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Your Utility Locating Questions—Answered

Understanding Utility Locating Services

What Is Utility Locating?

Utility locating is the process of identifying and marking the position of underground infrastructure. This including power lines, gas pipes, water mains, telecommunications cables, and sewer lines before any excavation or ground disturbance begins.

When standard locating may not be enough: Traditional utility locating relies on electronic signals and public utility records, which work well for metallic lines and mapped infrastructure. However, it can miss non-metallic pipes, private laterals, abandoned lines, or utilities in areas with incomplete records. If you're working on older properties, dealing with unknown underground features, or need to verify what standard locating found (or didn't find), specialized methods like Ground Penetrating Radar become essential.

Buildings with a clock symbol, possibly representing business time or schedule.
Hole dug in dirt exposing buried pipes. A concrete surface and greenery are in the background.

When Every Detail Counts

Protect Your Project Before Breaking Ground

You should reach out for utility locating when:

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Planning any excavation, trenching, or digging project

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Installing fence posts, retaining walls, or landscaping features

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Preparing for concrete work, foundation repairs, or additions

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Scheduling saw-cutting or core drilling through pavement or slabs

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Investigating property line utilities or planning new service connections

What the Colors Mean

The Universal Utility Marking System

When utilities are marked on your property, a standardized color system ensures everyone on-site knows exactly what's below. These colors follow the APWA (American Public Works Association) uniform color code:

Red

Electric power lines, cables, conduit, and lighting cables

Yellow

Gas, oil, steam, petroleum, or other gaseous or flammable materials

Green

Sewers and drain lines, including storm drains and sanitary systems

Blue

Potable water lines and irrigation systems

Purple

Reclaimed water, irrigation, and slurry lines (recycled/non-potable water)

Orange

Communication lines, including telephone, cable TV, fiber optics, and alarm or signal systems

Pink

Temporary survey markings, unknown or unidentified facilities, or proposed excavation limits

White

Proposed excavation boundaries or route (marks where digging will occur)

GPR Insights

Ground Penetrating Radar – Your Questions Answered

  • What is a private utility locate?

    A private utility locate identifies buried lines—such as electric, gas, water, and communications—that are not covered by 811 services. APUL specializes in locating these private utilities to help you dig safely and avoid costly damage.

  • Why do I need to contact 811 first?

    811 marks public utilities only (those owned by utility companies). APUL complements that service by locating private utilities on your property, ensuring a complete picture of what’s underground.

  • What areas do you serve?

    We proudly serve California’s Central Coast region, including Monterey County, San Luis Obispo County, and Santa Barbara County.

  • How do I schedule a service?

    It’s easy! Just call (805) 610-4043 or email info@allprivateutilitylocating.com

     to book a service or request a free quote.