Before you break ground on any excavation project—whether it's digging a foundation, installing a fence, or laying utilities—you need to know exactly where buried lines run. Calling 811 and hiring a professional utility locating service prevents costly damage, dangerous accidents, and expensive repairs. Here's what you need to do to prepare your site and work effectively with locators.
Why Site Preparation Matters
Utility locators depend on clear access and accurate information to do their job safely and efficiently. A disorganized or inaccessible site wastes their time, increases costs, and delays your project start date. Proper preparation shows locators exactly what they're working with and speeds up the marking process.
Gather Your Site Documents
Before the locating crew arrives, collect any existing site plans, surveys, or blueprints showing your property layout. If you have previous excavation records, utility bills, or contractor reports mentioning buried lines, have these ready. This documentation helps locators anticipate what they'll find and mark more accurately.
Contact your local water authority, gas utility, and electric company beforehand if you have access to their records. Some municipalities offer free or low-cost historical utility maps. These rarely show every line but give locators a baseline to work from.
Contact 811 at the Right Time
Call 811 (or your state's equivalent locating hotline) at least 2-3 business days before you plan to excavate—most utilities require this notice window. Have your project address, property boundaries, and work scope ready when you call. Provide as much detail as possible: are you digging a 2-foot-deep fence post, or breaking out a basement? Depth matters for locating accuracy.
Keep your confirmation number and any reference details provided by the dispatcher. You'll need these if questions arise during the actual locating visit.
Clear the Work Area
Walk your property the day before the locator arrives and remove obstacles:
- Move vehicles, trailers, or equipment from the digging area
- Clear vegetation and debris from the ground surface where lines might run
- Mark your intended excavation route with chalk, spray paint, or flags if helpful
- Ensure gate access if the property is fenced; unlock or arrange key access
- Move outdoor furniture, grills, or storage items out of the way
Utility locators need a clean sight line and clear ground access. Even waist-high grass can slow them down and reduce marking accuracy.
Mark Your Dig Area Clearly
Use white chalk or temporary spray paint to outline exactly where you plan to excavate. This gives the locator a clear target and prevents them from over-marking unnecessary areas. Be specific: a 10-foot trench for a foundation is very different from scattered post holes for a fence.
If your project involves multiple phases or separate work zones, label each one. Locators typically charge $150–$400 per service visit depending on your region and property size, so marking clearly in one visit saves money.
Arrange Site Access and Communication
Make sure someone will be present during the locating window. Locators need to ask questions about your plans, clarify boundary lines, and confirm they've marked everything you need. Provide a direct phone number so the crew can contact you if they arrive and find the gate locked or the site unclear.
If you're working through a contractor, confirm that they've called 811 and coordinated the timing with you. Never assume a contractor has handled locating; verify it directly.
Understand What Gets Marked
Professional locators mark electric lines (usually in red), gas (yellow), water (blue), sewer (green), and telecommunications (orange). Some lines may not be marked if they're private utilities or on your side of the meter. Ask the locator specifically about any private lines you know exist, like irrigation or propane.
After marking, take photos of marked lines with your phone. This creates a reference if marks fade or get disturbed before excavation begins.
Know the Cost and Timeline
Most 811 calls are free, but locating service fees vary by region and complexity. Expect to pay $200–$500 for a standard residential lot from a private locating company; larger commercial properties run higher. If you're hiring through a service like Mercoly, you can compare local utility locating providers and get estimates upfront.
The actual marking process typically takes 1–2 hours for a standard residential property, though larger sites take longer.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What happens if the locator doesn't mark a utility line? Most utilities carry liability insurance, and you can file a claim if unmarked lines cause damage during your project. Always call 811 again if you're unsure about coverage.
Q: Can I start digging immediately after marking? Marks typically remain visible for 30 days, so plan to excavate within this window. For longer delays, request a re-mark.
Q: Do I need locating if I'm only going 6 inches deep? Still call 811—many utilities run shallower than expected, and hitting even shallow lines can be dangerous and costly. Shallow work doesn't exempt you from the requirement.
Start preparing your site today and coordinate with locators early to keep your project on schedule and safe.