What is cable locating and why is it important? Did you know that underneath the earth, there is a complex network of utilities that support our modern lives? Gas, electricity, water, and telecommunication cables all flow beneath our feet. Unintentional damage to these buried utilities can occur during farming, excavation, or construction activities and result in disrupted services, unaccounted-for expensive costs, and injuries.
Cable locating plays a crucial role in ensuring the safe and accurate identification of underground utilities. An in-depth mapping of underground utilities ahead of time will prevent added costs, unintentional damage, and injuries.
So, let’s dig deeper and uncover the reasons why cable locating is not just a best practice but a necessity in today’s interconnected world.
What is Cable Locating?
Cable locating, also known as underground cable locating or utility locating, is the process used to identify and map underground utilities such as pipes and cables. Cable locating is important especially when there is regular work, such as farming, that occurs on the property and in which the ground is being disrupted. As a land owner, you should invest in cable locating to prevent accidental utility or infrastructure damage when digging.
Underground cables carry various utilities, such as electricity, telecommunications, gas, water, and sewer lines. Locating these cables accurately is crucial to avoid costly disruptions, injuries, and service outages. Cable locating involves the use of specialized equipment and techniques to detect and trace the path of buried cables. Trained cable locators use specialized equipment and techniques to detect and trace the path of buried cables so you know what areas to avoid or use extra caution around when digging.
Why is Cable Locating Important?
Cable locating is necessary for any digging or excavation project. It promotes safety, prevents damage to vital infrastructure, keeps you in compliance with regulations, saves you money on repairs, maintains utility services, and ensures efficient project planning and execution.
Do You Need Cable Locating For Backyard Projects?
It is always important to check and locate cables and underground utilities before you start digging. In Ontario, it’s the law to have all utilities located prior to digging or construction even on your own property. Under this regulation, you must contact an experienced cable locator a minimum of 5 days before digging.
A project requiring cable locating can be as simple as digging a hole for a tree or it could be a major construction project. Some examples of projects requiring cable locating are:
- Installation of Irrigation Systems.
- Fence Installation and Maintenance.
- Digging Trenches or Building Foundations.
- Installing Drainage Systems.
- Digging for Wells or Underground Tanks.
Planning ahead and contacting a cable locator will prevent any unwanted accidents or costly repairs.
Who Can Provide Cable Locating Services?
Having an experienced cable locator assess your property will ensure the accuracy of utility locations. Taking the steps to ensure all precautions were taken before digging can prevent a costly repair or injury.
If utilities are damaged during a storm or excavation, it is important to let the professionals take over to avoid greater damage or injury. At Sturdy Power Lines we are focused on returning service in a safe and timely manner.
Cable locating is an important precautionary measure for any home, farm, or residential project. Planning ahead prevents accidental damage to underground utilities, keeps you safe, ensures your compliance with Ontario regulations, and avoids costly service disruptions.
Contact Sturdy Power Lines for a team of cable-locating professionals to keep your utilities on and prevent expensive repairs.