Do you need a private utility locator?

The need for private utility locating services is more common than most people think. In the United States, all excavators are required by law to request utility locates by calling 811, the National Excavation Safety hotline, at least two or three days before the start of each project. Facilities owned and maintained by your local telephone, cable television, natural gas, electric, and other utility providers are called “public” utilities.

A call to 811 typically results in these public utilities being marked only up to a customer meter or other outside service connection.  Beyond that point, any pipe, wire, or cable in the ground is considered private, meaning the customer owns it.

In most places, customer-owned utilities remain unmarked and vulnerable to interruption until a private utility locator is hired to complete the job.

By some estimates, up to 65% of all buried utilities in the United States are private, customer-owned facilities. The “free” services provided through 811 do not cover these private lines.

If you are uncertain whether or not you need the services of a private utility locator, please do not hesitate to call 336-391-5542 and ask.  Our primary concern is your safety. If you don’t need our services, we will tell you why and help put you in touch with the right organization to meet your needs.

When you need affordable, expert utility locating services to protect your infrastructure, Piedmont Locating Services is here to help.