What to Know About Underground Utilities Before a Fence Install
Adding a new fence to your Loveland property can transform your outdoor space. While it can be tempting to jump right in to install it, there are steps to take before digging the first fence post. At Amerifence, based on our experience, we know that properly marking public and private utilities is one of the essential steps in preparing for a fence project. Let’s take a look at how to mark underground utilities and why it’s so important.
Understanding Public Vs. Private Utilities
Not all utility lines on your property are created equal. To plan your fence installation safely, be aware of the difference between public and private utilities.
Public Utilities
These utilities, managed by local authorities or utility companies, include services like water, electricity, gas, and sewer systems. Public utility lines are buried underground and require professional marking before digging. At Amerifence, we coordinate with local utility marking services to ensure all public lines are properly flagged.
Private Utilities
Private utilities are installed by homeowners or property developers and aren’t mapped by city services. Examples include sprinkler systems, invisible dog fences or buried pet containment systems, outdoor electricity lines for backyard lighting, pools, or hot tubs, and drainage systems or sump pump discharge lines.
Because private utility lines are your responsibility, you’ll need to locate and mark them yourself. You can use property documentation to make sure all private lines are accounted for beforehand.
Skipping Utility Marking Can Be a Costly Mistake
As tempting as it might be to dive straight into digging, failing to locate and mark utilities is a recipe for trouble. Completing this step in the fence installation process will help you in multiple ways.
Avoid Danger
Striking an underground utility line, like a gas or electrical cable, poses a serious safety risk. A hit gas line could lead to leaks or explosions, while cutting into an electric line could result in dangerous shocks, fires, or power outages.
Prevent Expensive Repairs
From damaged sprinkler lines to severed pet fencing systems, hitting private utilities can incur costly repair bills. Even worse, the project timeline will grind to a halt until the repairs are done.
Stay Legally Safe
In states like Ohio, the law mandates that utility lines be marked before beginning any digging project. Failing to do so could expose you to fines, legal liability, and added expenses if you damage public lines.
Let Amerifence Simplify the Process
At Amerifence, we make the entire fence installation process stress-free. We coordinate with OHIO811 services to ensure that all public utility lines on your property are properly marked before the project begins.
Our team approaches every fence installation with precision and care, whether you’re envisioning a cedar wood, vinyl, or aluminum fence for your home. We serve homeowners and businesses in Loveland, Cincinnati, West Chester, Montgomery, Kenwood, and the surrounding areas.
So, if you’re ready to upgrade your Loveland outdoor space with a new fence, trust Amerifence to help you with the process from start to finish. Contact us at (513) 951-5446 or request a free quote online today!