utility locations increases risk.

Driveway Expansion or Concrete Work

Hardscape projects often involve trenching and grading.

Adding Outdoor Lighting

Installing lighting may require trenching for wiring.

If a project involves disturbing the ground, it’s worth asking whether private utility locating is needed.

Why Private Utility Locating Matters for Homeowners

Utility strikes can result in:

• Costly repairs

• Unexpected delays

• Safety hazards

• Water damage

• Gas leaks

• Electrical risks

Even smaller incidents — such as cutting an irrigation line — can disrupt landscaping and increase project costs.

Professional utility locating helps reduce the risk of hitting buried lines that 811 may not mark.

How Private Utility Locating Works

Private utility locating typically uses two technologies:

Electromagnetic (EM) Locating

Detects conductive utilities such as:

• Electric lines

• Gas lines

• Communication cables

Ground Penetrating Radar (GPR)

Detects non-conductive utilities such as:

• PVC water lines

• Sewer lines

• Unknown underground objects

Using EM and GPR together provides a clearer understanding of what lies beneath your yard.

When in Doubt, Ask Before You Dig

Not every small landscaping project requires private utility locating. However, if your project involves:

• Deeper excavation

• Large trenching

• Uncertainty about existing utilities

• Older property with unknown utility history

It’s wise to consider professional locating services.

In Georgia and across the Southeast, many properties contain private underground lines that are not documented or marked by 811.

Final Thoughts

Home improvement projects should be exciting — not stressful.

Calling 811 is always the first step. But if your project involves digging on private property, private utility locating may provide additional protection and peace of mind.

Knowing what lies below the surface before excavation begins helps protect your property, your investment, and your safety.

Before breaking ground, it’s always better to be informed.

Accuracy You Can Build On.