Electric Power Line Locating: Avoiding Hazards During Construction

Key Takeaways:

1. Digging blindly is dangerous. Hitting an electric power line can cause injuries, delays, and expensive damage. Always check before you dig.
2. Public marks aren’t enough. Utility companies mark public utilities, but private lines (like septic systems or gas lines) need a private utility locator.
3. Tech makes locating easier. Professionals use tools like ground-penetrating radar and video pipe inspection to find both metal and non-metallic utilities.
4. Skipping locating is risky. Cutting an electric line can lead to fires or fines. It’s never worth the gamble.
5. Call experts for safety. Companies like Bess Utility Solutions use advanced technology to map underground facilities, giving you a permanent record for future projects.

When you’re about to start a construction project, the last thing you want is a nasty surprise. Hitting an underground utility line can cause serious damage, delays, and even life-threatening accidents. That’s why electrical line locating services are a must before any digging begins.

Imagine this: You’re digging a trench for a new garden shed, and suddenly, your shovel strikes something hard. A few seconds later, you realize it’s a live electric line. Not only could this cause a power outage, but it could also put you in serious danger. Underground utilities are everywhere—electric power lines, water lines, gas lines, septic systems, and more. If you don’t know where they are, you’re taking a huge risk.

This is where private utility locating services come in. These experts use advanced technology to map out underground facilities before you dig. Whether you’re a property owner or a contractor, knowing what’s below the surface keeps everyone safe.

Why Electrical Line Locating Matters

Construction accidents involving underground infrastructure happen more often than you’d think. One wrong move, and you could rupture a gas line, cut a water pipe, or worse—hit an electric power line. The results can be deadly.

Public utilities like water lines and electric lines are usually marked by the city or utility companies. Locating electrical lines before digging or construction is critical for safety, project efficiency, and regulatory compliance. Striking underground power lines can cause serious injuries, service outages, costly repairs, and legal issues. Accurate electrical line locating helps prevent accidents, protects infrastructure, and keeps projects on schedule. Whether for new construction, repairs, or landscaping, proper line locating is a smart investment that safeguards workers, the public, and your bottom line.

How Utility Locating Works

Underground utility locating isn’t just guesswork. Professionals use tools like ground-penetrating radar (GPR) and electromagnetic locators to detect underground pipes and cables. Some even use video pipe inspection to get a clear view of what’s underneath.

But what about private utilities? Things like septic systems, private utility lines, and storage tanks might not be on any public map. That’s why hiring a private utility locator is so important. They specialize in finding non-metallic utilities and other hidden dangers that standard locators might miss.

Here’s the thing: Not all underground utility lines are easy to find. Metal pipes and cables are simpler to detect, but non-metallic utilities (like plastic pipes) require special equipment. A good private utility locating service will have the right tools to handle any situation.

The Dangers of Skipping Utility Locating

Some people think they can skip utility locating to save time or money. Big mistake. Here’s what could go wrong:

• Electrical hazards – Cutting into an electric line can cause fires, electrocution, or power outages.
• Gas leaks – Damaging a gas line can lead to explosions or toxic exposure.
• Water damage – Hitting a water pipe might flood your site and cause costly repairs.
• Legal trouble – If you damage public utilities, you could face fines or lawsuits.

Even if you’re working on private property, the risks are real. That’s why smart contractors and property owners never skip underground utility locating.

When Do You Need Private Utility Locating?

Not every dig requires the same level of caution, but here are some situations where private underground utility locating services are a must:

• Building a new structure – Whether it’s a house, shed, or fence, you need to know what’s underground.
• Landscaping projects – Deep digging for trees or pools can disturb underground facilities.
• Road or driveway construction – Heavy machinery increases the risk of hitting buried lines.
• Renovation work – Even if the site has been dug before, utility lines can shift over time.

If you’re unsure, it’s always better to call a private utility locator than to take chances.

How Bess Utility Solutions Can Help

At Bess Utility Solutions, we specialize in private utility locating. Our team uses the latest advanced technology to detect underground utility lines accurately. We don’t just look for the obvious—we scan for non-metallic utilities, storage tanks, and even old septic systems that others might miss.

We also provide utility mapping, giving you a permanent record of what’s below your site. This is especially helpful for future excavation projects.

Play It Safe—Call Before You Dig!

Digging without checking for underground utilities is like driving blindfolded—it’s only a matter of time before something goes wrong. Private utility locating services take the guesswork out of construction, keeping your project on track and, more importantly, keeping people safe.

If you’re planning any kind of digging, don’t risk it. Get a professional utility locating service first. At Bess Utility Solutions, we make sure your project starts—and finishes—without any nasty surprises.

Ready to dig safely? Contact us today for reliable utility locating services in California and Arizona.