5 Myths About Utility Mapping

utility mapping

There are a number of cables, pipes, and other conduits beneath your feet that carry gas, electricity, water, and digital information. As a result, site planning for development and design projects has become even more crucial, not only to extend the utility lines’ lives, but also to provide uninterrupted views.

A project can be kept on track if you are familiar with the location of buried utilities before you start construction. During the early planning stages, knowing the locations of utilities is often crucial, depending on the scope of your project. Then, you can develop your site plan and determine the feasibility of your project in the most cost-effective manner.

You should always locate utilities accordingly when planning your next project, even though they are a bit misunderstood. The following information will ensure a smooth and successful construction project by dispelling a few common misconceptions about utility mapping.

1. Pre-Existing Utility Maps Are Reliable

The utility map you have of your property may seem reliable, but it may not include older lines that weren’t recorded at the time the map was made. The map may not include any utility lines that have been built since it was created.

Using a utility map alone is not always a good idea, since they are not always completely accurate and can be misinterpreted. Prior to any excavation or drilling, utility marking needs to be done, even if you believe the map is accurate.

2. Mapping & Locating Utility Assets is Accurate

Despite its improvements over the last few decades, utility locating remains an imperfect science. It is possible for readings to be inaccurate for a variety of reasons. An operator’s experience, the type of equipment used, and the ground conditions all play a role.

Despite advances in technology, accurate results might not always be achieved. Although ground-penetrating radars and other pipe-locating equipment are highly accurate and provide cutting-edge technology, they have some limitations. Don’t forget that the readings taken are the operator’s interpretation.

3. Utility Mapping Checks Are One-Time Only

A thorough mapping of existing utilities is done before beginning any new excavation or drilling project to ensure everyone’s safety. Since the last excavation or utility survey, there may have been a new electric or gas service added. Markouts are always a good idea before digging.

There might be obstructions during the survey time that prevent utility locators from fully accessing the site. It is also possible to gather clues by discussing the site with staff familiar with it, as well as by accessing nearby utility rooms and finding utility records.

4. Non-Metallic Utilities Are Not Detectable

It is still possible to locate non-metallic utilities using Ground-Penetrating Radar (GPR), even if GPR is not able to see all utilities. Additionally, the utility can be traced using a cable or pipe locating device if the conduit pipe is hollow with a metallic trace wire inserted into it.

5. You Can Locate All Utilities With The 811 Service

It is vital that your property be surveyed if you plan to dig. Conducting a survey with Call 811 will help prevent accidental damage. After you call 811, your local utility provider will get in touch with you to let them know you’re planning on digging.

But some utility companies don’t mark your ground quickly, so private utility lines may not be taken into account if the meter, box, or transformer is on your side. Marking the communication, electric, gas, water, and sewer lines within your property will usually require the assistance of a private locating company.

A professional, reliable, and trustworthy utility mapping service is what you can expect from our team of skilled experts. Contact Util-Locate today at 888-885-6228 or email us at info@util-locate.com for more information about our services!

Utility Service Locator with Depth Indicator

Utility locating

It is common knowledge that utility locating keeps workers as well as residents safe. Additionally, it contributes to on-time and on-budget project completion. It’s important to keep in mind that this service can be used for much more than damage prevention, however.

Utility locating contributes to the efficiency of construction sites, the safety of communities, and the operational efficiency of utilities. In order to effectively locate materials, utilities, diggers, and 811 operators must cooperate.

Utility Locating: How Does It Work?

Utility locating involves creating a detailed map of what’s going on under the surface using high-tech equipment, also known as underground utility mapping or utility detection. A utility locator verifies existing infrastructure and manages excavation practices safely, rather than risking damage to underground pipes and cables.

The ability to map and account for utilities before opening the ground is vital when using hydro excavation and other soft digging equipment. Location services using electromagnetic field technology are among the most popular today, since this technology generates, sends, and receives electromagnetic radio frequencies through the earth.

By converting signal strength into depth, modern locators can also measure depth. Signals from other sources can, however, cause distortion, resulting in errors in in-depth measurements.

What Are the Uses of Utility Locating?

Residential, commercial, and civil utilities can be mapped with underground utility mapping technology. Private builders and government organizations involved in infrastructure projects use this technology regularly, although it can be prohibitively expensive for small residential jobs.

Locators reduce the risk of damaging underground pipes and other services by preventing them from being hit and broken. To reduce the risk of exposure to dangerous electric wires and waste-water pipes, pipe locator technology is also an important part of health and safety.

