What to Know About Underground Utilities Before a Fence Install

If you’re gearing up for a new fence installation for your Fort Wayne area home, you’ve likely thought about style, materials, and placement. But have you considered what’s running beneath your lawn? When you work with Amerifence, handling underground utilities is built into our process when preparing for a new fence installation. Here’s what you should know about the steps to take to keep your fencing project on schedule and safe from accidental mishaps.

Who’s Responsible for Utility Marking?

Not all underground lines are the same. Utility companies oversee public utilities like gas, phone, electric, water, and sewer lines. As your trusted fencing contractor, Amerifence coordinates with Indiana 811 to have these public lines located and marked before breaking ground.

But what about private utilities? These are lines installed by homeowners; think irrigation pipes, sump pump discharge hoses, buried lighting, invisible pet fencing, or private electric wires. Marking these private utilities is up to you, the property owner, since they’re not part of public databases.

Steps for a Smooth New Fence Installation

If you're curious about some other simple ways to prepare for installation day? Try these tips:

• Walk your yard and flag any known private utility routes with stakes or colored flags.

• Move firewood stacks, kids’ toys, planters, or decorations from the fence line.

• Gently remove climbing vines or lattice that might be attached to an existing fence or structure.

• Secure pets indoors or in another part of the property while the fence crew is working.

This prep not only helps the Amerifence team work efficiently, but it also helps avoid accidental damage to lines you rely on.

Why Worry About Underground Utilities?

Skipping the step of locating underground utilities can spark major headaches. Damaging a hidden line might cut off your cable, flood your lawn, or, worse, cause dangerous gas leaks. Not following Indiana’s “Call Before You Dig” law by dialing 811 can mean hefty bills for repairs and even legal consequences.

Safety and planning are just as important as picking out your cedar wood fence, vinyl fence, aluminum fence, or chain link fence.

Trust the Experts at Amerifence

Partnering with Amerifence means you get more than a reliable fencing contractor. In addition to having an experienced installation team, we put your safety and care first.

So, what are you waiting for? If you're ready for a new fence installation for your Fort Wayne, Auburn, Leo-Cedarville, or Huntington area home, Amerifence is here to help. Contact us at (260) 377-2232 or request a free quote online today. We'll help make sure what’s below ground gets the same attention as your new fence above!