If you’re planning to remodel or add to your home, knowing the underground utilities in your area can make a huge difference in how smoothly and successfully the project goes. The correct information will help you locate utilities, determine where to run pipes and cables, and plan the best way to deal with underground obstructions.
Pre-Planning
Pre-planning for underground utilities can help reduce the risks associated with excavations. A few simple steps can prevent workers, bystanders, and equipment from injury. However, there are many variables involved in the excavation process. These factors can include the location of the utility, the type of construction site, and the location of adjacent structures.
For example, it can be hard to detect if the underground utilities boston ma is located beneath a thickly vegetated area. This might result in faulty machinery and unstable ground. Additionally, it may be harmful to the workers’ health. An expert utility locator can assist in preventing this.
In addition, locating utilities requires precise measurements. If the utilities are not appropriately marked, the work crew may dig into the wrong place and cause damage to the lines. It is essential to perform a thorough utility mapping process before digging.
Locating
Locating underground utilities is a crucial step in construction projects. It ensures the safety of crews and helps prevent accidents. The most common underground utilities include water, gas, electricity, and telecommunications.
Using ground-penetrating radar, utility locators can identify underground facilities. This non-destructive technique detects voids, cracks, and buried metal utilities.
Underground utilities can be difficult to find. If the ground is soft, there may be no detection of a pipe or cable. A variety of equipment is available for locating underground utilities.
One-call systems can help locate underground facilities. These systems provide a communication channel between designers and utility operators.
Marking
Having an accurate underground utility map can save you time and money. It can also prevent accidents and damage.
Before you start any construction project, it’s essential to know where all the utilities are. This will help keep you and your workers safe.
A good start is calling 811, a free phone number to locate underground pipelines. Utility companies will mark the location of their lines for you for free in most municipalities.
One of the most significant benefits of knowing where the utilities are is that you don’t have to worry about them causing accidents or damaging your home or business. Not only can you avoid these common hazards, but you’ll also be able to cut down on the amount of time needed for a repair job.
Calling 811
It’s essential to call 811 before digging to locate the underground utilities. This will help prevent you from hitting a line or damaging the infrastructure. Fines and repair costs may be incurred for failure to comply. Also, hitting a cable can cause injuries or outages.
Calling 811 will connect you to a free utility locator service. The locator will mark the underground utilities, informing you of their approximate location. You’ll receive a color code for each type of buried utility.
Some underground utilities are gas, water, sewer, electric, oil, and steam lines. They are marked with flags or painted.
Using a Rounded or Blunt-Edged Shovel
If you plan to dig underground utilities, use a rounded or blunt-edged shovel. These tools are helpful for various garden jobs, from digging trenches to moving mulch. However, you should be aware of some essential features and safety considerations.
There are a few different types of rounded and blunt-edged shovels, including half-moon edgers, round-point shovels, and clamshell diggers.
Common Ground Alliance
The Common Ground Alliance (CGA) is a nonprofit trade association that works to protect the integrity of underground utility lines and other infrastructure in communities across the United States. The organization promotes safe digging practices and effective damage prevention methods through education and public awareness initiatives.
The Common Ground Alliance reports more than 100 billion feet of underground utility lines in the U.S., with damage occurring about once every six minutes. According to CGA, the estimated costs of damages to these facilities are $30 billion annually.
The Common Ground Alliance promotes effective and safe digging practices and encourages using one-call systems to avoid damage to underground utilities. They also provide trenching and trenchless construction best practices and a centralized repository of damage prevention information.
