A professional underground utility survey is a must when preparing for a digging or excavation project in Edmonton. It helps identify buried infrastructure lines like gas mains, water pipes, and electrical cables. However, did you know that even after commissioning a line locating survey, you could still put your underground utility lines at risk? Unfortunately, it happens quite often.
Many homeowners take the right step in commissioning an underground utility survey but then make small and costly mistakes that lead to unexpected damage and expensive repairs. If you want to protect your property— and get the most out of your underground utility survey from Meridian Surveys— then here’s what you need to know about residential digging best practices.
1. Thinking Lines Are Buried Deeper Than They Are
One of the most common misconceptions homeowners have is that underground utilities are all buried deep below the surface. While some utility lines are installed several feet underground, others are much shallower— often just inches below ground. Over time, landscaping and soil erosion can shift or expose these lines. If you assume a line is too deep to be disturbed by your project, you might get an expensive and dangerous surprise. When in doubt, seek lines out.
2. Underestimating the Risk of Household Tools
You don’t need heavy-duty excavation equipment to damage a buried utility line. Even basic household tools like shovels, trowels, and post diggers can puncture or sever underground utilities. For example, a fence installation can cause serious damage if a cable or electrical line is struck due to the nature of their construction materials. Homeowners often don’t realize how fragile some of these lines are until it’s too late, which is why an in-depth utility survey is vital.
3. Assuming Utilities Run in a Straight Line
Another common mistake when working around underground utility lines is assuming they take the shortest and most direct path between connection points. In reality, utility lines often curve, zigzag, or follow existing infrastructure. If you assume a line runs in a straight path, you could dig right into a hidden section or connector. This is why it’s critical to follow your professional line locating report carefully rather than relying on guesswork… or digging with no survey at all.
4. Rushing the Project Before the Survey is Complete
Patience is key when it comes to line locating. Some homeowners are so eager to start their projects and begin digging before the survey is fully completed. Even if an initial scan has been performed, additional checks or clarifications might still be needed. Digging too soon could mean working with incomplete or inaccurate information, increasing the risk of damaging a buried line.
5. Failing to Hand Dig Along the Line Path
Even if you’ve commissioned a professional line location survey in Edmonton, it’s essential to hand dig carefully along the marked utility lines before using power tools or heavy equipment. Many homeowners skip this step, assuming the markings alone provide precise information. In reality, slight miscalculations or unexpected obstacles can cause accidental utility line strikes. At Meridian, we recommend digging by hand in multiple locations along any plotted utility lines to guarantee you have the precise path and depth before proceeding with more invasive tools.
6. Misinterpreting the Line Location Report
A professional underground utility mapping service in Edmonton provides valuable data about buried lines on your property— but mistakes can still happen if it’s misread or misunderstood. Homeowners often assume they understand their report and move forward without seeking clarification, which can lead to costly mistakes and injuries. If there is any uncertainty over your underground utility location survey report, it’s best to consult with the experts at Meridian to ensure you have accurate and concise information before starting any residential excavation.
Stay Safe with Expert Line Locating Services in Edmonton from Meridian Surveys
Even if you’ve completed an Edmonton line locating survey on your property, taking a few extra precautions can prevent costly mistakes for a safe project. By avoiding these common errors and consulting with Meridian Surveys, you can protect your property, safety, and wallet.
At Meridian, we’ve helped Edmonton homeowners navigate the demands of line location services and safe digging for almost 40 years. If you have any questions about underground utility surveys or need guidance on understanding your survey report, our team is here to help. Visit our website or contact the Meridian team today to ensure your next project is safe and successful!