Understand the private utility locating gap

Texas811 explains that private utilities are lines not owned by utility companies. Its examples include water and sewer lines, private lighting, sprinklers, fire mains, secondary electric lines to detached garages, pool facilities and septic lines. The exact ownership and marking responsibility depend on the property and facility.

Do not assume that a cleared ticket or visible public markings identify every buried feature. Review the Texas811 responses, then identify known or suspected private facilities that need separate attention.

Gather owner records before the locate visit

Collect irrigation plans, pool documents, lighting layouts, septic information, surveys, prior repair photos and notes from previous owners when available. Records may be incomplete or inaccurate, so present them as information to review—not proof of exact underground locations.

Walk the property only from the surface. Note meters, valve boxes, cleanouts, pool equipment, detached structures and changes in paving or landscaping that could suggest buried service. Do not probe the soil or open electrical equipment.

Coordinate Texas811 and private utility locating

Texas811 says the contact process asks for the work location, nature of work, excavation dimensions, equipment and locate instructions. Its guidance describes a two-working-day wait, excluding weekends and holidays, while utilities respond. The ticket and positive responses should be retained and reviewed for the actual project.

If markings are missing or a response is unclear, use the Texas811 process for a no-response, update or remark instead of guessing. Arrange separate private locating where the reviewed scope and ownership information indicate it is needed.

For excavation involving plumbing work, also read Iron Earth’s sewer repair excavation coordination guide.

Give the excavation crew one complete information set

Before scheduling, identify who owns the locate coordination and who confirms readiness to proceed. Share the ticket, positive responses, private-locate information, available records and any unresolved questions with the responsible contractor.

1. Scope: define the excavation area and purpose.
2. Ticket: keep the Texas811 ticket and current response information.
3. Private facilities: list known or suspected owner-controlled lines.
4. Access: ensure locators can reach the requested area and pets are secured.
5. Changes: update the locate request when the excavation description or limits change.
6. Site control: keep occupants and visitors outside the contractor’s work area.

Iron Earth serves North Texas; use the Plano excavation page or another current service-area page to start a location-specific conversation.

private utility locating: frequently asked questions