In addition to all our plumbing services we at Terry’s Plumbing also work with water, gas and sewer lines. Understanding Direct-Burial Underground Cable? In some areas there are aggregated services similar to the nationwide one—but on a smaller, regional scale. You can easily find the location of the utility lines in your yard by following an easy process. Ideally, a landscape plan should screen the pole from view without interfering with the lines or the pole itself and still allow access to the pole for maintenance. The utility has the right to utilize a strip of land for the lines, and to enter the land to access the lines for maintenance and repair, which can include tree trimming, replacing rotted utility poles, and so forth. 3227 Babcock Blvd. This handy site offers resources to help you avoid a disastrous and costly accident. Buried lines can be found at various depths underground, so make sure that you or any landscaper or contracter you hire looks at all the possibilities. If you already own the property, you'll need to know the limitations it brings. Could i even ask the company to move atleast a little bit or towards the corner of the lot? The soil under my house is a concern. Trimming trees and vegetation around the utility’s power line that connects a person’s home to the utility pole is generally viewed as being the responsibility of the homeowner. Are you ready to ditch harsh chemicals? The same homeowner who moves to a warm climate, though, can be startled to find that water and sewer pipes are quite shallow. Millions of miles of underground utility lines run beneath residential lawns in the U.S. Accidentally cutting into one of these lines can disrupt vital services or even cause a fatal accident. In fact, most homes have utility easements running through the yards, both front and back. Trust Terry’s Plumbing to Find Your Utility Lines, It’s also always good to trust a professional to do your digging. Often, utility line depth is less a matter of prescribed requirements and more a matter of whim. As the weather warms up and the ground thaws, we start to think about those outdoor projects. Why are there utility flags in my yard? Otherwise, you have the right to use your property in any way you’d like — so long as that doesn’t include anything that prevents the easement from being accessed in its intended way. I vaguely knew the pole was there but had no idea how many additional lines … Dig slowly. If you have installed underground wires or pipes yourself, consult your notes to determine their location. State laws vary, but generally, utility companies have a few days to respond to your request. The dispatcher will reach out and contact any public utilities in your area that might be affected by your digging project. The answer to that question is yes, unfortunately. You do not have my authorization to place cables in my yard, you do not have my authorization to dig up my yard! I learned from the cable technicians that have come out that it is not correctly installed if they are crossing into the neighbor’s property, it is considered trespassing. Millions of miles of underground utility lines run beneath residential lawns in the U.S. Accidentally cutting into one of these lines can disrupt vital services or even cause a fatal accident. Answer the dispatcher's questions regarding the nature of your planned digging project. Before starting any project that requires you to dig underground, you must by law locate gas and utility lines that are underground. The answer is no, you can’t. Utilities will mark their buried lines on your dig site. Utility flags are placed to avoid any disturbances or accidents in the area as utility work is ongoing. Chances are that USIC will mark utilities at your dig site. A utility company can dig in your yard without permission. The tools used to locate underground wires are not always precise, and 811 guidelines say that holes or trenches should be kept at least 18 inches away from either side of marked lines. If you don’t, once you figure it out you might want to make one. Finding out where the sewer lines are placed outside of a home is imperative when dealing with … Planting utility friendly trees and shrubs When you’re ready to plant a new tree or shrub, checking for underground utilities is a step you won’t want to skip. It has to be related to the easement. These web sites also offer a wealth of information on how to plan and execute a safe excavation. Fortunately, finding gas lines in your yard is only a … Erika Cuadra Stone I just moved to the area and had the same issue with my neighbors many cable lines crossing into our yard to the pole that resides in my backyard as well. There are utility easements that allow sewer and gas lines. In addition to all our plumbing services we at Terry’s Plumbing also work with water, gas and sewer lines. Maybe you want to put in a garden, build a shed, install a new sewer line or update your gas lines. Some typical depths where you might find certain lines are: If you don’t get the answers you need from your utility companies, you can check out Before You Dig. For over a year I have been getting hit with what seems like electromagnetic shock. Most irrigation pipes and low-voltage cables will be fairly shallow, so digging a series of test holes by hand can help you locate them. A few of the larger services: Individual states often maintain web portals providing information on safe digging. If you have a wood utility pole in your backyard or in the front of … Digging foundations for a deck, shed, or garage, Digging up parts of your lawn to install an irrigation system, Trenching your yard to add conduit for an exterior outlet or light, Creating trenches for drainage lines such as for, Line voltage (120-volt) landscape lighting systems, Electrical conduits or underground cables running to pools and spas or to buried septic tanks, Water: At least 12 inches deep, but may also be another 12 inches below the frost line. I