Underground Utility Locating - ACS Underground Solutions

Avoid Project Delays: The Best Time to Schedule Your Utility Survey

July 14, 2025 by Ian Beaver

When it comes to any construction, renovation, or excavation project, time is money. Delays can throw off your timeline, increase labor costs, and lead to conflicts with subcontractors, local authorities, or property owners. One of the most commonly overlooked causes of project delays? Failing to schedule your utility survey at the right time.

ACS Underground Solutions, the #1 underground utility locating company in the tri-state area, offers expert utility survey services to help you prevent costly setbacks and stay on schedule. Below we’ll explore the best time to schedule a utility survey, why it matters, and how early planning with ACS Underground can keep your project running smoothly.

What Is a Utility Survey?

A utility survey (also known as utility locating or subsurface utility engineering) identifies and maps underground infrastructure, including:

Water lines
Gas pipes
Electrical conduits
Fiber optic cables
Sewer systems
Storm drains

Using advanced technologies like Ground Penetrating Radar (GPR), electromagnetic locating, and CCTV video inspection, a utility survey provides a comprehensive map of underground utilities that helps contractors, engineers, and property owners avoid costly surprises.

Why Scheduling Matters

Timing is everything. Scheduling your utility survey too late can lead to:

Project delays due to permit issues
Damage to underground infrastructure
Safety risks to workers
Change orders and rework
Legal liability and fines

By scheduling early with a trusted provider like ACS Underground, you ensure that your project starts with full knowledge of what lies beneath.

The Best Time to Schedule Your Utility Survey

Let’s break it down by project stage:

1. During the Planning & Design Phase

The optimal time to schedule a utility survey is before finalizing site plans or submitting for permits. Here’s why:

Utility maps inform design decisions
Helps avoid redesign costs
Smoother permit approvals
Allows time for addressing conflicts (e.g., rerouting a foundation away from a gas line)

Contractors, civil engineers, and architects benefit from early utility surveys to avoid building on top of unknown or undocumented utilities.

2. Before Excavation or Site Work

If your project has already been planned, the next best time is a few weeks before digging begins. ACS Underground can:

Confirm utility clearances
Identify new or undocumented lines
Provide documentation for insurance and liability coverage

ACS Underground recommends scheduling at least 2–3 weeks before excavation to ensure there’s enough time for adjustments and coordination.

3. For Renovation or Infrastructure Repair

For public works projects, infrastructure repairs, or commercial renovations, utility surveys are essential even if you think you know the layout. Utility systems change over time, and outdated plans can be inaccurate.

Schedule your survey as soon as project scope is known to:

Validate as-built drawings
Prevent service disruptions
Minimize costly surprises

4. After Permit Approvals but Before Bidding

Another strategic time to conduct a utility survey is after permit approvals but before going out to bid. This helps:

Provide accurate project specs to bidders
Avoid contract change orders
Improve bid accuracy and reduce project risk

Why Work with ACS Underground?

ACS Underground Solutions is not your average utility locating company. We offer:

Over 20 years of experience in the tri-state area
Certified technicians trained in GPR and SUE
Accurate digital mapping and CAD drawings
Fast turnaround times and flexible scheduling
Reliable support before, during, and after your project

We help general contractors, developers, municipalities, engineers, and utility companies stay ahead of issues and under budget.

Seasonal Considerations for Scheduling

Timing also depends on the time of year and project location:

Spring & Summer: Peak construction season—book early! Scheduling 4–6 weeks in advance is often necessary.
Winter: Soil and weather conditions can affect survey accuracy. Plan around frost or snow.
Municipal projects: Must account for town approvals and state-level guidelines—early scheduling is crucial.

Real-Life Consequences of Late Utility Surveys

Here are a few examples of what can go wrong when utility surveys are delayed:

Case 1: A contractor in Westchester County hit an unmarked water main during site prep. Result: $35,000 in damages and 2 weeks of delays.
Case 2: A commercial property in Connecticut halted renovations after discovering undocumented electrical lines, requiring emergency locates.
Case 3: A civil engineering firm lost a bid due to inaccurate site data that came from skipping a utility survey.

Avoid these setbacks by partnering with ACS Underground early in your project.

