The Hidden Risks of Digging in Your Yard

If you're planning to dig in your yard—whether you're putting in a fence, planting trees, or building a deck—there's something you should know: not all underground utilities are marked when you call 811.

And hitting an unmarked utility line? It can stop your project in its tracks—and potentially cost you.

This post is here to help you understand what can happen and how you can take simple steps to protect your home, your safety, and your wallet.

🚧 What Could Go Wrong?

Accidentally hitting a buried line can result in more than just a small hiccup in your weekend plans. Here are some of the most common outcomes:

🔌 Safety Risks Some utility lines, like electric or gas, carry serious risk if disturbed. In rare cases, damage to these lines can lead to shock, fire, or gas leaks. Even a small dig can lead to an unexpected incident.

💸 Unexpected Costs Repairing a damaged line often isn’t cheap. In some cases, repairs may not be covered by insurance, and it may fall on the property owner to resolve.

⏳ Delays & Disruption If a utility line is damaged, your project could be delayed by days—or longer—while the issue is resolved. Not to mention, you could temporarily lose access to services like water, electricity, or internet.

⛔ "But I Called 811—Isn’t That Enough?"

Calling 811 is an important first step, and it’s the free public service that marks utility lines that are owned by utility companies—such as water, gas, or electric lines up to the meter.

However, anything beyond that point is considered private—and will not be marked by 811.

That includes:

• Gas lines running to a grill or firepit

• Electric lines powering a detached garage or shed

• Water or sewer lines going to a guest house or outbuilding

• Sprinkler and irrigation systems

• Septic system pipes

These are the lines that many homeowners don’t realize are there—until it’s too late.

🧱 How Private Utility Locating Can Help

At Eagle Eye Utility Locating, we specialize in identifying private utility lines that 811 doesn’t cover. We use professional-grade equipment to detect hidden lines around your property so you can dig with confidence.

While we don’t guarantee you won’t encounter unknowns during your project (because every property is different), our goal is to provide a clear picture of what’s underground—so you can avoid costly mistakes and feel more prepared before you dig.

✅ Before You Dig: A Homeowner’s Checklist

Here’s a simple guide to help you prepare:

• ✅ Call 811 first

• ✅ Walk your property and note any outdoor features (detached buildings, grills, irrigation systems, etc.)

• ✅ If you’re digging near anything that could have an underground connection, contact a private locator

• ✅ Ask questions and don’t guess—when in doubt, check it out

📞 Let’s Help You Dig Smarter

If you’re not sure what’s buried in your yard, we’re here to help. Eagle Eye Utility Locating offers professional, friendly private utility locating for homeowners across Minneapolis, St. Paul, and the surrounding areas.

📍 Request a free quote today and take the guesswork out of your next home project.

Know before you dig—it’s one of the smartest moves you can make.

Written by Lacey Mayen

President, Eagle Eye Utility Locating