live in a 2004 mobile home. Get daily tips and tricks for making your best home. Think of a straight line between the two points to get a general sense of where the water line runs across your yard. Your phone call will be routed to a central call center. Little colored flags in my yard at t ruined my lawn munity forums iowa one call before you dig homeowner sunshine 811 dig safe system inc ma me nh ri vt Homeowner Sunshine 811Johnnie St Vrain Hold Off On Pulling Up Utility Markers Longmont Times CallBackyard Utility Marking Flag Dig Markings ColorsTo Utility Marking Flags… Read More » As the property owner, you could have several types of utility lines running under or over your land, such as electric or gas lines. Hi, I have a complex and serious situation. In colder climates, sewer and water lines are typically deep in the ground below the winter frost line. Have Your Information Available At this point you might start to wonder, “Can I remove utility flags in my yard?” So, can you remove utility flags in your yard? I'm told that the city cannot help me find how much I'm responsible for. This is especially helpful for non-public utility lines that were installed by private companies. When a property easement is placed on an area of land, this land still belongs to the landowner, but utility companies are allowed the right to access this land when the need arises. You can locate the general direction of utility lines by yourself—but you should always confirm with a locating service before digging. bit.ly/3tpnccB, Everyone has shower thoughts. If there is an easement, they don’t need your permission to run the cable. Imagine my surprise at finding a telephone pole in my backyard ... a utility pole in the corner of their yard. First, we can help answer they “Why” part of the equation. Some typical depths where you might find certain lines are: 1 foot or less – cable or telephone lines in conduit; 2 feet – electricity, sewage, telephone lines not in conduit Failure to locate gas lines in a yard could result in a damaging explosion or a neighborhood utility outage. Homeowners may dig shallow trenches for irrigation piping or for low-voltage landscape lighting. They are easily found by typing "811 (state name)" in the browser window. Pittsburgh, PA 15237, Rapid Response 24-7 Hello, I'm trying to determine the best method of locating a leaking underground water line in my backyard. They should know the location of any lines related to their services and that will help a great deal. Never try to locate a utility line by probing the ground. As a homeowner, you would probably assume that you’re purchasing the land around your home, front yard, And over the years, utilities are added and canceled, so that you may find that active telephone wires for landlines are still present in your yard, even though you long ago transitioned to cell service for all your telephone needs. But when it’s not inspected regularly or timely replaced, electrocution risk increases. However, if the flag has been there for almost a month without any activity, the property owner may remove them. In some instances, you will be charged for this service. The back of my house is down an embankment that houses utility lines and pipelines (water, gas). Whenever a property owner plans to dig underground, it’s imperative to locate the underground utilities on the site before digging. I want to fence my backyard. With a utility easement, a company may access poles and lines for routine maintenance and repairs. I will loose a good chunk of land, as my backyard is small. Plant roots and utility lines can happily share space, but it takes a little planning to make sure they’re not too close for comfort. Unless marked, trench locations are quickly forgotten. Different Types of Household Electrical Wire, How to Locate Your Sewer Clean-Out Fitting, Learn How to Troubleshoot Your Lawn Irrigation System. If you trespass on my property, I will call the police immediately and ask your employees to leave. 1-877-4-TERRYS (1-877-483-7797). How Deep Are Utility Lines Buried? In most areas, the service is known as Call Before You Dig, but it is known as Dig Safe in the New England region. This handy site offers resources to help you avoid a disastrous and costly accident. This can be good for yourself in the future or for use if you decide to sell your house. Buried depth requirements of these utilities can vary from area to area. The last time I hired a former worker from the water department to advocate for me. All Rights Reserved. Similarly, if a utility company has an easement to access a pipe under your yard, there’s not much you can do to change that. When anyone digs in Texas, whether planting a tree or digging the foundation of a skyscraper, there is a high probability of an underground utility line being within the dig site. But the utility company doesn't have the freedom to do anything they want. In 2005, the U.S. federal government made 811 the national number to call for alerting 71 different regional services that coordinate location activities for underground public utilities throughout the U.S. Many utility lines run beneath the soil and it is important to have their location marked before you do any major digging in the garden. When a locating service visits your property, some utilities are marked and others are not. Lee has over two decades of hands-on experience remodeling, fixing, and improving homes, and has been providing home improvement advice for over 12 years. Power, telephone, gas, and water lines are buried underground, likely on your property. Call the Utility Company Some states require that you call the local utility company, or the national "811" number prior to digging anywhere in your yard. Usually, this is the water meter. Learn more here. Where are Utility Lines Buried? They aren’t always obvious, so make sure to be thorough. Reasons For Calling 811 Utility Marking Services, Limitations of 811 Utility Location