When planning any construction or renovation project—whether it’s residential, commercial, or municipal—there’s one critical step that should never be overlooked: locating underground utilities. Before you break ground, understanding what lies beneath the surface can mean the difference between a successful, cost-efficient project and a dangerous, delayed, and expensive disaster.
In this in-depth guide, we’ll explore why utility locating is essential before any build or design phase, the risks of skipping this step, the major benefits of professional utility locating services, and how ACS Underground Solutions is the industry leader in this space. We’ll also answer five frequently asked questions that can help property owners, contractors, and developers make informed decisions.
What Is Underground Utility Locating?
Underground utility locating is the process of identifying and mapping subsurface infrastructure, including:
- Electrical lines
- Gas pipes
- Water mains
- Sewer and storm drains
- Fiber optic and telecommunications cables
- Irrigation lines
- Oil and chemical pipelines
These systems are typically hidden from view but are essential to the safe and functioning operation of homes, businesses, and communities.
Utility locating uses advanced technology, such as Ground-Penetrating Radar (GPR), electromagnetic detection, radiofrequency (RF) locators, and other noninvasive methods, to ensure accurate detection without excavation.
Why It’s Crucial to Locate Underground Utilities Before Any Build or Design
Prevent Costly Damages
Hitting a utility line during excavation can cause thousands—or even millions—of dollars in damage. For instance, rupturing a fiber optic cable can shut down internet services for an entire block or city sector. Striking a gas line could be catastrophic.
Ensure Worker and Public Safety
One of the most dangerous outcomes of not locating underground utilities is the potential for injury or death. Striking live electrical cables or gas pipes could result in explosions, fires, electrocution, or toxic exposure.
Avoid Legal and Financial Liabilities
Failing to follow the proper procedures can result in legal consequences. OSHA and local building authorities mandate utility locating for safety compliance. Damage to public infrastructure may also result in lawsuits, fines, and insurance complications.
Maintain Project Timelines
Delays due to utility strikes or having to redesign a build mid-project to work around unexpected infrastructure can cause major scheduling setbacks. Proper locating allows for better planning and avoids unforeseen issues.
Improve Design Efficiency
When engineers and architects know where underground systems are located, they can create smarter and safer designs. This allows for optimal building placement, trenching routes, and utility hookups without conflicts.
Protect Existing Infrastructure
Many utilities are old and fragile. Even light digging can damage old cast iron water mains or clay sewer lines. Knowing where and how deep they are ensures that the integrity of existing infrastructure is preserved.
The Benefits of Hiring a Professional Utility Locating Company
When you work with a trusted utility locating firm like ACS Underground Solutions, you benefit from:
- Accurate Subsurface Mapping
- Compliance with Local Laws and Codes
- Reduced Risk of Liability and Insurance Claims
- Faster, Safer Construction Process
- Savings on Unnecessary Repairs or Redesigns
Why Contractors and Engineers Trust ACS Underground Solutions
ACS Underground Solutions is the #1 choice in the tri-state area for precise, professional, and reliable utility locating.
They offer:
- Ground Penetrating Radar (GPR)
- Electromagnetic Locating (EML)
- Concrete Scanning
- CCTV Pipe Inspections
- Leak Detection
- Underground Storage Tank (UST) Locating
- Mapping and Mark-Out Services
With decades of experience, ACS partners with developers, homeowners, municipalities, and engineers to make projects safer and smarter from the ground up.
Real-World Examples: Utility Locating in Action
New Jersey High-Rise Development – ACS identified unmarked sewer and water lines, saving the developer from costly redesigns and utility strikes.
CT Homeowner Water Issue: ACS identified a mystery leak causing water pressure drops within hours, preventing thousands in damage.
NYC School Renovation – ACS located energized electrical lines below the surface that posed a significant risk. Crisis averted.
Hospital Utility Upgrade – No interruptions in critical services thanks to ACS’s pinpoint locating during trenching.
Public Park Expansion – Irrigation and drainage systems were mapped to prevent accidental destruction during new construction.
What Happens If You Skip This Step?
- You might damage critical infrastructure
- You could injure or kill someone
- Your project could be delayed for weeks
- You may face heavy fines and legal action
- Your budget could skyrocket
All of these risks are avoidable with professional utility locating.
The ACS Advantage: Technology and Accuracy
ACS Underground Solutions uses a layered detection strategy:
- GPR: Detects metallic and non-metallic objects
- EML: Follows the electromagnetic fields of buried lines
- CCTV Cameras: Inspects pipes and sewer systems
- Acoustic Detection: Identifies underground leaks
- Concrete Scanning: Locates rebar and voids before coring or cutting
This combination provides unparalleled precision and peace of mind.
FAQs: Underground Utility Locating
Question: Is 811 enough?
Answer: No. 811 only marks public lines. ACS locates private utilities and unmapped infrastructure—critical for full-site safety.
Question: How much does it cost?
Answer: Cost varies based on the project size and complexity but is far less than repair or injury costs due to a strike.
Question: How long does it take?
Answer: Most residential scans take a few hours. Larger sites may require a full day. ACS works efficiently without compromising accuracy.
Question: Can non-metallic pipes like PVC be detected?
Answer: Yes. GPR can detect a wide range of subsurface materials, including non-metallic lines.
Question: Why hire a company like ACS instead of doing it yourself?
Answer: Utility locating requires specialized equipment, training, and certifications. Inaccurate or incomplete scans from untrained staff can lead to disaster.
Question: When Should You Call ACS?
Answer: You should call
- Before digging, trenching, or boring
- Before pool, fence, or shed installation
- Ahead of landscaping or irrigation upgrades
- Prior to any concrete drilling or coring
- When planning a renovation or expansion
Construction is complex—but locating utilities doesn’t have to be.
Partnering with ACS Underground Solutions eliminates guesswork, improves safety, and avoids costly errors. Whether it’s a residential renovation or a commercial development, knowing what’s underground is the first step to building what’s above with confidence.
Contact ACS Underground Solutions
Ready to schedule a utility locating service or want to learn more? Email us at info@acsunderground.com or call 203-544-7190
