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KNOW Before You Dig
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Private Utility Locating on Private Property: From Field Locator to Industry Advocate
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.
Feb 164 min read


Why Utility Coordination Matters for Private Locates
Learn why utility coordination is essential before any private locate. Reduce risk, prevent delays, and ensure accurate buried utility infrastructure data on commercial sites.
Dec 5, 20253 min read


When a Private Locate Becomes a Design Locate
When a Private Locate Becomes a Design Locate
Oct 24, 20253 min read


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.
Sep 2, 20254 min read


Private Utility Locating in Lewisville, Flower Mound & Denton
Know Before You Dig Locates has opened a new office in Lewisville to serve Flower Mound, Denton, and North DFW. Learn how our private utility locating services keep homeowners and contractors safe.
Aug 18, 20252 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.
Aug 13, 20253 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.
Aug 9, 20253 min read


School Gas Line Damage: A Case Study in Multiple Party Failures
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.
Aug 4, 20253 min read


Why Every Project Needs a Design Utility Locate: Know Before You Design
Design locates ensure underground utilities are identified before construction begins. Unlike free One Call services, Know Before You Design locates reveal privately owned lines and prevent costly redesigns, utility strikes, and project delays.
Jul 30, 20253 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.
May 21, 20252 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.
Mar 11, 20254 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.
Feb 16, 20254 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.
May 20, 20247 min read
Industry insights, guidelines, and real-world lessons from the field
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