We’ve all seen the commercials to call “Call 811 before you dig.” In Minnesota, Gopher State One-Call can be a lifesaver. It’s also the law. But here is the “insider” secret that many homeowners and contractors don’t realize until it’s too late: 811 only marks what the utility companies own.
At Minnesota Irrigation, we’ve spent years installing and servicing systems across the Twin Cities and beyond. We know that what lies beneath your grass is often a complex web of “private” lines that the city won’t touch.
If you are planning a new irrigation system, a fence, or a patio this season, here is what you need to know about private utility locating.
What Exactly is a “Private” Utility?
Standard utility locators (811) typically stop at the meter. Anything that runs from the meter to your house, or from your house to another structure on your property, is considered private.
Here are some common examples:
- Electric lines running to a detached shed, shop, or detached garage.
- Gas and electric lines for heaters and pumps for a pool or hot tub.
- Low-voltage wires for your beautiful landscape lighting.
- From an onsite propane tank to your home or outdoor kitchen.
- The line running from your house to the main city connection.
- The very pipes and wires we deal with every day for your existing irrigation lines.
When is Private Locating Needed?
You might think, “I’m only digging 8 inches deep for my sprinklers, I’ll be fine.” In the “Real World,” many private lines are buried much shallower than you’d expect—sometimes only 3 to 4 inches beneath the sod.
You should call for private locating if you are:
- Installing an Irrigation System: We need to know where your gas and secondary electric lines are to avoid a major (and expensive) service interruption.
- Building a Fence: Post-hole diggers are the #1 enemy of underground lines.
- Landscaping or Planting Trees: Large root balls require deep holes that can easily sever a private power line.
- Installing a Pool or Patio: Massive excavation requires knowing exactly what is moving under the soil.
Why Is It Important?
Skipping the private locate might seem like a way to save a few dollars upfront, but the risks are significant:
- Safety First: Striking a private gas line or a high-voltage electric line isn’t just a nuisance; it’s a life-threatening hazard to the crew and your family.
- The Cost of Repair: If a contractor hits a public line that was unmarked by 811, the utility company often foots the bill. If they hit a private line that you didn’t have marked, the repair bill is yours.
- Project Delays: Nothing kills the momentum of a beautiful May landscaping project like a severed internet line or a flooded yard.
The Minnesota Irrigation Approach
We believe in doing it correctly the first time. When we visit your property in the Twin Cities, we don’t just consider where the sprinklers should be placed—we look at the overall infrastructure of your property.
Planning a project this spring or summer? Don’t play “underground roulette.” Make sure your public and private lines are marked.
Need help planning your next outdoor project? Give Minnesota Irrigation a call today—let’s keep your grass green and your utilities safe!
