Utility mapping involves the identification of all the buried utilities on your land. This includes water lines, cable, electric, septic and gas lines. A topographical survey is also often included in the map to reveal how deep the utility lines are. Anything that is hidden underground is detected during a utility mapping process. These are reasons you need to have your property mapped.
You May Not Have All the Information
Utility infrastructures are complicated. You have numerous wires and pipes throughout your property. If your land is part of a development, the wires may be along the property line, but your plumbing is probably not in the same location. It is impossible to know where everything is located without mapping of underground utilities Laurel MD.
In addition, some utility maps are out of date. If structures have been moved or construction has been done in the area, your map may be out of date.
You Can Impact the Public
If you hit the wrong line, such as a gas line, you could significantly impact those around you. For example, if a natural gas line is punctured or cut, the entire neighborhood should be evacuated until it is fixed due to the danger of explosions, fires and methane gas. Even if you are only building a fence or outdoor kitchen, you could nick a utility without realizing it, and the damage could be far-reaching.
Your Construction Crew or Landscapers May Be Harmed
If your construction crew doesn’t have an accurate map, they could be electrocuted or harmed in an explosion if they hit an electrical or gas line. In addition, they could hit a sewage or water line that requires expensive excavation and repair. Even landscapers have been hurt due to inadequate planning and utility marking.
You May Be Cited
If you or your construction crew damage any utility lines because you did not have your utilities marked and mapped, you may be fined by the local government.
Save yourself time and money by having your utilities mapped before starting any construction or landscaping project.