Protect Your Property Investment: The Complete Guide to Spotting Underground Utilities Before Fence Installation in Capitol County Connecticut
Installing a new fence on your Connecticut property is an exciting project that enhances privacy, security, and curb appeal. However, before breaking ground on your fence installation, there’s one critical step that could save you thousands of dollars in damages, prevent serious injuries, and avoid lengthy project delays: properly locating all underground utilities on your property.
Why Underground Utility Location is Essential in Connecticut
Any type of work that disturbs the ground, such as building an addition, installing a pool, putting up a fence, or planting a garden, could potentially damage underground utilities. An accident can have consequences that can range from a minor inconvenience to a deadly disaster. In Connecticut, damages to buried utilities cost the U.S. approximately $30 billion in repairs and societal impacts each year, with not contacting 811 before digging being the top driver of damages to buried utilities every year.
Many cities require an additional land survey report outlining topographical evidence and the location of underground utilities. This requirement exists because some utilities can be buried just inches below the surface, making even shallow fence post holes potentially dangerous.
Understanding Connecticut’s 811 System
It is the LAW. Call Before You Dig service enables excavators to obtain information on the location of underground utility pipes and cables in the area of the proposed work site. In Connecticut, if you plan to dig or excavate in Connecticut, you’re legally required to call 811 first. That phone number will connect you to a nonprofit organization that can give you information about utility lines and pipes that are buried underground.
To have your utilities located, contact CBYD by calling 811 or 1-800-922-4455. You must call 811 at least two full business days before you begin working on your project. You can submit a locate request up to 30 days before the start of excavation.
The process is straightforward: Within two working days of your call to CBYD, a representative from each affected member utility company (not a CBYD staff person) will mark the location of their underground facilities with paint and/or flags at the excavation site. By law, the excavator must ‘Pre-mark’ the excavation area with white paint; white-tipped stakes, white tape or white flags before contacting 811.
The Critical Gap: Private Utilities
Here’s where many property owners make a costly mistake. The 811 ticket only covers your public utilities and NOT private utilities. It is the responsibility of the homeowner to locate and mark private utility lines. The utilities will only identify the facilities that they own or operate, not privately installed lines or facilities.
Common private utilities to be aware of include: Underground sprinkler and/or irrigation lines, underground water lines that feed a swimming pool or other structure, underground electric lines (other than local utility lines) that supply power to lamp posts, walkway/yard lighting, pool wiring, sheds, invisible dog fences, wells, etc. After a public utility reaches the meter on your house/property, that line is considered private.
There will be a service fee for a private locate. The utilities are owned by you and it’s the owner’s responsibility to cover the cost to protect private underground lines. Companies like ACS Underground Solutions specialize in locating both public utilities (managed by municipalities and utility companies) and private utilities (lines on private properties not covered by 811 services).
Working with Professional Fencing Contractors
When selecting a fencing contractor capitol county, choose one that understands the critical importance of utility location and follows proper safety protocols. Durham Fence Company has proudly served Connecticut for over 44 years, delivering reliable fencing solutions that blend durability with aesthetic appeal. Their team brings precision, quality, and care to every installation, ensuring your property’s safety and charm.
Professional contractors survey your property boundaries, mark utilities, and design layout that accommodates slopes and drainage patterns. Durham Fence Company’s specialists understand CT’s unique soil conditions, building codes, and climate factors that determine fence performance and longevity.
Safety Protocols During Installation
All lines marked by a locating service (public lines) have a grace area of 2 feet to each side of the marking. That means the line could be within a 4-foot-wide path. Professional installers understand this requirement and will attempt to span that area when setting posts. If spanning that area is not possible or practical, professional fencing contractors will make every effort to carefully hand dig.
You need to wait a few days to allow utilities to respond to your request and ensure that all utilities have indeed responded to your request before breaking ground. Once all utilities have marked their buried lines, you should dig carefully around any utility marks and consider relocating projects that are close to buried utilities.
Legal and Financial Consequences
The Public Utilities Regulatory Authority (PURA) oversees the program, and may assess civil penalties in the thousands of dollars for any party who violates the Statutes and Regulations. The maximum penalty for EACH violation (a damage incident may involve more than 1 violation) is $40,000.
Beyond legal penalties, hiring professional utility locating services provides several advantages, including safety by preventing accidental utility strikes that can cause injuries, and damage prevention that avoids costly repairs and legal liabilities.
Your Action Plan for Safe Fence Installation
Before your fence installation begins, follow these essential steps:
- Call 811 at least 48-72 hours before digging to locate public utilities
- Hire a private utility locating service to identify privately-owned lines
- Pre-mark your excavation area with white paint or flags
- Wait for all utility companies to respond and mark their lines
- Choose an experienced contractor who understands utility safety protocols
- Ensure hand-digging procedures are followed near marked utilities
Professional fencing contractors construct custom barriers using advanced installation techniques and weather-resistant materials that outlast standard installations by 15-20 years. Professional construction prevents the structural failures, legal complications, and safety hazards that result from improper fence installation, protecting both your property and your budget.
Your fence installation should enhance your property’s value and security, not create expensive problems or safety hazards. By taking the time to properly locate all underground utilities before installation begins, you’re investing in a smooth, safe, and successful fencing project that will serve your family for decades to come.