Hayward, CA
Fresno, CA
Orange, CA
Sacramento, CA
Phoenix, AZ
Key Takeaways
It's vital to locate underground utilities before any digging. For any project, big or small, it's vital to know where utility lines, like gas, water, and electricity, are buried. This can prevent accidents, costly repairs, and delays. Still, there are many myths about underground utility locating services that cause people to underestimate the complexity of the process.
This article will dispel myths about utility locating services. We'll explain why it's crucial for any excavation project, big or small.
One of the most common myths is that all utilities are easy to detect. Many believe that with the right tools, anyone can quickly locate underground utilities, but this isn’t the case.
While metallic pipes and cables can often be found using traditional methods, non-metallic utilities like plastic water pipes are much harder to detect. These require more advanced technologies, such as Ground Penetrating Radar (GPR). GPR sends radar waves into the ground, which bounce back when they hit an object. However, even GPR services isn’t perfect. Its effectiveness can be limited by factors like soil conditions, depth, and moisture content.
Traditional locating methods rely on electromagnetic tools, which are great for detecting metallic lines. However, when it comes to non-conductive materials like plastic or concrete pipes, these methods fall short. In these cases, technicians may need to use additional methods, such as inserting tracer wires into the pipes to make them detectable. This shows that utility locating isn’t a one-size-fits-all process, and it’s often more complex than people think.
Some people think they only need to worry about utility locating for major construction projects, like building houses or digging foundations. But this is a dangerous misconception.
Even small projects, such as planting trees or installing a fence, can run into buried utilities. Accidentally hitting a gas line while digging in your yard could cause a gas leak, putting both your family and the surrounding area at risk. Similarly, damaging telecom lines could disrupt communication services in your neighborhood. That’s why utility locating services are essential for any project that involves digging, no matter how small.
Even after the initial construction or installation is complete, ongoing maintenance projects like landscaping or adding small structures may still require utility locating. Over time, utility lines can shift due to soil movement or weather conditions. This makes it important to locate them again before any future digging. Routine checks help ensure that the utilities are still in the expected places and that no new lines have been installed without your knowledge.
Another myth is that DIY locating tools work just as well as professional services. Many homeowners or contractors may be tempted to skip hiring experts and instead use DIY tools, but this can lead to significant problems.
DIY locating tools often lack the precision needed for safely identifying utilities. These tools may provide rough estimates, but they can't match the accuracy of professional underground utility locating services. Misidentifying a utility's location can lead to dangerous accidents, such as breaking an electrical line or cutting into a sewer pipe​.
Even with access to professional-grade equipment, locating utilities isn’t just about having the right tools. Trained professionals know the job's complexities. They know how different soils affect detection. They also know the best methods for specific utilities. Without this expertise, DIY attempts often result in incomplete or inaccurate locates, increasing the risk of damage.
Some mistakenly believe that utility locating needs to be done only once, during the initial construction phase. This myth ignores that the underground landscape is always changing.
Over time, underground utilities can shift. Natural factors, like soil erosion, water runoff, and earthquakes, can cause this. As a result, utility lines may no longer be in the exact location where they were originally placed. This means we must revisit utility locating for any future work. This applies even to properties where the utilities were located before.
Also, as infrastructure evolves, new utilities might be installed that didn’t exist during the initial locating. A neighborhood without fiber-optic internet five years ago might now have underground communication cables. They are not shown in older utility maps. Regular assessments help account for all utilities. This reduces the risk of accidents and disruptions.
The last myth is that all utility locating services use the same tech. Therefore, their results are equally accurate. In reality, different technologies serve different purposes. Each has its pros and cons.
Common technologies used in utility locating include GPR and electromagnetic detection. GPR is great for finding non-metallic utilities. But, it struggles in some soils and can't always give exact depths. Electromagnetic tools work well for metallic lines. But, they can't detect plastic.
To get the best results, many pros use a mix of methods. For instance, vacuum excavation can measure utility depths precisely. It provides a level of detail that other tools can't match. This process, called Subsurface Utility Engineering (SUE), ensures high accuracy in locating all utilities. It minimizes the risk of damage during excavation.
Even small projects like planting trees or installing fences can hit utility lines. Damaging a gas or water line can lead to serious accidents and costly repairs.
DIY tools are available. But, they are less accurate and reliable than professional equipment. It's always best to hire experts for accurate results.
Utilities can shift over time. So, it's vital to check their locations before any new digging, even if they've been located before.
811 typically covers public utilities, but private lines may not be marked. A professional utility locating service can locate all types of underground utilities.
GPR is a technology. It detects non-metallic utilities, like plastic pipes. It does this by sending radar pulses into the ground. It's effective but has limitations based on soil conditions.
Stop work immediately and contact the utility provider. If it's a gas line or a dangerous utility, evacuate and call emergency services.
Inaccurate utility locating can lead to dangerous accidents, costly delays, and project failures. For any project in California and Arizona, big or small, it's vital to address myths about underground utility locating. This ensures safety and success. Professional utility locating services can safely and accurately map underground utilities. They have the expertise, tools, and knowledge to do this. Don’t rely on outdated maps, DIY tools, or the assumption that utilities are always where you expect them to be.
Contact Bess Utility Solutions today for expert utility locating services that ensure your project is completed safely, efficiently, and on time. Avoid costly mistakes—get a quote today!
Bess Utility Solutions
