Do You Need A Private Utility Locator?
Understanding What 811 Covers — And What It Doesn't
Most people know they’re supposed to call 811 before they dig. What most people don’t know is what 811 actually covers — and how much it leaves out.
What 811 Does
When you call 811, the utility companies that serve your area — electric, gas, telephone, cable — send locators to mark their lines on your property. This is a free service required by law, and every excavator in the United States is legally required to make that call at least three business days before digging.
811 locators mark public utility lines up to the meter or main service connection point on your property. That’s where their responsibility ends.
What 811 Doesn’t Cover
Everything beyond that meter or connection point is privately owned — and 811 won’t touch it.
That includes:
- The water line running from the meter to your house
- Your well casing and pump line
- Your septic tank and drain field
- Buried electric running to an outbuilding, pool, or barn
- Propane lines from the tank to the house
- Geothermal loops and pool utilities
- Any private infrastructure installed by a previous owner
By some estimates, up to 65% of all buried utilities in the United States are privately owned. That’s not a small gap — that’s the majority of what’s in the ground on most residential properties.
When You Need A Private Locator
You likely need a private utility locator any time you’re digging beyond the immediate area of a public utility meter — which is most residential and contractor digging projects.
Common situations where private locating is needed:
- Installing a fence on a rural property
- Adding a pool or outdoor structure
- Landscaping or grading projects
- Septic system repair or replacement
- Well pump replacement or new water line installation
- Any excavation on a property with no utility records
Not Sure? Just Call.
Jay’s primary concern is your safety — not generating an invoice. If you call and describe your project and it turns out you only need 811, he’ll tell you straight and point you in the right direction.
If you do need a private locator, he’ll give you a straight answer on that too — and a quote to go with it.
📞 Call or Text: (336) 391-5542
“If you don’t need us, we will tell you.”
Serving Central North Carolina
Piedmont Locating Services serves homeowners and contractors across the region including:
Ramseur · Asheboro · Greensboro · Siler City · Archdale · Trinity · Randleman · Liberty · Franklinville · Sophia · Seagrove · Burlington · Mebane
To request a quote please complete the form below.