BLOG

Foundation repair often requires cutting or drilling through a slab on grade foundation, yet buried utility infrastructure, sewer lines, embedded electrical, and post tension cables are frequently overlooked before work begins. This article outlines the investigation steps required before underpinning or polyurethane injection.

Winter private utility locating presents accuracy risks when snow hides surface features and utility paint markings disappear. Documentation becomes critical before ground disturbance begins.

For more than thirty years I have worked around buried utility infrastructure risk. Today my sons William and Chris are continuing that work through Know Before You Dig Locates, applying field experience, training, and a mindset focused on making risk visible before ground is disturbed.

Learn why utility coordination is essential before any private locate. Reduce risk, prevent delays, and ensure accurate buried utility infrastructure data on commercial sites.

811 Private Utility Lines. Why a “CLEAR” 811 Response Can Mislead

When a Private Locate Becomes a Design Locate

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.

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.

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.

A school gas line strike exposed failures across multiple parties, from engineering firms to locators. Learn why private locates and proper documentation are essential to prevent costly damages.

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.

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.

This post outlines utility locate responsibilities, private locate limitations, and what must be included in proposals and contracts before any ground disturbance begins.

This post explains the challenges, limitations, and stakeholder roles involved in private utility locates compared to public locates.

Planning environmental or geotechnical drilling? This post explains how expert utility locates protect borehole design and reduce strike risk.

Learn safe hand digging techniques near buried utility infrastructure, including tolerance zone best practices and utility owner compliance reminders.

Installing a pool? Learn how private design utility locates help homeowners and contractors avoid costly strikes and meet permit requirements in Texas.

Learn why verifying 811 utility locates is critical. This post explains common marking errors, grounding issues, and the importance of accurate verification private locates.

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.