Why 811 Is Not Enough: When Private Utility Locating Is Critical in Pierce and Thurston Counties



Summary: Calling 811 is a smart first step before digging, but it does not always identify everything underground. If you are working on a jobsite in Pierce County or Thurston County, private utility locating can help reduce risk, prevent delays, and protect crews and property when private lines, unknown conduits, or complex sites are involved.

If you have ever heard, “We called 811, so we are covered,” you are not alone. But many contractors, property owners, and project managers in Western Washington learn the hard way that public utility marking and private utility locating are not the same thing.

This article explains the difference in plain language and outlines when it makes sense to bring in a private locator like Mt. View Locating Services LLC in Buckley, Washington.

What 811 Typically Covers

In many cases, 811 helps coordinate marking for public utilities in the right-of-way or where participating utility owners have facilities. This is an important safety step, and most jobs should start there.

What 811 Often Does Not Cover

On many properties and job sites, there can be underground infrastructure that is not part of the public locate process. Examples can include:

  • Private power, lighting, and site electrical
  • Lines added after original development
  • Private water or irrigation systems
  • Site-specific communications, security, or access control lines
  • Unknown conduits, abandoned lines, or undocumented site changes

That is why many excavation and construction teams treat 811 as the starting point, not the finish line.

When Private Utility Locating Is Worth It

Private utility locating is especially useful when the cost of a mistake is high. In Tacoma, Puyallup, Sumner, Enumclaw, Lakewood, Olympia, Lacey, and surrounding communities, private locating is commonly requested for:

  • Commercial construction and tenant improvements
  • Site prep, grading, trenching, and directional drilling
  • Parking lot work, lighting upgrades, and signage foundations
  • Public-facing projects where downtime and rework are costly
  • Facilities with multiple owners, multiple phases, or outdated plans

Why This Matters in Pierce and Thurston Counties

Across Western Washington, crews frequently encounter older infrastructure, layered improvements over time, and mixed documentation quality. Even on well-managed commercial sites, underground conditions can differ from as-builts. A private locate helps confirm what is actually present before equipment goes in the ground.

How Private Locating Helps Reduce Risk

Private utility locating is about risk reduction. The value is not just in finding lines. It is in protecting schedules and preventing the downstream cost of damage, delays, and emergency repair coordination.

Mt. View Locating Services supports contractors with a straightforward process: understand the scope, locate and mark known and suspected utilities where requested, and document findings in a way that helps the job move forward.

What to Expect When You Schedule a Private Locate

  • Site review: A quick intake to understand the project area, plans, and known concerns.
  • Locating and marking: Identifying and marking utilities within the requested scope and access.
  • Communication: Clear, contractor-friendly notes on what was found and what to watch for.

Local Contractor Note: Private Locates Pair Well With GPR

When sites are complex or documentation is limited, private utility locating is often paired with Ground Penetrating Radar (GPR) to help identify subsurface features and reduce uncertainty.

To learn more about services and typical use cases, visit the Mt. View services page: Our Services.

About Mt. View Locating Services LLC

Mt. View Locating Services LLC is based in Buckley, WA and serves contractors and property owners across Pierce County and Thurston County. The company supports excavation safety, underground risk reduction, and jobsite decision-making for commercial and contractor-driven projects.

Home: https://mtviewlocatingservices.com/
Google Maps: Mt. View Locating Services LLC on Google Maps

FAQs

Does calling 811 mean it is safe to dig everywhere on a property?

Not always. 811 is an important step, but many private lines and on-site systems may not be included. A private locate can help reduce the risk of surprises in the work area.

What kinds of projects typically request private utility locating?

Commercial construction, site improvements, trenching, directional drilling, lighting and signage work, and projects where schedule protection matters are common examples.

Can private locating help even if we have plans or as-builts?

Yes. Plans are helpful, but underground conditions can change over time. Locating helps confirm what is actually present before digging.

Is private utility locating only for large commercial projects?

No. Any project where underground uncertainty could cause damage, delays, or added cost can benefit, including smaller contractor scopes.

What is the best next step after 811 markings are complete?

If the site includes private infrastructure, unknown lines, or higher-risk excavation, scheduling a private locate and discussing whether GPR is appropriate is a practical next step.


Location: Buckley, WA, USA

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