Frequently Asked Questions

The depth of utilities can vary depending on the type of utility you are looking for and the area that they are buried in. Most water, power, and telecommunications are typically buried around 2-3 feet deep. Sewer or Drainage can be as deep as 6 feet or more depending on the area. All utilities are vulnerable to being damaged if you dig without verifying their location. 

The best way to identify gas lines, water lines, electrical lines, television lines, telephone lines, sewer lines, drainage lines, irrigation lines, propane lines, lighting and other types of utilities underground is to reach out to a professional private utility locating company. CM Utility Locating  has the right equipment to identify potential utilities that you may have otherwise overlooked. Even though calling 811 is a great place to start, it is always best to reach out to a professional private utility locating company because private utilities account for more than 50 percent of utilities in most work areas. That way, you can reduce your chances of hitting a utility line when you start subsurface work. In the United States there is a utility strike every 1-2 minutes as a result of not contacting a professional locating company. 

Commonly, most standard utility locators contracted by 811 only mark the main line for the utility company they are contracted to mark. This means any private lines running from the main line may NOT be marked. Private utilities account for more than 50% of utilities in most areas. To locate and mark these lines you will have to hire a Private Locating Company, like Clear Mark. Also, in some areas, One Call locators will only mark lines leading to the private property and will not mark lines on the private property that were installed by the original builder. 

Performing subsurface work without private utility locates can pose a number of potential risks on a job site. At Clear Mark, we want to work with our clients to keep projects on budget, on time, and safe while protecting their valuable reputations.

If you choose not to schedule utility locating services, the result could be harmful to your job site or company. There are compounding effects that could impact safety, project schedules, neighboring properties, and job site financials that could delay or cancel the entire project.