Private Utility Locating


gpr detection below roadWOOD Inspection Services deploys traditional (EM) location equipment for the initial detection of visible utilities. Our team marks these lines with paint using the standard colors as defined by the Americas Public Works Association.

To be comprehensive, we scan the area with Ground penetrating radar for any signs of utilities or obstructions which should be avoided during excavation, digging or drilling. The data for is collected in a grid format which provides full coverage of the survey area and allows for unknown objects to be discovered. Next, a 3D map of the ground and its infrastructure can be developed. This is especially beneficial in congested areas for identifying utilities and also for pre-engineering purposes.

Always Call Texas811

Call the public locator service in Texas, known as the the One-Call System (DIGTESS or 811). Do it before you dig, blast, bore, trench, drill, grade, or excavate underground in any way. If you hit a buried utility line, you could create a life-threatening situation and be fined and cause an outage to an essential utility service. Even if you have used the service before and you think you know where the underground utilities are, contact 811 before every digging project to protect yourself. Remember, it is a free service.

What Does the Public Locating Service Do?

Texas811 does not mark utilities, but instead notifies participating member utilities. In a few days, a representative of the utility will visit the property, locate and mark primary public utility lines (water lines, natural gas pipelines, electric). Before a visit to your property, white-line where you plan to dig, locators can more easily mark the affected utilities.

A reminder that utility maps are not updated often and the markings may be off. Texas811 has the most current, most accurate information about buried utilities.

Private vs. Public Utility Locating Companies

Public utilities typically end at the street, while private utilities are between the meter and the building. Texas811 will not mark private or non-member utilities. If you have a curbside meter, your property may also not get marked. Other underground utilities that generally are not marked can include: sewer lines, private lighting, sprinkler systems, fire mains, secondary electric lines to detached garages, pools, and septic lines.

For a comprehensive evaluation of private and public utilities and unused lines, contact an independent utility contractor. WOOD Inspection Services handles private utility location for residential and commercial properties.

Frequently Asked Questions