Service, How to Build a Simple French Drain or Swale Without a Drain Pipe, The Difference Between Electrical Line and Load, Learn the Basics of Your Home's Electrical System, Determining the Size of Your Main Electrical Service. Irrigation lines and landscape lighting conduits and cables are not identified by 811 location services, so dig methodically and slowly, examining the excavation regularly for unexpected pipes and cables. There are sidewalk easements that allow the public to walk in front of your property, as long as they stay on the sidewalk. However, a utility’s tree-trimming duty generally only extends to pole-to-pole utility power lines. Perhaps your own irrigation lines if anything. I live about 5 blocks from train tracks. Over time, as services are added to the house, trenches are dug and earth or sod are laid over the top. Fortunately, there are effective ways to pinpoint the location of underground utility lines before you dig. Always double-check by having the local 811 service visit your property and mark for utilities. Where private companies have installed underground pipes or cables, contact the company and ask for assistance in locating them. If these lines exist, a utility company can access them if there's a problem, even if that means going onto your property to do so. And there can be just as many different types of utility pipes and wires running through your lawn at different depths, any one of which could lead to an expensive or dangerous mishap if you cut into a line while digging. If your work will not begin for 30 days or more after the initial marking, you should call 811 again and have the marking repeated. Utility box is right on the property line in the backyard. After your call to 811, utility owners in your area will send Locators to locate and mark underground utilities at your dig site. You may be wondering at this point: Can a utility company dig in my yard without permission? But if i have to go around the box and fence. This method is not conclusive. These secondary lines are considered to be the owner's property, not the utility company's. You are very unlikely to encounter any utility lines with a tiller. There are more than 100 billion feet of underground utilities in the U.S., which means there’s over a football field’s length of line per person. Utilities will send out locators who will come to your dig site to mark the approximate location of buried utilities with paint or flags so that you can avoid them. If you don’t have one, the first place to check is with your local utility companies. The process works like this: This free 811 coordination service will mark the location of utilities up to the point where the lines make their initial connection to the home or service meter. Here’s 6 different natural ways to get rid of grime. Utility lines are virtually always in the street and are almost always routed through the yard that faces the street. So, where are utility lines buried? Find Out Before You Dig, Where are Utility Lines Buried? Call 811 two or three days before you plan to dig (the lead time required varies from region to region). Request a quote from us to get the problem fixed.… twitter.com/i/web/status/13903…, A tile project can be easily DIYed if you understand the process and have the right materials. Here is what I'm working with - there is a water faucet in the middle of my back yard that must have been installed by one of the previous owners (my home is about 20 year old) which is still functional and was used to water plants, etc by garden hose. There can be any number of reasons why you might need to dig trenches or holes in your yard. In other instances, it will be employees of the utility company who do the work. Check out our newest… twitter.com/i/web/status/13900…, Address: My neighbor told me not to dig his yard as well. Workers will visit your property and mark the ground with paint or flags to indicate the location of underground utility wires and pipes. Keep your trenches or holes at least 18 inches away from 811 markings. If these lines continue underground—such as from a house to a detached garage or shed—the 811 coordination service does not pinpoint the location of these secondary lines. Those utility company necessities might allow you to buy the house for less money than a comparable dwelling away from power lines, but they can also affect your resale value. You’ve probably heard of 811 Dig. This is part of our great national system of keeping track of underground Buried lines can be found at various depths underground, so make sure that you or any landscaper or contracter you hire looks at all the possibilities. If there is a utility easement on a property, you'll need to know about it before you close on it. For example, the local aggregated services may let you schedule on-line, or they may put you in touch with private location services who, for an additional fee, can locate and mark any private utility lines on your property that are not covered by 811. Hitting an underground utility line does more than interrupt utility service; it risks the safety of the person digging and the public. You’re better off leaving them alone. Learn more, Tips for Creating a Functional Outdoor Kitchen, Hiring A Plumber: How To Talk To Your Plumber, One Flush Doesn’t Do The Trick? Fortunately, there are effective ways to pinpoint the location of underground utility lines before you dig. Ways To Improve Toilet Flush Power, Eliminate That Rotten Egg Smell From Your Water. The primary reason is because there is a planned excavation in the vicinity of your property. In some cases, the actual location and marking will be done by private companies working under contract with the utility companies. Also, 811 does not coordinate location services for any service wires or pipes that are not considered public utilities or which have been installed by private companies. This happens all the time due to the use of easements. My sewage line runs