Using advanced technology and training, private utility locators are capable of producing more detailed deliverables, such as digital maps, thereby reducing the possibility of mistakes and costly delays. Construction delays, buried line damage, and injuries are more likely to occur when locators miss buried lines or surface markers due to limited technology or training.

When Should You Call a Utility Locator?

Any project that involves digging deeper than 16 inches into the ground requires the assistance of a licensed utility locator. Calling the national service line is generally sufficient for simple residential projects. However, companies that perform utility location services can be contacted for larger commercial or municipal projects.

To locate underground gas lines, electrical lines, water pipes, and more, a utility locator uses certain technologies, such as EMR and EMI. For your project to run smoothly, this is an absolute necessity. In order to avoid liability and safety risks, it is imperative to conduct a new assessment of underground utilities.

This process can take a few hours to several days, depending on the size of the property, to be scanned. You will reduce your liability risk if your crew is injured or an accident occurs when utilities are marked before you begin work.

Looking for experienced surveyors to assist with your large-scale commercial project? With advanced technology and in-depth utility locating training, Util-Locate delivers high-quality, accurate field data through a large pool of utility services locating experts to its customers.

Util-Locate is ready to provide safety and expertise for your utility mapping project if you’re looking for a reputable and experienced utility mapping company. For more information about concrete scanning at Util-Locate, feel free to contact us at 888-885-6228.

Top 3 Things You Should Know About Utility Locating

Utility Making Surveys

For any successful project, utility locating is very essential to avoid costly damages or accidents resulting from digging or excavation. Without proper locating, problems can arise that can be very hard to circumvent. This is why you need a reliable locating service regardless of how small the project is. You cannot rely on line of sight of utility trails. Looking for top-notch utility locating services will ensure that you don’t incidentally come into contact with underground infrastructure. Here are three things you should know about utility locating.

Utility Locating is a damage prevention control prior to excavating/digging.

There are many dangers that exist when you try to dig without proper locating. Underground gas lines pose a safety risk if they are interfered with. Fiber optic lines, water lines, power lines, sewer lines, and other utility lines are very expensive to replace or repair. You don’t want to run into buried lines when digging and cause a major inconvenience. Here at Util-Locate, we give you the confidence to dig knowing that you are safe. We use the latest high-resolution GPR units that guarantee accuracy and helps locate targets in a non-destructive way.

Utility Locating lets you know where your utility services are, which is vital to any pre-design project

Long before you start designing or digging, you can seek utility locating services to establishing the existing mains. This is an essential process that you cannot afford to overlook. No matter the scope of the project, a professional technician will accurately map out the utility locations and their depths. This information will be useful in the placement of structures, trees, foundations, and other necessary demarcations. There are two types of utility lines: private and public utility. For public utilities, you can call 811 for a free locating service. Despite this, only 33% of DIY homeowners call 811 for a free utility locating service. Calling a private utility locating company to mark utility lines is more often the better option. This is because not all utilities are owned publicly and or constitute public utilities. To avoid incidental damage to underground utilities, you will need utility locating done by experienced technicians with the proper tools for the job. Read more underground pipe locator services.

Utility Locating not only saves thousands in damages but lives

We all know how costly and labor intensive it can be to have to replace or repair damaged water lines, sewer lines and other infrastructure. Worse still, there exists the danger of electrocution in the case of cut power lines and dangerous explosions if a gas pipe is interfered with. This can lead to injury and loss of many lives, and cause property destruction worth a lot more money. Our highly trained utility locators are not only focused on damage prevention but also in ensuring no life is lost because of an avoidable mistake.

A single call can save you thousands of dollars and prevent disaster from occurring. We use state-of-the-art technology to improve accuracy and give you peace of mind for all your excavation and digging projects.

4 Reasons to Call In Private Underground Utility Locating Services

utility locating service

You’re planning on building a new property. You were told to get help from a utility locating service. You’re not sure if you should. Is it worth the cost? Maybe you can just do the work yourself. This article will go through the reasons why you need help from a private utility locating service.

What is a Private Utility Locating Service?

Before we go through the reasons why you need help from a private utility locating company, we have to identify what this kind of provider is. It’s important to distinguish public utility lines from private utility lines.

Public utility lines are those provided and serviced by utility companies and include power, gas, sewers, communications, water, and other public utilities.