FAQs About Utility Survey Scheduling

Question: How far in advance should I schedule a utility survey?
Answer: Ideally, 2–6 weeks before excavation or construction begins. Spring and summer projects may require earlier bookings due to demand.

Question: Can ACS Underground provide rush service?
Answer: Yes. While we recommend advanced scheduling, we offer expedited services when availability allows.

Question: What happens if utilities are found in the way of our plans?
Answer: We provide digital maps, mark-outs, and work with your engineers to adjust the design or reroute services to avoid conflicts.

Question: How long does a utility survey take?
Answer: Most site surveys take 1–3 days depending on size and complexity. Larger projects may take longer.

Question: Does ACS work on residential and commercial projects?
Answer: Yes! We work with homeowners, contractors, municipalities, utility providers, and commercial developers.

Question: Is utility locating required by law?
Answer: While 811 (Call Before You Dig) is required, it only locates public utilities. Private utility surveys—like those from ACS—are often needed to locate everything else.

Don’t Wait Until It’s Too Late

The best time to schedule your utility survey is always sooner than you think. Whether you’re breaking ground next month or just entering the design phase, ACS Underground Solutions is ready to help.

Our team provides fast, professional, and precise utility locating services backed by years of experience and the latest technology. Let us be your partner in avoiding surprises, minimizing risks, and keeping your project on track.

Contact ACS Underground Solutions today to schedule your utility survey and protect your timeline and budget.

What Builders Should Know About Pre-Construction Utility Mapping

March 7, 2025 by Ian Beaver

In construction, knowing exactly what’s below the surface can make or break your project. From unexpected utility strikes to costly delays, starting a build without proper utility mapping is like playing a dangerous guessing game. That’s why Pre-Construction Utility Mapping is one of the most critical steps for builders to take before breaking ground.

At ACS Underground Solutions, we work with builders across New Jersey, New York, and Connecticut to provide precise utility locating and mapping services that keep projects safe, compliant, and on schedule. If you’re a builder planning a new project, here’s what you need to know about pre-construction utility mapping and why it’s a must-have.

What Is Pre-Construction Utility Mapping?

Pre-construction utility mapping is the process of identifying, locating, and mapping all underground utilities before the start of any construction project. This includes:

Water and sewer lines
Gas pipes
Electric and communication cables
Storm drains
Fiber optic lines
Abandoned or unknown utilities

At ACS Underground Solutions, we use advanced technology like Ground Penetrating Radar (GPR), electromagnetic locating, and video pipe inspections to provide an accurate, detailed picture of what’s beneath the surface.

Why Is Pre-Construction Utility Mapping Important for Builders?

1. Avoid Dangerous Utility Strikes

One wrong move with heavy machinery can hit an underground utility line, causing serious damage, costly repairs, and major safety risks. Utility strikes can delay your project for weeks—or even shut it down entirely. Mapping utilities before you start helps prevent these accidents.

2. Stay Compliant with Regulations

Local and state regulations often require builders to identify and avoid utilities before excavation begins. Failing to follow these guidelines can lead to fines, work stoppages, and legal headaches. Utility mapping ensures you’re in full compliance from day one.

3. Save Time and Money

Nothing drives up costs like unexpected underground obstacles. By mapping utilities before construction begins, you can plan your work around existing infrastructure and avoid costly mid-project redesigns or repairs.

4. Protect Existing Infrastructure

Many building sites, especially in urban areas, are packed with critical utilities. Pre-construction mapping helps you identify and preserve these systems, reducing the risk of service interruptions to nearby businesses or homes.

5. Better Project Planning

When you know what’s underground, you can design smarter. Utility mapping provides valuable data that helps engineers, architects, and builders make informed decisions that keep projects on time and within budget.

How Does ACS Underground Solutions Perform Utility Mapping?

We use a combination of advanced tools and techniques to provide accurate, real-time data about underground utilities, including:

Ground Penetrating Radar (GPR): A non-invasive method that uses radar pulses to detect underground objects and utilities.
Electromagnetic Locating: Identifies metallic utilities by detecting electromagnetic fields.
Vacuum Excavation (Potholing): When needed, we use non-destructive digging methods to physically expose utilities for precise verification.
CCTV Video Pipe Inspections: Allows us to assess the condition and layout of sewer and drain lines.

