Be sure to inform the operator about your equipment when you notify 811 for a dig ticket.

Pre-mark your proposed route with white paint, stakes and/or flags. This will help locators identify all utility lines in your excavation area.

Consider soil conditions. Many factors, including sandy soil or a shallow water table, will affect the depth at which you can safely drill without cave-in worries.

Dig potholes to the depth of your planned excavation to confirm the exact depth and location of any buried utilities that cross or parallel your bore path. If using a hydrovac, use higher flow, less pressure and a spinner tip to prevent damage to underground utilities.

Consult with Duke Energy regarding the minimum clearance you must maintain between your boring equipment and any electric or natural gas lines.

Use your potholes to watch the drill head cross utility lines during the initial bore and also during backreaming to ensure you maintain the required clearance.

Calibrate. Be sure to calibrate your bore head and locating device before every job.

Don't forget the backream. Remember, your locating device will monitor the bore head on the pilot pass, but may not be able to monitor the backream head. Plan accordingly if you have to expand the diameter of your bore before installation.