What is private utility locating?
Private utility locating is the process of finding underground lines on private property that may not be marked through the standard 811 public utility process.
Private Utility Locating Resource
Private Utility Locating in the Rio Grande Valley
Beyond 811 Locating helps RGV contractors, property managers, and property owners locate private underground utilities before digging, trenching, fence installation, pool excavation, irrigation work, and site projects begin.
The short answer
Private utility locating is used to identify underground lines on private property that may not be included in the standard 811 public utility marking process. In the RGV, that can matter before fence installation, pool excavation, irrigation work, trenching, concrete work, boring, landscaping, and commercial site maintenance.
Why private utility locating matters in the RGV
Many Rio Grande Valley properties have underground infrastructure added over time: irrigation lines, private electric runs, site lighting, communication lines, sewer laterals, detached-building feeds, gate wiring, and other owner-installed systems. Those lines can create real project risk even after 811 markings are complete.
Private utility locating helps crews and property owners get better underground clarity before work starts. It is especially useful on commercial sites, apartment complexes, mobile home parks, schools, churches, industrial yards, ranch-style properties, and older sites where utility history may be incomplete.
Before the crew starts, know what may be underground.
Planning a fence, pool, trench, irrigation repair, concrete project, or excavation job in the Rio Grande Valley? Request private utility locating before you dig.
Request ServiceWho this service is for
- Contractors installing fences, pools, irrigation, concrete, landscaping, utilities, or site improvements.
- Property managers responsible for apartments, mobile home parks, retail centers, schools, churches, and commercial properties.
- Commercial owners and site managers who need to reduce risk before maintenance or construction work begins.
- Homeowners planning outdoor projects that involve digging, trenching, boring, or excavation.
811 is important — but it may not be the whole picture
811 should still be contacted before digging. Public utility marking is an essential safety step. The gap is that 811 may not locate private lines after the meter or lines installed and maintained by the property owner. That is where private utility locating can help.
A simple way to explain it: 811 helps with public utilities; Beyond 811 Locating helps with private utility concerns on the property.
Areas served across the Rio Grande Valley
Beyond 811 Locating serves the Rio Grande Valley, including McAllen, Edinburg, Mission, Pharr, Brownsville, Harlingen, Weslaco, San Juan, Donna, Rio Grande City, and surrounding communities across Hidalgo, Cameron, Starr, and Willacy counties.
Common projects that should consider private locating
- Fence post installation
- Pool excavation
- Irrigation installation or repair
- Concrete pads, driveways, and flatwork
- Trenching for drainage, electric, water, or communications
- Commercial maintenance and site upgrades
- Work around apartments, mobile home parks, schools, churches, and retail centers
Need private utility locating in the RGV?
Call Beyond 811 Locating or request service online before digging begins. A few minutes of planning can prevent a much more expensive surprise underground.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does 811 locate private lines in Texas?
811 is important and should be contacted before digging, but it may not mark private lines owned or maintained by the property owner.
Who should request private utility locating in the RGV?
Contractors, property managers, commercial owners, site managers, and homeowners should consider private locating before projects that involve digging, trenching, boring, or excavation.
What kinds of projects need private utility locating?
Fence installation, pool excavation, irrigation work, concrete projects, trenching, landscaping, and commercial site maintenance are common examples.
Where does Beyond 811 Locating provide service?
Beyond 811 Locating serves the Rio Grande Valley, including Hidalgo, Cameron, Starr, and Willacy counties.