How do you go about detecting underground private lines?
Ohio Utility Protection Services (OUPS) will always be dispatched prior to any digging that we perform for the safety of our crews. However, we cannot indicate private underground lines without incurring additional expenses. Things like private sprinkler lines and electric (detached garages) are up to the homeowner to mark via flags and/or spray paint so our crews can easily identify where to avoid digging. In the event that a private line is hit accidentally, that will be at the expense of the homeowner to repair. If Bowden hits a publically marked utility line (gas, electric, and/or cable), that will be our responsibility to repair it with the utility company. The picture to the right shows a sprinkler system that was mistakenly hit. If our initial fence layout proposes that the fence be erected over major utility lines, we will suggest an alternative fence location to complete your installation in a safe manner. An additional option would be to utilize an outside vendor to perform hydro drilling, which is less invasive on the utility lines and would incur an additional charge and a change order for which the homeowner would be responsible.