These technologies work together to give you a complete, clear picture of your site’s subsurface features.

When Should Builders Schedule Pre-Construction Utility Mapping?

Ideally, utility mapping should be scheduled during the early planning phase of your project—before any excavation, trenching, or heavy equipment arrives on-site. The sooner you have this information, the better you can plan and avoid surprises.

At ACS Underground Solutions, we offer flexible scheduling to keep your project moving forward without delays.

What Happens After Utility Mapping Is Complete?

Once the mapping process is finished, our team provides you with:

Detailed utility maps and reports
Markings on-site to indicate utility locations
Recommendations for safe excavation and construction planning

This information becomes a vital part of your project documentation and can be shared with your entire build team to keep everyone informed and protected.

FAQs

Question: Why is pre-construction utility mapping important for builders?

Answer: Pre-construction utility mapping helps builders identify underground utilities before digging begins. This prevents dangerous utility strikes, costly project delays, and ensures compliance with local regulations.
Question: When should I schedule utility mapping for my construction project?

Answer: It’s best to schedule utility mapping during the early planning phase, before any excavation or heavy equipment is brought on-site. Early detection of utilities helps keep your project on time and budget.
Question: What technologies are used in utility mapping?

Answer: ACS Underground Solutions uses advanced tools like Ground Penetrating Radar (GPR), electromagnetic locating, video pipe inspections, and vacuum excavation (potholing) to accurately locate underground utilities.

Question: What happens if utilities are found in the construction area?

Answer: Once utilities are mapped, your team can modify construction plans to work safely around existing infrastructure, avoiding potential damage, service interruptions, and legal issues.
Question: Does utility mapping also detect abandoned or unknown lines?

Answer: Yes! Our advanced equipment can often identify abandoned, unknown, or unmarked utilities, providing a full picture of subsurface conditions to protect your project.

Why Choose ACS Underground Solutions for Utility Mapping?

Builders throughout NJ, NY, and CT trust ACS Underground Solutions because we provide:

Over 20 years of experience in underground utility locating
Accurate, high-quality mapping reports
Cutting-edge technology and equipment
Certified, highly trained technicians
Fast turnaround times to keep your project on track

We’re committed to keeping your construction site safe and your project successful from the ground up.

As a builder, you know that preparation is everything. When it comes to starting a new project, pre-construction utility mapping is one step you simply can’t afford to skip. Knowing exactly where underground utilities are located helps you avoid costly mistakes, protect your crew, and complete your build on schedule.

At ACS Underground Solutions, we’re here to provide the expert utility locating services you need to move forward with confidence.

Contact ACS Underground Solutions Today

Planning a new construction project? Protect your investment and your team with professional utility mapping from ACS Underground Solutions.

Call us now at (203) 544-7190
Visit: https://www.acsunderground.com
Serving New Jersey, New York, and Connecticut

Let’s make sure your next project starts safely and finishes strong!

What to Do If You Hit a Utility Line: Emergency Steps for Contractors

February 4, 2025 by Ian Beaver

Digging and excavation projects are critical components of construction and infrastructure development. However, accidentally striking a utility line—whether it’s a gas, electric, water, or communication line—can pose serious risks, including injury, service disruption, and costly legal consequences.

If you’re a contractor, knowing how to respond swiftly and effectively after hitting a utility line can reduce damages and protect your workers and the public. Below, we’ll cover step-by-step emergency actions, legal responsibilities, and how to prevent future utility strikes.

Immediate Steps to Take If You Hit a Utility Line

If you hit a buried utility line during excavation, you must act quickly and follow safety protocols to prevent further damage.

1. Stop All Work Immediately

As soon as you suspect or confirm a utility strike, halt all excavation activities. Continuing work could worsen the damage and increase risks.

2. Evacuate the Area If Necessary

If you hit a gas line, evacuate workers and the public immediately.
If there’s a fire or explosion, move to a safe distance and alert emergency responders.
If you hit an electric line, stay away from exposed wires to avoid electrocution.

3. Call 911 for Emergencies

If the utility strike poses a public safety threat, such as a gas leak, fire, or electrical hazard, call 911 immediately. Do not attempt to repair or contain the situation yourself.

