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Why Timing Matters: When to Schedule Utility Locating Services for Your Project

January 10, 2025 / Written by: Bess Utility Solutions

January 10, 2025
Written by: Bess Utility Solutions

Key Takeaways:

  • Schedule your utility locating services early during the planning phase to avoid delays and hazards.
  • Always locate utilities before applying for permits or breaking ground.
  • Re-check utility markings if they fade due to weather or site activity.
  • Adjust utility locating when making significant design changes.
  • Emergency repairs and landscaping projects also require underground utility locating services.
  • Regular maintenance ensures safety and keeps your utility records accurate.
  • Early scheduling saves money and prevents costly mistakes.

Whether you’re breaking ground on a new project or planning maintenance work, timing is everything. One of the most important yet often overlooked steps is scheduling utility locating services. Without it, your project could face safety hazards, delays, or even costly fines.

Here’s how to decide when to schedule underground utility locating services and why it matters for your project’s success.

When Do You Need To Contact A Utility Locator?

Scheduling utility locating services at the right time is critical for keeping your project on track and avoiding costly delays.

Early Planning Stages

The earlier you schedule utility locating, the better. This step should ideally be integrated into the planning phase before any physical work begins.

Why so early?

  • Underground utilities are not always where you think they are. Maps can be outdated or incomplete.
  • Identifying potential conflicts early gives you time to adjust plans.
  • It helps avoid unnecessary delays once construction starts.

Pro Tip: As soon as you finalize your project location, get in touch with a utility locating company.

Before Getting Permits

Some cities and municipalities require proof of utility location before they issue permits. If you skip this step, you might waste time reapplying for approvals.

Why it’s crucial:

  • Many jurisdictions have laws that mandate utility locating to prevent damage.
  • You can avoid penalties by proving you’ve done your due diligence.

A Few Weeks Before Groundbreaking

Scheduling utility locating services at least two weeks before excavation ensures the team has enough time to mark utilities accurately.

Here’s why you need a buffer:

  • Utility locating companies often handle multiple projects, so booking early secures your spot.
  • Unforeseen issues, like bad weather or equipment access challenges, can cause delays.

During Design Adjustments

If your project’s design changes significantly, it’s smart to schedule another round of underground utility locating services.

Key situations where this applies:

  • Moving structures, pipelines, or other major components.
  • Adding new features that require digging deeper or wider.
  • Adjusting layouts to avoid newly discovered obstacles.

Utilities don’t move, but your plans might. Keeping utility locating updated ensures you stay on track.

After Utility Markings Fade

Utility markings on the ground don’t last forever. Rain, snow, or simple wear and tear can make them fade. If there’s a gap between marking and digging, re-scheduling utility locating services is a must.

How to spot fading marks:

  • Paint lines become faint or washed out.
  • Flags are moved or removed.
  • Heavy equipment or traffic disturbs the site.

For Emergency Repairs

Not every project is planned. Sometimes, emergency situations arise, like burst pipes or downed power lines. In these cases, scheduling underground utility locating services immediately is critical.

Why it’s essential:

  • Digging without knowing where utilities are can worsen the damage.
  • Emergency locates can prevent further hazards, like gas leaks or power outages.

Before Large Landscaping Projects

Even non-construction projects, like landscaping, need utility locating services. Tree planting, irrigation systems, and fence installations can all interfere with underground utilities.

Don’t overlook these common projects:

  • Installing swimming pools or decks.
  • Digging trenches for drainage.
  • Heavy garden structures, like pergolas or retaining walls, can be added.

Many homeowners and small business owners don’t realize they need locating services until it’s too late.

Regular Maintenance and Inspections

Even if you’re not planning major projects, scheduling utility locating every few years is a good practice. Infrastructure changes, new developments, or natural events can shift underground utilities.

Benefits of routine checks:

  • Keeps your records updated.
  • Prevents surprises when future projects arise.
  • Ensures your property remains safe and compliant.

How to Ensure Accurate Results

When scheduling utility locating services, keep these tips in mind for the best outcomes:

  • Provide clear site access. Ensure the area is free of debris or obstacles that could block equipment.
  • Share accurate site plans or any existing utility records.
  • Communicate project timelines clearly to avoid last-minute surprises.

Why Timing Impacts Costs

Scheduling at the wrong time can lead to added expenses, like remobilizing crews or fixing accidental damage. Here’s how timing can save you money:

  • Early locating reduces design rework.
  • Emergency or last-minute bookings often come with higher fees.
  • Delays caused by utility issues can add to labor and equipment costs.

Common Misconceptions About Utility Locating Timing

It’s easy to think that utility locating can wait until the last minute. However, this approach often leads to more problems.

Here’s what people get wrong:

  • “I can use online maps instead.” Maps are helpful, but they’re not always reliable or precise.
  • “Utilities are buried deep, so I won’t hit them.” Many utilities, like fiber optics or gas lines, are just inches below the surface.
  • “I only need locating for big projects.” Even small projects can cause major issues if utilities are hit.

Being proactive is always better than dealing with the consequences later.

Why Bess Utility Solutions is Your Go-To for Stress-Free Utility Locating

At Bess Utility Solutions, we make utility locating simple and stress-free. Our underground utility locating services are designed to fit into your project timeline without delays.

Here’s why clients choose us:

  • Fast scheduling to meet tight deadlines.
  • Advanced equipment for accurate results.
  • Experienced teams who prioritize safety and efficiency.

Don’t leave utility locating to chance. Contact Bess Utility Solutions today to ensure your project starts on the right track.

Bess Utility Solutions
Bess Utility Solutions (BESS), provides solutions to mitigate the underground utility related risks associated with the design and construction of civil and infrastructure projects. These solutions include: Ground Penetrating Radar (GPR), concrete scanning, underground utility location, vacuum excavation and utility mapping.

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