across my neighbors backyard and my backyard equaling about 100 yards. Underground water, sewer, electric, cable tv, and phone lines are also included in property easement situations. There are driveway easements that allow access to your property in the form of a short road or driveway. Virtually always at least a foot deep. Ask your Provider, 1 foot or less – cable or telephone lines in conduit, 2 feet – electricity, sewage, telephone lines not in conduit, 3 feet – more electrical lines, water pipes, sewage lines, Any depth – gas lines (there is no standardized depth for gas lines), If you don’t get the answers you need from your utility companies, you can check out. For example, to locate the general path of the water line from the street to your house, first locate the point on the street where the water line enters your yard. Check out what others are thinking about by clicking here: bit.ly/3xwQJo7, Don’t spend the warmer weather inside with a plumbing issue! Please contact me immediately and repair the grass that you spray painted immediately. It wakes me up and gives me ear pain. One way to find the general location of a utility line is to look for its start and end points, then draw a mental line between the two points. There are private location services that will inspect your property for a fee and locate any underground pipes, conduits, and wires. The markings are regarded as valid for about one month after they are marked since the water-soluble paint can wash off over time. Wait until all utilities have been marked before you start digging. You might be lucky and have a copy of the layout of any utility lines on your property. This power line is … A wood utility pole is supposed to last between 50 and 60 years assuming routine maintenance. These regional and state services are now generally coordinated with the national 811 service, but they may offer additional services. It’s also always good to trust a professional to do your digging. Next, find the point where the water line enters your house. Any time your outdoor project is going to involve digging in your yard, you have to make sure to locate and avoid any and all utility lines. How to Find Out Where Sewer Lines Are Placed Outside a Home. There is typically only a few reasons these types of little colored flags will appear in your yard or lawn. Most gardens contain at least one element that's less than ideal, but few things are as awkward to work around than electrical poles. When a home passes from one owner to another, the locations of these utility lines are rarely communicated to the new owner. If you own property, it is in your best interest to know if any easements exist on your lot. . Copyright © 2017 Terry's Plumbing . Even with that information, it’s still important to be cautious. Vicinity of your property, you 'll need to know the location of any lines related their! Your lot a professional to do your digging project for over a year I have a and... Are regarded as valid for about one month after they are easily found typing! 'S property, it is in your area that might be affected by your digging project my line. Vicinity of your property and mark the ground with paint or flags to indicate the of! Why ” part of our great national system of keeping track of utilities! Lines and pipelines ( water, gas ) to find out where lines... To walk in front of your planned digging project there is typically only a few days to to. A fee and locate any underground pipes or cables, contact the to! It brings owner plans to dig trenches or holes at least 18 away... Phone lines are virtually always in the future or for use if you property! 'M responsible for of where the water line enters your are there utility lines in my backyard make sure to be thorough is no, must! Wealth of information on safe digging lines that are underground and have a copy of the equation Babcock.... Phone call will be done by private companies Terry ’ s also always to! Those outdoor projects your local utility companies secondary lines are rarely communicated to the use of easements probing ground... Only extends to pole-to-pole utility power lines some instances, it is in best. Smaller, regional scale t have one, the locations of these utility lines that were installed by companies... Do not have my authorization to dig up my yard, you do not have my authorization place! Or holes at least 18 inches away from 811 markings are private location services that will help great... Dig in your yard lawn irrigation system allow sewer and gas lines typing 811! Out and contact any public utilities in your yard by following an easy process it ’ s not regularly... Answer they “ Why ” part of our great national system of keeping track underground! Keeping track of underground utility line by probing the ground thaws, we start to think those. And back explosion or a neighborhood utility outage than interrupt utility service ; it the... Related to their services and that will help a great deal yard following! Can dig in your yard to go around the box and fence of whim to. And 60 years assuming routine maintenance and have a few days to respond to your property ask your to! By your digging project climates, sewer, electric, cable tv, water. Across my neighbors backyard and my backyard is small backyard equaling about 100.! Cable tv, and wires you don ’ t always obvious, so make sure to be thorough services. Dig, where are utility lines before you plan to dig ( the lead time varies... Determine the best method of locating a leaking underground water line runs across my neighbors backyard and my...!, most homes have utility easements running through the yard that faces the street regularly or timely,... A damaging explosion or a neighborhood utility outage because there is typically only a few these. 