On the other hand, private utility lines are those that are installed privately by the owners of the property or someone else. For example, an electrical line going to a barn from the main house or a gas line going to a grill can be considered private utility lines.

Reasons to Get a Utility Locating Service

So, why should you get help from a utility locating service? Here are four of the reasons why:

They Specialize in Utility Location

You might suppose that it is best to go DIY with locating the conduit or the fiber lines under your property, but a mistake on your part can be costly. It can also be dangerous.

It is best to hire experts who are experienced at locating the buried lines under your property and have them mark those. Their experience and knowledge will ensure that building your structure is off to the right start.

They Have the Right Equipment

On top of the knowledge and experience, a team from a utility locating service will also have the right tools to do the job. For example, they can use Ground Penetrating Radar (GPR) to locate communication and sewer lines that might not be detected by other methods.

They also have access to other sophisticated tools that can be used to identify everything that is underground.

They Provide Fast Service

You know that there is an electric line under your property but you’re not sure where it is located. You can try tracing it but that will take time. It can take days for you to identify its path on the ground.

Unfortunately, you don’t have the luxury of time to get it done. This is why you should ask for help from a utility locating service. They can get the job done quickly, so you can move on with your project. 

They Ensure Safety

For any construction undertaking, safety should always be the priority and when you have unknown gas and electrical lines on the job site, there is the risk of those lines being struck. It’s better to stay safe and sure than take chances. The cost of having someone injured because of striking an electrical line is a serious risk.

Choose a Trusted Utility Locating Service for Your Next Project

Util-Locate is an industry leader and the top choice for utility locating. We have been providing damage prevention for more than 20 years with our high-quality services and cutting-edge tools. Our team is highly trained and can ensure safe utility locating service.

For more details on how to get the best utility locating service and to get the best deal for utility locating, contact us at 888-885-6228 at Util-Locate today!

Private Utility Locating: What Homeowners Need to Know

utility locating service

When do you need help from a utility locating service? Below, we’ll discuss what it is and what you need to know about it as a homeowner. Not all utilities are the same and it’s time for you to know the difference between private and public ones.

It’s also important that you learn about the value of private utility locating services. 

Private and Public Utilities: What are the Differences?

Public utility lines are provided by utility companies and they can define exactly where their lines start and end. By dialing 811, you can get information as to where public utility lines are located. Typical public utility lines include water, gas, sewer,  phone, cable, fiber, and others. Each state has its own guidelines regarding public utility lines.

On the other hand, there are private utility lines that have no state guidelines controlling them. In fact, there are more private utility lines than public ones. About 65% of all utility lines are private.

Examples of private utility lines include electrical lines going to a shed or a garage, a gas line connected to a grill, irrigation lines, and sewer laterals. Knowing where these lines are located is just as crucial to safety as knowing where public utility lines are. 

Utility lines, whether private or public, are all dangerous when they are struck during digging and can cause damage.

Private Utility Locating 101

If you are planning on digging around your property, then you need to call 811 or maybe visit the respective 811 website for your state and request that utility lines be marked properly so you don’t hit any line or pipe underground.

Keep in mind that 811 will only locate and mark public utility lines. For buried private utility lines, that would be your responsibility. And with that, you will need to get help from a utility locating service provider.

Technicians of utility locating service providers undergo extensive training to be sure that they can cover the entire ground and they can locate all lines, conduits, valves, pipes, and cables under your property.

They use Ground Penetrating Radar (GPR) to locate where hidden lines are. GPR uses radio waves to detect and identify objects that are hidden. It’s inevitable that some lines cannot be identified by traditional methods. Without GPR, these lines would not be identified at all.

Just relying on the traditional methods of looking for lines is not enough, especially when there is a good chance that private utility lines have been buried on the job site.

Get Help from a Trusted Utility Locating Service 

So, if you are digging in your property and you are unsure if there have been utility lines buried there, it would make sense to get help from a utility locating service provider. 

If you need assistance in locating utility lines under your property, you may fill out our online form to get help from a top-notch private utility locating service, or contact us at 888-885-6228 at Util-Locate today!

Hiring Vacuum Excavation Experts Prevents Accidents

utility potholing

When planning your next home improvement or repair project, make sure to proceed with caution. This is especially true if your project involves digging. The first step to any project of this magnitude is having a proper utility locate service performed. While it may add a few days to your project’s timeline, having utility potholing completed in your yard can save you from dangerous outcomes.

