Thinking about installing a new water line? Fixing a sewer issue? Adding a drain to stop backyard flooding? Whatever your home project is, if it involves digging, you need to know what’s underground first.
Here in McHenry County, Lake County, and Northern Cook County, there are a lot of utility lines buried beneath your yard. Accidentally hitting one can cause everything from service outages to serious injury — not to mention expensive repairs.
At Behm Enterprises, we help homeowners across the Northwest Chicago suburbs stay safe and avoid those headaches with professional underground utility locating and installation. Here’s what you need to know before you dig.
Step 1: Know What’s Under Your Yard
The first thing you should do before digging is call 811 — it’s a free national service that connects you with local utility companies who will come out and mark where public lines are buried (like gas, electric, or water lines). In Illinois, you’re required to call at least 2 business days before any digging starts.
What 811 Won’t Cover
811 only marks public utility lines. It won’t find:
- Sprinkler systems
- Private sewer laterals
- Septic tanks
- Outdoor lighting wires
- Propane lines
To find those, you’ll want to call a professional utility locator like Behm Enterprises. We use specialized equipment to find and mark any private lines — so your project doesn’t hit a hidden surprise halfway through.
Step 2: Don’t Wait Too Long
Utility markings don’t last forever. Paint and flags will fade after about 28 days, and things underground can shift due to weather, erosion, or root growth.
That means once lines are marked, it’s best to get your project started sooner rather than later — and take photos of the markings in case you need a reference.
Step 3: Consider Directional Boring
If your project involves installing a new utility line (like a water or sewer pipe), the best approach is often directional boring, also called trenchless digging.
This method lets us install underground pipes without tearing up your yard. It’s a clean, efficient process that’s perfect for residential neighborhoods across Crystal Lake, Wauconda, Libertyville, and more.
How It Works:
- We drill a small hole underground from point A to point B
- Drilling fluid keeps the path stable and helps the drill move smoothly
- We pull the pipe through the tunnel we created
- Your yard stays mostly untouched!
Why Work with a Professional Utility Contractor?
Digging without knowing what’s underground is a gamble. If you hit a gas line or sewer pipe, you’re not just stopping your project — you could be facing dangerous conditions and big repair costs.
Hiring a professional like Behm Enterprises means you get:
- Accurate locating of public and private utility lines
- A safe plan for installation
- Modern equipment and skilled operators
- Peace of mind knowing it’s done right
We’ve worked with homeowners across McHenry, Lake, and Cook County to safely complete hundreds of underground utility projects.
FAQs: Underground Utilities for Homeowners
Do I really need to call 811 if I’m just planting a tree or a fence?
Yes! Even small digging projects can hit buried lines. Better safe than sorry.
How do I know if I have private utility lines?
If your home has features like a sprinkler system, septic tank, or detached garage, there’s a good chance private lines are involved.
What is directional boring?
It’s a way to install pipes or wires underground without digging a big trench. It’s cleaner and faster than traditional methods.
How much notice do I need to give before digging?
In Illinois, you need to call 811 at least 2 business days in advance.
Where does Behm Enterprises work?
We serve McHenry County, Lake County, and Northern Cook County — including Crystal Lake, McHenry, Libertyville, Palatine, and more.
Contact Behm Enterprises Before You Dig
Planning a home project that involves digging? Don’t guess what’s underground — call the pros.
At Behm Enterprises, we help homeowners safely locate utilities and install new water, sewer, or storm lines using trenchless technology that keeps your property looking great.
Call today to schedule a free estimate
