Electric and Water Locating on an Exeter Farm Property
Before excavation, establish what services already share the work area.
A farm property can have a much busier underground layout than its open ground suggests. This view from J&L Underground Construction's Exeter electric-and-water locate project shows a utility building, nearby service equipment, markings, and a skid-steer within the site. It brings the locating work into the same picture as the property it supports.
Before digging, the project needs a clear definition of where work is planned. Tell the team which building or improvement the excavation will serve and identify any related work beyond the main route. The locate area should reflect the actual project, not just the easiest portion of the yard to describe.
Private services are especially important on properties with several structures. An owner-installed water line or electrical feed to an outbuilding may require additional attention beyond the utility-owned services addressed through the 811 process. Share old drawings, installation photos, and what you know about previous additions, while still following the current locating process.
At the initial conversation, separate the purpose of the locate from the purpose of the construction. The locator needs to know where the ground will be disturbed, while the excavation team needs to understand what the new work must accomplish. Sharing both pieces of information helps keep the preparation relevant to the actual job. If either the route or the planned work changes, communicate that before continuing in a different area.
Locating is preparation for excavation; it is not a guarantee that every buried condition has been discovered. Marks, records, and field information need to be considered together by the people responsible for the work. Call J&L Underground Construction at (417) 456-0551 to discuss private utility locating and the electric or water services that may affect your upcoming project.