VERIFICATION UTILITY LOCATES
Two Types of Verification. One Goal: Zero Surprises
Two Types of Verification. One Goal: Zero Surprises.
Not all utility locate markings are created equal. At Know Before You Dig Locates, we offer two types of verification services to ensure buried infrastructure is accurately identified before you dig:
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Public Locate (811) Verification – included with every private locate
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Tracer Wire Verification – offered as a standalone service for newly installed tracer wires
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Each service targets a specific risk — and both help you avoid costly errors and delays in the field.
Public Locate / 811 Verification
Even well-intentioned 811 public locates can contain errors due to shared grounding, signal distortion, or rushed fieldwork. That’s why we verify every 811 locate as part of our private locating process. It’s not required — but we do it because it matters.
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Common Issues We Catch:
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Communication and power lines marked in the same location when they diverge underground
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Gas lines dangerously close to bore paths or critical infrastructure
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Signal splitting caused by improperly de-bonded utilities
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Tracer Wire Verification - Confirm it Can be Located Before You Backfill
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What We Do:
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De-bond and isolate shared grounds when possible
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Cross-check 811 marks using EM and GPR
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Confirm or challenge questionable markings
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Help prevent unnecessary risks, damage, or liability
811 verification is built into our private locate process — because accuracy starts with asking the right questions.
Tracer wires are essential for future locates — but only if they’re installed correctly and fully functional. We provide Tracer Wire Verification for contractors, project owners, and municipalities to confirm that newly buried tracer wires are continuous, locatable, and properly terminated.
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Why Tracer Wire Verification Matters:
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Many contracts require tracer wires to be verifiably locatable
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Gaps, breaks, or poor splicing can render the wire useless later
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Ensures compliance before backfilling or turnover
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Supports long-term asset management and locatability
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Our Verification Includes:
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Tone testing continuity from access point to endpoint
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Documentation of wire performance
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Identification of breaks, shorts, or weak signal points
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Optional tagging or endpoint marking if required
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Do I need a full locate to verify tracer wire?
No. We offer standalone tracer wire verification for newly installed lines, even if we weren’t involved in the install.
2. Do you provide written verification?
Yes. You’ll receive clear documentation of wire functionality, tone test results, and signal issues if detected.
3. What if I’m not sure the 811 marks are wrong?
We’ll check. If they’re right — great. If they’re off — you’ll know before it's too late.
Whether you need to double-check a public locate or confirm a new tracer wire installation, we’re here to help you locate with confidence.
CONTACT US
Have any questions? Send us an email at dispatch@knowbeforeyoudig.com,
call 1-800-905-8204, or book a locate by clicking the button below.