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Safe Digging &
Excavation Guidelines
Protect your property, utilities, and irrigation system by following proper excavation and utility locating procedures before digging.
Download Safety GuideWhy safe digging matters
Accidentally striking underground utilities can lead to costly repairs, service disruptions, safety hazards, and damage to irrigation systems. Taking the proper steps before digging helps protect your property and everyone on site.
Utility Marking
Identify underground utilities before excavation begins.
Call Before You Dig
Contact 811 to request utility locates.
Prevent Damage
Protect irrigation systems, water lines, and utilities.
In-House Underground Utility Locating Services.
We have the capability In-House to locate any private underground utilities. Those being, Power, Gas, Fiber, Telephone & Cable TV. Water and Sewer lines can also be located if they are metallic piping. Often, NC811 locators will only mark underground utilities within the public right-of-way. We are then responsible In-house to continue the utility locates up to the building or house.
Special attention is always given during our projects to limit our liability for any damage to private or public underground utilities. We use several locating devices to accurately pinpoint utility lines.
Please Follow The Links Below To Learn More About Underground Public Utilities And Who To Call To Have Them Located Before Digging!
This Free Locating Service Will Only Mark Public Utilities. It Is A State Requirement That They Be Notified Prior To Any Excavation Work In Your Yard or Business.
BEFORE YOU DIG
Follow These Essential Steps
Always locate underground utilities before beginning any excavation, trenching, landscaping, fence installation, irrigation work, or construction project.
Contact 811
Request utility locates several days before excavation begins.
Wait for Utility Markings
Allow utility companies time to identify and mark underground lines.
Understand Utility Markings
Learn the meaning of color-coded utility markings.
Respect Tolerance Zones
Use caution when working near marked utilities.
Verify Irrigation Locations
dentify sprinkler lines, valves, sleeves, and control wiring before excavation.
Dig Carefully
Hand dig when necessary around marked utility locations.
UTILITY MARKING COLORS
Red
Electric Power
Yellow
Gas, Oil, Steam
Orange
Communications
Blue
Water
Green
Sewer/Drainage
Purple
Reclaimed Water
White
Proposed Excavation
Pink
Survey Markings
Need Help Locating Private Underground Utilities?
Calling 811 is an important first step before excavation, but public utility locating services typically do not identify private irrigation systems, drainage lines, valve wiring, or other landscape infrastructure.
Koster Irrigation offers in-house underground utility locating services to help homeowners, contractors, and property managers protect their property before digging begins.
We can help locate:
- Irrigation main lines
- Valve boxes
- Control wiring
- Drainage systems
- Backflow assemblies
- Underground sleeves and conduits
FAQ
Common Excavation Questions
What Types of Underground Systems Can Koster Irrigation Locate?
Our utility locating services can help identify:
- Irrigation main lines
- Lateral sprinkler lines
- Valve boxes
- Control wiring
- Backflow assemblies
- Drainage systems
- Sleeves and conduits
- Landscape irrigation infrastructure
This service helps homeowners, contractors, landscapers, and property managers avoid accidental damage during excavation and construction projects.
Do I Need to Call 811 Before Digging?
Yes. Whether you’re installing a fence, planting trees, trenching for utilities, or performing landscaping work, contacting 811 before digging is essential. Utility companies will mark the approximate location of underground lines to help prevent accidental damage and improve safety.
How Long Does It Take for Utilities to Be Marked?
Most utility locating requests are completed within 2–3 business days, although timing can vary by location and utility provider. Always wait until all utilities have responded and marked their lines before beginning any excavation work.
Will 811 Locate My Irrigation System?
No. Utility locating services typically identify public underground utilities such as electric, gas, water, sewer, and communication lines. Private systems, including irrigation lines, valve wiring, drainage systems, and landscape lighting, are usually not marked and should be located separately before digging.
What Should I Do If I Accidentally Damage a Utility Line?
Stop work immediately and move to a safe location if necessary. Contact the utility company and emergency services if gas, electrical, or other hazardous utilities are involved. Do not attempt to repair damaged utility lines yourself. Prompt reporting helps protect people, property, and infrastructure.
Why Is It Important to Locate Irrigation Components Before Excavation?
Underground irrigation pipes, valves, control wires, and drainage components can be easily damaged during digging projects. Locating these components beforehand helps prevent costly repairs, protects your landscape investment, and ensures your irrigation system continues to operate properly after excavation is complete.
Planning an Excavation Project?
Whether you need a seasonal inspection, system repairs, upgrades, or a complete irrigation installation, Koster Irrigation is here to help keep your landscape healthy and your system operating at peak performance.