4. Notify the Utility Company

After ensuring the safety of your crew, call the utility provider immediately. Most utility companies have emergency response teams available to handle such incidents.

5. Secure the Worksite

Keep all personnel away from the damaged utility.
Set up barriers or warning signs to prevent further risks.
Do not attempt repairs yourself—utility companies have trained professionals for handling these incidents.

6. File an Incident Report

Document the accident with photos and notes.
Report the incident to the local utility authority and your company’s safety manager.
Keep records for insurance and legal purposes.

Understanding the Risks of Utility Strikes

Hitting a buried utility line is not just an inconvenience—it can be life-threatening and lead to significant financial and legal repercussions.

Potential Dangers of a Utility Strike

Gas Line Ruptures: Can cause explosions, fires, and toxic exposure.
Electrical Line Contact: Can result in electrocution or fires.
Water Main Damage: May lead to flooding and contamination.
Sewer Line Strikes: Can create hazardous leaks and costly repairs.
Fiber Optic and Communication Lines: Can disrupt internet and phone services, leading to business downtime.

How to Prevent Hitting a Utility Line

Accident prevention is always better than dealing with an emergency. Here are some best practices contractors should follow:

1. Call 811 Before You Dig

811 is the national “Call Before You Dig” hotline.
Utility companies will mark underground lines to help you avoid striking them.
In Connecticut, you must call 811 at least 2 days before digging.

2. Hire a Professional Utility Locating Service

ACS Underground Solutions specializes in private utility locating services using:

Ground Penetrating Radar (GPR)
Electromagnetic Locating
Video Pipe Inspections

Unlike 811, which only marks public utility lines, ACS Underground locates private utilities on commercial and residential properties.

3. Use Non-Destructive Digging Methods

When working near known utility lines, hydro excavation or vacuum excavation is safer than traditional digging methods.

4. Train Your Crew on Utility Safety

Every contractor should be trained in:
? Recognizing utility line markings
? Responding to emergency situations
? Understanding local safety regulations

Legal & Financial Consequences of Utility Strikes

Failing to follow proper procedures can result in severe penalties.

Legal Responsibilities for Contractors

Failure to call 811 before digging can lead to hefty fines.
If your negligence causes damage, you could be liable for repair costs and lawsuits.
OSHA violations related to excavation safety can result in work stoppages and penalties.

Cost of Repairing a Utility Strike

Gas line repair: $5,000 – $100,000+
Electrical line repair: $10,000 – $200,000+
Fiber optic repair: $20,000+ per incident

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Who is responsible if a contractor hits a utility line?

Contractors are usually liable for damages unless they followed proper procedures, such as calling 811 and hiring a private utility locator.

2. Can I be fined for hitting a buried utility?

Yes. OSHA and local authorities may impose fines if safety protocols were not followed.

3. What if I hit a utility line that wasn’t marked?

If the line was unmarked or mismarked, the utility provider may be responsible for damages. However, you must still report the incident immediately.

4. How can I prevent hitting utility lines on my next project?

Call 811 before digging.
Hire ACS Underground Solutions for private utility locating.
Use safe excavation techniques like hydro excavation.

5. What happens if I hit an abandoned utility line?

Even if a utility is abandoned, damaging it could still be a legal issue. Always report the strike to local authorities and the property owner.

How ACS Underground Solutions Can Help

At ACS Underground Solutions, we provide professional underground utility locating services across Connecticut, New York, and surrounding areas.

? Ground Penetrating Radar (GPR) for precise underground mapping
? Electromagnetic Locating for identifying active utility lines
? Sewer & Drain Pipe Inspections to detect leaks and damages

? Don’t risk hitting a buried utility! Contact ACS Underground Solutions today for expert utility locating before your next excavation project.

? Call us at (203) 544-7190
? Visit us at www.acsunderground.com

Hitting a utility line can lead to serious safety hazards, costly repairs, and legal consequences. By following proper emergency steps and taking preventative measures, contractors can avoid disruptions and protect their teams.

For professional utility locating services, ACS Underground Solutions is your trusted partner in excavation safety.

