Welcome back to Digging Deeper With The Post Hole Company! Today, we’re diving into an important but often overlooked aspect of construction and excavation: private locates. If you’re planning any digging project, understanding the difference between public and private locates is crucial to avoid costly mistakes and potential hazards.

What Are Private Locates?

Private locates refer to the process of identifying and marking privately-owned underground utilities on a property. These utilities can include anything installed by the property owner or a third party that is not part of the public utility network. Examples of private utilities include:

• Sprinkler Systems: Irrigation lines running through your yard.
• Pool Plumbing: Pipes that supply water to and from your pool.
• Private Electrical Lines: Wires running from your main house to a detached garage, shed, or outdoor lighting.
• Natural Gas Lines: Gas lines installed for outdoor grills, heaters, or fire pits.
• Septic Systems: Underground waste disposal systems that are privately managed.

 

Who Handles Private Locates?

Unlike public locates, which are managed by Ontario 1 Call, private locates are the responsibility of the property owner. Typically, these are handled by specialized companies that offer private locate services. Here’s how the process generally works:

1. Contact a Private Locate Service: When you have private utilities on your property, it’s important to contact a company that provides private locate services. They have the expertise and equipment to detect and mark these utilities.

2. The Locate Process: The private locate service will visit your property, use specialized tools like electromagnetic detectors or ground-penetrating radar (GPR), and mark the locations of your private utilities with spray paint or flags.

3. Documentation: After the locates are completed, the company will provide you with a detailed report or map showing the location of all private utilities. This documentation is essential for anyone planning to dig on your property.

Why Ontario 1 Call Doesn’t Locate Private Utilities

Ontario 1 Call is the central hub for locating public utilities in Ontario. When you request a locate through Ontario 1 Call, they will notify all relevant utility companies—such as gas, electricity, water, and telecommunications—to mark their underground services. However, Ontario 1 Call does not handle private utilities for several reasons:

1. Legal Limitations: Ontario 1 Call’s mandate is to coordinate the location of public utilities owned by government entities or utility companies. Private utilities are the responsibility of the property owner, and Ontario 1 Call has no legal obligation to locate these services.

2. Liability: If Ontario 1 Call were to attempt locating private utilities, it could expose them to liability for any errors or damages. Since they are not equipped or insured to handle private locates, this responsibility is left to specialized private locate companies.

3. Specialized Knowledge: Private utilities can vary greatly in their installation and depth. Locating these requires specific knowledge and tools that public utility locators might not possess. Specialized companies are better equipped to handle these complex locates.

The Importance of Private Locates

Understanding the significance of private locates is crucial for anyone planning to dig on their property. Failing to identify and avoid private utilities can lead to several issues:

• Safety Hazards: Striking an underground electrical or gas line can cause serious injury or even death.
• Property Damage: Hitting a water or irrigation line can flood your property and lead to expensive repairs.
• Legal Consequences: Damaging a utility can result in fines, legal liability, and the cost of repairs.

When Should You Get Private Locates?

You should consider getting private locates any time you plan to dig on your property and suspect there might be private utilities present. This includes:

• Installing Fences: Even if you think you’re just digging a few shallow post holes, it’s important to ensure there are no underground utilities in the way.
• Building Decks or Sheds: Foundations for these structures often require deeper digging, increasing the risk of hitting a utility.
• Landscaping Projects: Planting trees, installing irrigation systems, or digging ponds all require a clear understanding of what lies beneath the surface.

Conclusion

In summary, private locates are a critical step in ensuring the safety and success of your digging project. While Ontario 1 Call handles public utilities, private locates must be managed by specialized companies. Before you dig, always make sure both public and private locates are completed to avoid unnecessary risks and costs.

At The Post Hole Company, we understand the importance of safety and precision in every digging project. If you have any questions about locates or need professional assistance with your post hole or footing installation, don’t hesitate to contact us.