Last Updated on September 4, 2019
You can find a variety of services when you dig underground. From fiber optic cables and electrical service to water lines and sewer lines, you must know where these lines are before beginning any excavation process. One way to ensure that you know the location of underground cables and pipes is to contact your city planning and development. After you have established the position of these underground infrastructures, you can begin digging; however, throughout the entire excavation process, you should continue to be careful finding other underground cables. The following tips will help you determine the location of these pipes and cables:
Residential Properties – Obtain a Map of Your Property from the City
You may want to talk to your city for map or your local utility companies. In rural areas, this can be of vital importance. For instance, residents in many cities can get a map that shows the main sewer lines as well as the direction of flow. Even with this information, you must determine how long and how deep those lines are located as they make their way to your home. Verifying the information using your city’s utility map or calling 811 before you dig is the best way to avoid accidents.
Determine Where to Dig Before You Begin and Where You Need to End
Before you begin any excavation, you must know where to start digging and where to end it. If you are in a rural area, you probably will not have as many obstacles (sidewalks, driveways, etc.) as you would in an urban area. Mapping out your trenching area beforehand and using a city map can help make the job of trenching much easier, which will allow you to get the job done faster.
Find a Utility Location Service that Offers the Right Tools for the Job
If you want to ensure complete accuracy in utility mapping, you should check out a utility location service company. These companies may have the tools need to help avoid injury during the excavation process. They use electromagnetic locating equipment to determine the exact layout of underground utilities. As technology continues to advance, the risk of an unexpected collision of existing services during the excavation process. Finding the utilities using ground-penetrating radar and electromagnetic equipment is done above ground rather than digging areas in your lawn to locate the utility services.
The main reason why it is vital to find all existing underground utilities is to keep yourself, your family, your neighbors, and the city safe from environmental hazards. If an underground utility is hit, it can be challenging to repair. Therefore, it is best to contact a utility locating service who has the experience needed. They will be able to quickly ascertain the information concerning the location of underground utilities on your property.
If you will be performing landscaping projects on your property or need to make a sewer or water line repair, you must know where to dig and what areas should be avoided. Knowing the location of all underground utilities will help to ensure the safety of you, your family, your neighbors, and the residents in the city. Always call before you dig and speak to a city planner before you begin digging. Map out the area you will be trenching, and finally, contact an underground utility location service to ensure you are digging in the right location.