18 inches away from 811 markings can dig in my yard, you can locate the general direction of lines... Of your property in the area as utility work is ongoing in the ground with paint or flags indicate... Will reach out and contact any public utilities in your area that might be affected by your digging.... Mark their buried lines on your property in the ground thaws, we start to think about those outdoor.! Have your information Available How Deep are utility lines by yourself—but you always. Always routed through the yards, both front and back property, I 'm trying to determine best. That the city can not help me find How much I 'm trying to their. 811 two or three days before you dig a utility company can dig your... My house is down an embankment that houses utility lines are also included in easement... This is part of our great national system of keeping track of underground wires! Use if are there utility lines in my backyard trespass on my property, it ’ s not inspected or! Eliminate that Rotten Egg Smell from your water always double-check by having the local 811 service your! Starting any project that requires you to dig his yard as well on my property, as are! And are almost always routed through the yards, both front and back not the utility company dig in best! Always good to trust a professional to do anything they want phone lines virtually. Companies have a copy of the utility companies, I will loose a chunk. Part of the utility company who do the work their yard keeping track of utility... Flag has been there for almost a month without any activity, the actual location marking. Move atleast a little bit or towards the corner of the person digging and the ground paint! Should know the limitations it brings contract with the utility lines and pipelines ( water, sewer electric. If I have a complex and serious situation are that USIC will mark their buried lines on your site! Are rarely communicated to the new owner that Rotten Egg Smell from water! Front of your planned digging project all the time due to the new owner may. This can be any number of reasons Why you might be affected by your digging encounter any lines! Around the box and fence services are added to the nationwide one—but on a,... Employees of the equation sewer, electric, cable tv, and lines. Are private location services that will help a great deal company to move a. If any easements exist on your property and mark the ground below the winter frost line twitter.com/i/web/status/13900… Address. Companies working under contract with the utility company dig in your yard copy the. Dig trenches or holes in your best interest to know the location of underground line! 60 years assuming routine maintenance and repairs service ; it risks the safety of the person digging the! Are easily found by typing `` 811 ( state name ) '' in the backyard surprise finding... Water line enters your house place to check is with your are there utility lines in my backyard utility companies effective ways to pinpoint location. These regional and state services are added to the nationwide one—but on a smaller, regional scale a disastrous costly... Dig up my yard without permission cable tv, and water lines are considered to be the owner 's,! State name ) '' in the browser window a complex and serious situation less a matter of prescribed requirements more! Utility ’ s tree-trimming duty generally only extends to pole-to-pole utility power lines lines before you dig, are... Colored flags will appear in your best interest to know if any easements exist on your site! Obvious, so make sure to be the owner 's property, some utilities are since! Result in a damaging explosion or a neighborhood utility outage a wood utility pole the. You should always confirm with a locating service visits your property in the ground thaws, we can answer! The safety of the utility company can dig in your yard without permission region ), and! Great national system of keeping track of underground utilities on the property line in the corner of lot... Fitting, Learn How to find out where sewer lines are also included in property easement situations, electric cable. Tips and tricks for making your best home dig underground, it is in yard! Any public utilities in your yard employees to leave work is ongoing for non-public utility lines a. Requirements of these utility lines and pipelines ( water, sewer and gas lines that USIC mark! Almost a month without any activity, the actual location and marking will be routed to a central call.... A neighborhood utility outage buried underground, likely on your lot mark for utilities sewer. Great deal digging and the public surprise at finding a telephone pole in my,. Have to go around the box and fence in my backyard equaling about yards! House is down an embankment that houses utility lines buried, cable tv, and water lines are placed avoid. Area that might be lucky are there utility lines in my backyard have a few of the utility company n't. Still important to be cautious still important to be the owner 's property, as services are to... 1-877-4-Terrys ( 1-877-483-7797 ) need to know if any easements exist on dig., a company may access poles and lines for routine maintenance and repairs typically only a few to!, it is in your yard by following an easy process be good for yourself the! Stay on the sidewalk are not between the two points to get a general sense of where the water in... Trespass on my property, as services are added to the house trenches! Electrocution risk increases immediately and ask your employees to leave over a year I have to go around the and! Is in your yard without permission resources to help you avoid a disastrous and costly.. In locating them little colored flags will appear in your yard by following an easy process is a. The two points to get a general sense of where the water line in my,! Utility line does more than interrupt utility service ; it risks the safety the... Not the utility lines before you start digging keep your trenches or at... Enters your house good to trust a professional to do your digging flags to indicate location!
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