Behind the Scenes of Super Bowl Success: The Critical Role of Underground Utility Locating

January 27, 2025 by Ian Beaver

As Super Bowl LIX approaches, the excitement is palpable. While fans eagerly anticipate the on-field action, there’s a behind-the-scenes story that ensures the event runs smoothly—one that involves meticulous planning, precision, and expertise in underground utility management. At ACS Underground Solutions, we’ve had the privilege of playing a crucial role in past Super Bowl preparations, ensuring safety and efficiency for all involved.

Our Role in Super Bowl XLVIII

In 2014, Super Bowl XLVIII was held at MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, NJ. The event’s scale required transforming vast areas around the stadium into functional spaces for various purposes. This transformation included:

Security Perimeter Establishment: A significant portion of the parking area was repurposed to create a secure perimeter, accommodating satellite trucks and support vehicles.
Hospitality and Media Zones: Temporary structures were erected to host pre-game hospitality events, media personnel, and the iconic halftime show.

To facilitate these setups, over 1,117 tent pegs were driven 5 to 10 feet into the asphalt, and more than 60 generators were installed, necessitating an additional 1,500 piercings for grounding bars. Each of these installations posed a potential risk to the intricate web of underground utilities beneath the surface.

Ensuring Safety Through Precision

Our team at ACS Underground Solutions was entrusted with the critical task of marking out underground utilities in the designated areas. This process was vital to prevent any accidental damage to essential services such as fiber optics, gas lines, electrical conduits, telephone cables, and water pipes.

The project spanned six weeks and was executed under challenging conditions, including sub-freezing temperatures of around 20°F and the removal of 12 inches of snow. Despite these hurdles, our prior site knowledge and experience enabled us to complete the project without any mishaps or utility damage. The high-security clearance required for the Super Bowl added another layer of complexity, but our team’s professionalism ensured seamless operations.

The Importance of Underground Utility Locating

Events of the Super Bowl’s magnitude require extensive temporary infrastructure. Without proper utility locating, there’s a significant risk of damaging underground services, which can lead to:

Service Interruptions: Affecting not only the event but also surrounding communities.
Safety Hazards: Potentially causing gas leaks, electrical hazards, or water main breaks.
Increased Costs: Resulting from repairs, delays, and potential fines.

By accurately identifying and marking underground utilities, we mitigate these risks, ensuring that installations like tent pegs and grounding rods are placed safely.

Our Commitment to Excellence

At ACS Underground Solutions, we pride ourselves on being the #1 utility locating and leak detection company serving CT, NY, NJ, MA, and RI. Our services include:

Underground Utility Locating: Identifying and marking the presence of underground utilities to prevent accidental damage during excavation or construction activities.
Concrete Imaging: Using advanced technology to detect embedded objects within concrete structures, ensuring safe drilling and cutting.
Leak Detection: Pinpointing leaks in water, gas, or other pipelines to prevent wastage and potential hazards.
Video Pipe Inspection: Utilizing camera systems to inspect the interior of pipelines, identifying blockages, damages, or other issues.
Thermal Imaging: Detecting temperature variations to identify issues like water leaks, electrical faults, or insulation deficiencies.

Our experience with high-profile projects, such as the Super Bowl, the United Nations, and major infrastructure undertakings, underscores our capability to handle complex tasks with precision and reliability.

Looking Ahead to Super Bowl LIX

As Super Bowl LIX approaches, the lessons from our past experiences remain ever-relevant. The importance of thorough planning, precise execution, and unwavering attention to detail cannot be overstated. While the venues and circumstances may change, the foundational principles of safety and efficiency remain constant.

For event organizers, construction companies, and other stakeholders involved in large-scale projects, partnering with experienced utility locating professionals is crucial. At ACS Underground Solutions, we’re ready to bring our expertise to ensure that every project, big or small, is executed safely and successfully.

The grandeur of events like the Super Bowl is built upon countless hours of meticulous preparation. Behind the scenes, teams like ours work diligently to ensure that the infrastructure supporting these events is safe, efficient, and reliable. As fans enjoy the spectacle of Super Bowl LIX, we’ll take pride in knowing that our contributions help make such events possible.

For more information about our services or to discuss how we can assist with your upcoming projects, please contact us at 203-544-7190 or visit our website. Let’s work together to ensure safety and success in every endeavor.