What Went Wrong in Southern California  

Recently, Southern California was devastated by an accidental gas explosion: fifteen people were injured, and a Southern California Gas Company worker lost his life. Sadly, the ruptured gas line could have been avoided had the local contractor used a utility locating service. 

The contractor not only violated state law but put others at risk. Most likely, the contractor didn’t think locating utilities was essential for the work he was doing. It’s far too common for contractors, handymen, and homeowners to either be overconfident in their abilities or to underestimate the task at hand. However, one must always consider the dangers of their projects and determine whether or not the are truly qualified.

Accidents involving utilities do not always result in death. Some accidents result in damaged property, physical injuries, or high costs. In some cases, calling the local utility company might suffice. 

In other situations, it’s best to hire a private utility locating company. These private companies often have more autonomy on your property and can identify all of your utility lines in one visit. Also see potholing for utilities.

vacuum excavation contractors

Experts Always Do a Utility Pothole Inspection

Potholing is a process that confirms underground utilities and obstructions. As the first part of investigating what’s underground, utility potholing starts with a small, exploratory hole along the planned route of new construction or repairs. While some contractors rely on digital locating devices to find pipes, utility lines, and other obstructions, there are times when actually seeing what’s underground is essential.

Digging without first locating underground utilities runs the risk of hitting the gas, power lines, communications, water, and sewer lines. While nicking one of these utilities might seem harmless, it can result in significant issues: 

  • Service disruption
  • Costly repairs
  • Acute injuries
  • Death

Did you know? Accidentally cutting an underground fiber optics line could stop internet services from working throughout your neighborhood, and you could be held liable for the loss of that service.

utility potholing

What Methods Do Excavation Experts Use?

In the past, manually removing dirt was the only method used to locate and protect utility lines. There are still times when hand tools are preferred. Modern techniques include vacuum excavation. The best method depends on your project and what gets the job done.

Hand Tools

While labor-intensive, using a shovel, pickax, or another hand tool to pothole is perfect for small spaces where precision is necessary. Hand tools are also the cheapest pieces of equipment used to dig. On the flip side, hand tools require a great deal of time and effort, especially when dealing with harder ground surfaces. Shovels are unlikely to damage underground pipes but can slice through cable or communication wires.

Backhoes

When precision isn’t necessary, backhoes are incredible options. The work is much less labor-intensive and can be completed rather quickly. When a new development is excavating for new foundations, backhoes are the easiest and best option. The biggest downside of using a backhoe exists when utilities are present. 

Even the most skilled backhoe operator runs the risk of hitting and damaging subterranean lines. This is why most backhoe operators use a spotter to help keep a closer eye on where they are digging. Backhoes also don’t fit into many spaces, especially once houses or other structures are in place.

Vacuum Excavation

Simply knowing where a utility line isn’t always enough. Many projects need to work around existing utility lines. Digging up an entire utility line can take a long time, cost a lot of money, and require quite a bit of workforce. Also, you must consider how digging can destroy your yard. 

Vacuum excavation is a method used to locate underground utilities without the same mess as manually digging. The process involves using water or air to break up soil before suctioning up the broken ground into a storage tank. Vacuum excavation contractors can eliminate nearly all risk of damaging underground utilities at a lower cost and higher level of precision. In some cases, the soil can even be reused cutting down on landscaping costs.

There are two main methods of vacuum excavation:

  • Air Excavation:

Air excavation uses compressed air to loosen and break up the soil. Since the primary element of this process is air, the earth is still used to fill in holes later on.

  • Hydro Excavation:

Instead of air, hydro excavation uses high-pressure water to loosen and break apart dirt. This technique is also extremely precise, although faster than air-based methods. Since the primary element is water, the soil is no longer fit to be used again.

Both air and hydro excavation allow you to pothole quickly, easily, and safely. At the same time, however, the vacuum excavation process is not something anyone can do. Besides the hefty investment in equipment, operating a vacuum excavation system requires a great deal of skill and experience. 

Unfortunately, your utility company or other public “call before you dig” service most likely won’t use vacuum excavation methods. Hiring a private potholing company may seem like an extra expense, but it can certainly save you money in the long run.

Which Method is Best?

The nature of the job at hand will ultimately determine which method is best. The key is that underground utilities are safely located and protected to keep major accidents from becoming commonplace. 

Most homeowners won’t be able to decide on their own which method is best. Using a reputable utility locating company is the best way to ensure your project or repair is done without the risk of a significant accident.