top of page

KNOW BEFORE
YOU DIG
BLOG


Gas Station Borehole Drilling Safety: Why Critical Zones Matter
Gas station borehole drilling poses unique risks due to underground storage tanks, bundled utilities, and non-conductive piping. Learn why critical zones matter and how to prevent costly damages.
4 min read


Critical Zones for Water & Sewer on Private Property
Learn how to identify Critical Zones for water and sewer on private property when lines cannot be confirmed. This guide shows how to protect homeowners, contractors, and landscapers from costly utility strikes.
3 min read


Understanding the Unlocatable: Navigating the Limits of Utility Locates
Not all utilities can be located with standard equipment. This case study shows a communication tower with cameras and speakers where the cables couldn’t be traced due to open-ended, unpowered lines and no termination access — a real example of why clear communication and Critical Zone planning are essential before excavation.
3 min read


When Stump Grinding Hits More Than Wood: Why You Need Private Locates
Stump grinding can hit more than wood — this post reveals how gas and water lines were embedded inside stumps, and why private locates matter.
2 min read


Utility Locate Liability: Who’s Responsible for Missed Locates?
Who’s liable when a utility locate is missed? This post explains legal responsibility and how to reduce risk in public and private locate disputes.
1 min read


Utility Locate Risks & ASCE 38-22: Why Missing Information Increases Strikes
Missing records, poor access, or unavailable site personnel all increase the risk of utility strikes. This post explores how ASCE 38-22 helps reduce that risk.
4 min read


Locate Requirements for Ground Disturbance Proposals and Contracts: Risks, Liability & ASCE 38-22
This post outlines utility locate responsibilities, private locate limitations, and what must be included in proposals and contracts before any ground disturbance begins.
4 min read


Private Utility Locates: Stakeholders, Risks & Why Blind Locates Still Happen
This post explains the challenges, limitations, and stakeholder roles involved in private utility locates compared to public locates.
3 min read


Geotechnical & Environmental Drilling: Protect Your Borehole Projects with Expert Locates
Planning environmental or geotechnical drilling? This post explains how expert utility locates protect borehole design and reduce strike risk.
2 min read


Hand Digging Near Buried Utility Infrastructure: Best Practices for Safe Excavation
Learn safe hand digging techniques near buried utility infrastructure, including tolerance zone best practices and utility owner compliance reminders.
3 min read


Avoid Pool Installation Delays with Design Utility Locates in DFW
Installing a pool? Learn how private design utility locates help homeowners and contractors avoid costly strikes and meet permit requirements in Texas.
3 min read


Supporting 811: Why Verifying Utility Locates Enhances Safety and Accuracy
Learn why verifying 811 utility locates is critical. This post explains common marking errors, grounding issues, and the importance of accurate verification private locates.
2 min read


What Do Utility Marking Colors on Streets and Sidewalks Mean?
Understand what each spray paint color means when you see markings on the road or sidewalk. This guide explains utility marking colors used to locate buried gas, water, and electric lines.
2 min read


Homeowner’s Guide to Utility Locates in Texas: Public vs Private Explained
New to utility locates in Texas? This guide helps homeowners understand who marks what, how to stay compliant with Texas 811, and when to call a private locator.
3 min read


Private Utility Locate Guideline: Roles, Risks, and Requirements
Learn what a private utility locate really involves. This guideline outlines the roles of landowners, excavators, and private locate technicians, and explains how to reduce the risk of missed buried infrastructure.
7 min read


Utility Locating Texas: Know Before You Dig Locates LLC Now Open to Support Safe Excavation
Know Before You Dig Locates LLC is now open in Texas! Discover how our team protects excavation projects through expert utility locating and safety consulting.
2 min read
Stay up to date with industry news, Guidelines, and Best Practices.
bottom of page




