Detect & Locate Private Utilities
Knowing what is underground before work begins can help prevent costly surprises and unnecessary delays. DCBF Corp detects and locates private utilities for property owners, contractors, and project teams preparing for excavation, construction, or other site work. Private utility lines may not always be identified through standard public utility marking services, so taking this extra step can provide a clearer picture of what is below the surface.
With more than 40 years of experience in underground utility work, we understand how important accurate information is before the ground is disturbed. Our experience providing a range of underground utility services gives us practical knowledge of how utility lines are routed and where potential conflicts may occur.
Private utilities can include electrical lines, water lines, communications, and other underground infrastructure located beyond the areas covered by public utility marking services. Identifying these lines gives contractors and property owners useful information they can consider when planning where and how work will take place.
Private Utility Locating Services
Locating Private Underground Utilities
Private utilities can be easy to overlook because they are not always included in public utility markings. We use specialized locating equipment to help identify underground lines and determine where they run through the property. Every site is different, so we consider the property and the work being planned when locating existing utilities. Identifying these lines before excavation gives crews useful information to plan the job, work around existing infrastructure, and reduce the risk of accidental damage.
Private Electrical & Communication Lines
Privately owned electrical and communication lines may run between buildings, outdoor equipment, lighting, signs, or other areas of a property. These lines are not always identified through public utility marking services, making private locating an important step before excavation. Our team can help identify electrical, fiber optic, and CATV lines so contractors and property owners have a better understanding of what is underground before work gets started. This information can help with planning and reduce the chance of disrupting existing services.
Private Water & Service Lines
Private water and sewer lines can run from public connections to buildings, outbuildings, irrigation systems, or other areas throughout a property. Other privately installed lines, including invisible dog fences, may also be difficult to identify from the surface. Because these lines may not be included in standard utility markings, their location isn’t always obvious. We can help locate underground water, sewer, and other private service lines before digging begins, giving crews a better understanding of what they may encounter. This can help protect existing lines while planning excavation or improvements around the property.
Utility Locating Before Excavation
Utility markings give crews a visible reference for where underground lines have been identified before excavation starts. Once private utilities are located, marking their approximate path can help contractors plan where to dig, bore, or perform other site work. This information is especially valuable when several utilities cross the same work area or when excavation needs to take place close to existing infrastructure. Taking the time to locate and mark private lines helps crews work more carefully and avoid preventable damage and delays.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are private utilities?
Why wouldn’t private utilities be marked with the other utility lines?
When should I have private utilities located?
What types of private utility lines can you locate?
Depending on the property and site conditions, we can help locate electrical, water, communication, CATV, fiber optic, and other underground service lines. If you’re unsure about a particular line on your property, give us a call, and we can talk through what you need.



