How to Spot Underground Utilities in Your Neighborhood
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- Created: Friday, 03 September 2021 16:09
- Written by Dana Raidt
In the rush of daily life, it’s easy to forget about the massive network of buried utilities underneath us. In fact, according to the Common Ground Alliance, there are about 19 million miles of underground facilities in the United States, with more being installed every day.
These facilities provide heat, lights, sewer, water, communications and other services that homes, schools and businesses rely on day and night. Burying important pipes and cables underground helps protect them from exposure to the elements and from human-inflicted damage—which is why they need to be located and marked before anyone digs near them.
Below are some common underground utility indications that you may encounter every day as you walk, bike or drive through your neighborhood. Familiarize yourself with these landmarks and note them the next time you’re out and about. (Just remember to put safety first and keep your distance from any utility equipment—and remind children to do so as well.)