Public vs Private Utility Locating: What's the Difference?

Public vs. Private Utility Locating: What's the Difference?

Before any digging project—whether it’s building a fence, planting trees, or starting a construction job—knowing what’s buried underground is essential. Striking a buried utility line can be dangerous, expensive, and disruptive. That’s where utility locating comes in.

Many people are surprised to learn that there are two different types of utility locating: public utility locating, which is free, and private utility locating, which is a paid service. While they sound similar, they serve very different purposes.

Let’s break down the differences so you know exactly what to expect and when you may need each one.

What Is Public Utility Locating?

Public utility locating is a free service provided through a “Call Before You Dig” system (such as 811 in many areas). When you submit a locate request, public utility companies are notified and send technicians to mark the approximate location of their underground lines.

What Gets Marked?

Public utility locators typically mark utilities that are:

• - Owned and maintained by public utility companies

• - Located up to the utility’s point of service (often the meter or main connection)

Common examples include:

• - Electric lines

• - Natural gas lines

• - Public water mains

• - Sewer mains

• - Telecommunications lines (phone, cable, internet)

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Why Is It Free?

Public utilities are required by law to participate in these programs to promote safety and prevent damage to critical infrastructure. The cost is built into the utility’s operating expenses, not charged directly to the homeowner or contractor.

Important Limitations

Public utility locating:

• - Only marks publicly owned utilities

• - Does not locate privately owned lines

• - Marks are approximate, not exact

• - Does not typically provide depth measurements

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What Is Private Utility Locating?

Private utility locating is a paid service performed by specialized locating companies. These professionals locate underground utilities that are not covered by public utility locating services.

What Gets Located?

Private locators can identify:

• - Utilities beyond the public utility’s meter or demarcation point

• - Lines owned by homeowners, businesses, or property managers

• - Utilities on private property or inside facilities

Examples include:

• - Private electric lines to garages or sheds

• - Water lines from the meter to a building

• - Private sewer laterals

• - Irrigation systems

• - Septic systems

• - Private communications or lighting lines

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Why Is It a Paid Service?

Private utility locating is not government-funded or required by law. It involves:

• - Specialized equipment

• - More detailed mapping and reporting

• - Customized service for individual properties

Because of this, the cost is paid by the property owner, contractor, or project manager requesting the service.

When Do You Need Private Utility Locating?

You may need a private utility locator if:

• - You’re digging on private property beyond utility meters

• - You’re installing fences, pools, or decks

• - You’re doing renovations or additions

• - You’re working on commercial or industrial sites

• - You want a more complete picture of everything underground

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In many cases, both public and private locating are needed to fully protect a dig site.

Public utility locating is a vital first step and should always be done before digging—but it doesn’t tell the whole story. Private utility locating fills in the gaps by identifying underground lines that public services don’t cover.

Understanding the difference helps you plan safer projects, avoid costly damage, and ensure everyone goes home safe at the end of the day.

When it comes to digging, knowing what’s below the surface is always worth the investment.