Private Utility Locating in Minnesota: What Homeowners Need to Know Before Digging
- eagleeyeutilityloc
- Mar 10
- 5 min read
Updated: 4 days ago
Many homeowners and contractors are surprised to learn that 811 does not mark all underground utilities. Private utility lines such as electric to detached garages, sprinkler systems, propane lines, and private water lines are often not included in standard utility markings.
Eagle Eye Utility Locating is a private utility locating company based in Minnesota that helps homeowners, contractors, and property managers identify underground utilities before digging.
We provide dependable, accurate, and safe private utility locating services throughout the Twin Cities metro and surrounding areas of Minnesota and Wisconsin.
If you're unsure why some utilities are not marked, read our guide explaining why 811 does not locate private utilities.
Below are answers to the most common questions people have before digging.
What is private utility locating?
Private utility locating is the process of identifying underground utility lines that are not marked by the public 811 system. These utilities are typically owned by the property owner rather than the utility company.
Examples of private utilities can include power lines to detached garages, irrigation systems, propane lines, private water lines, and lighting circuits.
Private utility locating helps prevent accidental damage, costly repairs, and dangerous situations when digging for projects like fences, decks, landscaping, or trenching.
Does 811 locate private utility lines?
In most cases, 811 does not locate private utility lines.
The 811 system is designed to mark utilities owned by public utility companies, such as:
Public electric service
Gas lines
Public water lines
Communication lines
However, privately installed lines on your property are usually not marked, including:
Sprinkler systems
Electric lines to detached garages
Propane lines
Private water lines
Outdoor lighting circuits
Some septic or sewer lines
When these utilities need to be located before digging, a private utility locating service like Eagle Eye Utility Locating is required.
When do I need a private utility locate?
You may need a private utility locate before projects such as:
Installing a fence
Building a deck
Landscaping or tree planting
Installing a sprinkler system
Digging footings or trenching
Running electrical or internet lines
Installing patios or retaining walls
Even if 811 has already marked utilities, private lines may still be present and unmarked. Contractors such as fence installers, deck builders, landscapers, and electricians often request private utility locates before beginning excavation work.
Why didn’t 811 mark my sprinkler system?
Most sprinkler systems are considered private utilities, meaning they are installed and owned by the property owner.
Because of this, 811 typically does not mark irrigation lines.
Sprinkler systems are often made of PVC pipe, which can be difficult to detect with locating equipment, so while we can often identify the main components, locating every small irrigation branch line may not always be possible.
Does 811 mark power lines to detached garages or sheds?
Usually no.
Electrical lines running from your home to a detached garage, shed, or other structure are typically considered private utilities, even if they provide power to the building.
These lines are one of the most common utilities that contractors accidentally damage during fence or landscaping projects.
Can a sewer line be located before digging?
In many cases, yes.
Private sewer lines can often be located using specialized equipment, depending on the pipe material and accessibility. Locating a sewer line is especially helpful before installing fences, digging footings, or doing landscaping work near the home.
Do I need to be home for the utility locate?
No, homeowners do not need to be present for most residential utility locates.
As long as the property is accessible and we know the work area, the locate can usually be completed while you are away. After the locate is finished, markings will be visible on the ground to show approximate utility paths.
How long does a private utility locate take?
Most residential utility locates take approximately 30 to 60 minutes, depending on the size of the property and the number of utilities present.
Larger properties or commercial projects may take longer.
What utilities can Eagle Eye Utility Locating locate?
Eagle Eye Utility Locating can locate many types of private underground utilities, including:
Electric lines
Gas lines
Propane lines
Water lines
Irrigation systems
Private power lines to garages or outbuildings
Outdoor lighting circuits
Each property is different, so results may vary depending on the type of utility and how it was installed.
What happens if a contractor hits a private utility line?
If a private utility line is damaged during digging, the property owner or contractor is typically responsible for the repair.
Repair costs can sometimes be significant depending on the type of utility and the damage caused. Having utilities located before digging helps reduce the risk of damage and unexpected repair expenses.
Do you provide utility locating outside the Twin Cities?
Yes.
Eagle Eye Utility Locating provides private utility locating services throughout Minnesota and parts of Wisconsin.
We frequently work in areas including:
Maple Grove, Minneapolis, Stillwater, Maplewood, Lakeville, Plymouth, Blaine, Coon Rapids, Andover, Anoka, Rogers, Champlin, Brooklyn Park, and other communities throughout the Twin Cities metro area.
Travel charges may apply for locations outside our primary service area.
How much does private utility locating cost?
Most residential private utility locates start at approximately $185 depending on the size of the property and utilities present. Larger properties, complex locating, or travel outside the Twin Cities may increase the cost.
Additional charges may apply for larger properties, specialty locating, or travel outside the normal service area.
Who provides private utility locating in Minnesota?
Private utility locating is typically performed by specialized locating companies that have the equipment and training to detect underground utilities.
Eagle Eye Utility Locating works with homeowners, contractors, fence installers, deck builders, and landscapers throughout Minnesota to identify private underground utilities before digging begins.
Service Area for Private Utility Locating
Eagle Eye Utility Locating provides dependable, accurate, and safe private utility locating services throughout the Twin Cities metro area and surrounding communities in Minnesota and parts of Wisconsin.
We regularly serve homeowners and contractors in Maple Grove, Plymouth, Blaine, Coon Rapids, Andover, Anoka, Rogers, Champlin, Brooklyn Park, Maplewood, Stillwater, Lakeville, Woodbury, Oakdale, White Bear Lake, Minnetonka, Eden Prairie, Apple Valley, Burnsville, Rosemount, Savage, Prior Lake, Elk River, Otsego, St. Michael, Albertville, Minneapolis, St. Paul, and surrounding Minnesota communities.
Our locating services are commonly used before installing fences, decks, landscaping projects, irrigation systems, trenching for electrical lines, and other excavation work.
If you're unsure whether we service your area, feel free to contact us and we’ll be happy to help.
Need a Private Utility Locate?
Eagle Eye Utility Locating provides dependable, accurate, and safe private utility locating services for homeowners, contractors, and businesses.
If you are planning a project that involves digging, locating underground utilities beforehand can help prevent costly damage and delays.
📞 612-512-3818
Serving Minnesota and Wisconsin.
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