Know what's underground before the digging gets serious.
Utility potholing uses small, targeted test excavations to physically expose buried infrastructure. It helps contractors verify utility position and depth before drilling, trenching, or installing new underground improvements.
See the utility at the actual test-hole location—not just the surface mark.
Confirm the observed utility alignment at the opening.
Observe depth using a defined surface reference.
Record exposed size, material and other observable features.
Paint marks and utility records are important planning tools, but they may not show the exact position of an underground line. Utility potholing provides direct observation at selected locations, often where a proposed trench, foundation or directional bore will pass near existing infrastructure.
By using hydro excavation and vacuum removal to create controlled openings, crews can uncover utilities while limiting the excavation area. The goal is to give the project team reliable field information before the next phase of construction.
The purpose of potholing is not to remove large quantities of earth. It is to get eyes on the utility at the point that matters to the project.
With the line safely exposed, the project team can confirm the observed depth and position, compare those findings to design assumptions, and determine the next step.
The diagram is illustrative only. Actual excavation methods, safe separation, measurement reference and exposure dimensions depend on the site and utility owner requirements.
Utility potholing is especially useful when the existing underground picture is incomplete or when accurate clearances are essential for the next operation.
Verify utility depths and crossing locations when planning a bore path near existing underground lines.
Investigate utility congestion before trenching for new electrical distribution or EV charging infrastructure.
Expose selected conflicts where new conduit pathways intersect existing communications or utility systems.
Confirm existing facility locations at proposed connections, crossings and excavation limits.
Support civil planning around existing underground services before foundation and utility installation work.
Help resolve discrepancies between plans, surface markings and observed field conditions at test points.
Review drawings, utility records, field markings, access, paved surfaces and the reason each exposure is needed. Coordinate required notifications and permits.
Use appropriate hydrovac techniques, excavation precautions and utility-specific procedures to reveal the target without unnecessary digging.
Capture the observed location, depth and visible characteristics. Determine protection, backfill, surface restoration and reporting requirements under the agreed scope.
Pricing depends on the number of test holes, target depth, ground conditions and how the work area can be accessed. Sharing the basics up front helps define a practical scope instead of relying on assumptions.
We support utility potholing projects throughout San Diego County, from dense commercial corridors to utility upgrades and larger development sites.
Discuss Your Test HolesUtility locating, survey-grade documentation, roadway restoration and traffic control should be confirmed separately in the written scope rather than assumed to be included.
Both involve exposing buried infrastructure. Utility potholing usually refers to targeted test holes used to confirm a utility's position, depth or other characteristics. Daylighting is a broader term for making a buried facility visible. The same hydrovac equipment may be used for both services.
No. Required 811 notifications, utility locating, markings and owner coordination are separate steps. Potholing is a field-verification method used in addition to appropriate locating and safe-excavation procedures.
Potentially, yes, but the surface usually must be opened first using an appropriate cutting or removal method. Surface demolition, debris handling and restoration should be included only if specified in the project scope.
No. It shows conditions at individual exposure points. Utility alignment and depth can change between holes, so verification points must be selected based on project needs and risks.
Send the project address, proposed hole count, approximate depths, utility types, existing records or markings, surface conditions, access information and desired schedule. Photos and a site plan are helpful.
Tell us where you need test holes and what the excavation needs to confirm.
