What Is Private Utility Locating?

Private utility locating is a professional service that identifies and documents buried utilities that may not be covered by 811 markings. It’s commonly used on private property, commercial sites, and design-phase projects where accurate verification is required.

Why 811 Isn’t the Same Thing

811 is a notification system that helps coordinate public utility marking before excavation. It is essential, but it is not designed to locate everything underground, especially on private property beyond the meter or service delineation point.

What Private Locating Typically Covers

Private locating is often used to identify infrastructure such as:

• Private electric and lighting circuits
• Water and irrigation lines
• Private storm and sanitary systems
• Site lighting, gate controls, and low-voltage systems
• Undocumented or “unknown” lines on older sites

What You Get (Beyond Paint)

A good private locate isn’t just markings, it’s clarity. Depending on scope, deliverables may include documentation, photos, and data formatted to support contractors, engineers, or asset managers.

The goal is simple: reduce uncertainty. When projects rely on assumptions, schedules slip and risk goes up. Field verification helps keep work predictable.