Utility Locating and 811 Coordination in Nashville and Middle TN
Requesting locates, walking the marks, reviewing plans and mapping private lines so excavation starts with a clear picture of what is buried.
- Trenchless, Boring and Locating
- At or near the surface
- Middle Tennessee
Utility Locating and 811 Coordination, explained.
Hitting a buried line is one of the most avoidable problems in construction. The process to avoid it is simple: call 811 before digging so the utility owners can mark their public lines, read the marks, plan around them and confirm what the marks do not cover.
Public utility owners mark their own lines, but they do not mark private lines beyond the meter, such as a water line to a barn, a buried electrical feed or an irrigation system. We help homeowners and builders understand the marks, locate private lines with appropriate tools and record what we find so future projects have a map.
Signs this service fits
- You plan any digging, fencing, planting or grading
- A builder needs a clear picture before a project
- You suspect private lines you cannot place
- A project must document existing conditions
A good fit, and what to know.
We would rather you hear the limits from us than discover them later.
A good fit when
- You are about to dig on your property
- You want help interpreting marks and planning around them
- There are private lines on site you cannot place
Worth knowing
- Marks have limits in accuracy and do not include private lines
- Abandoned or undocumented lines may not appear anywhere
Why do it this way.
Marks read correctly
Colors, flags and offsets are interpreted before a bucket moves.
Private lines included
Lines the utilities do not mark are searched for.
Documented
Photos and notes support future work.
Safer sites
Everyone on site knows what is below.
From first look to finished ground.
A clear sequence for every job.
- 01
Request locates
We coordinate the 811 request and the timing so marks are in place before digging.
- 02
Walk the marks
Colors and flags are read against the plan, and gaps or conflicts are noted.
- 03
Find the private lines
Private lines are located with tracing tools and, when needed, confirmed by potholing.
- 04
Record and share
Findings are recorded with photos and measurements for the project file.
Services that go together.
C-05TrenchlessVacuum ExcavationNon-destructive digging with air or water and a vacuum truck to expose buried utilities safely, confirm depth and prevent line strikes.Shallow trench
C-07TrenchlessCamera & Pre-Dig SurveysRecorded camera inspections of sewer and drain lines, with locating, to find defects, confirm routes and choose between lining, bursting and a targeted dig.Trenchless bore
B-01ExcavationExcavation ContractorFull-service excavation for building pads, basements, utilities, drainage and site work, planned around locates, soil and safe digging practice.Deep excavation
A-07Utility LinesGas Line TrenchingExcavation, bedding and backfill for underground gas service and yard lines, prepared for the gas utility or a qualified gas contractor to install and…Shallow trenchRead more on this topic.
How to Call 811 Before You DigStep by step: what 811 is, when to call, what happens next and how to read the marks.2 min read What Utility Marking Colors MeanThe standard color code for paint and flags: red, yellow, orange, blue, green, purple, pink and white.2 min read Utility Easements and Who Owns What LineEasements, rights-of-way and meters explained, with a practical guide to who owns which line.2 min read Utility Locating & 811 FAQ.
How far in advance should I call 811?
Call a few working days before you plan to dig, and confirm the exact notice period and process with your state’s 811 service, since rules vary.
Do utility marks show exact depth?
No. Marks show approximate horizontal position, not depth. Verification by potholing or hand digging confirms depth.
Who marks my private water or power line to the barn?
Utility owners typically mark only their own facilities. Private lines are the owner’s responsibility, and we can help locate them.
Utility Locating & 811 across Middle Tennessee.
Pick your city for its page.
Call 811. Then call us.
Tell us what you are building, fixing or draining and we will suggest a site visit and a plan. The lines get located before the bucket moves.