Should I Locate my Sprinkler Heads or Irrigation System before I Install a Fence?

Maxwell Wiczek
3 days ago
3 min read

Why You Need to Locate Irrigation Systems Before Putting Up a Fence

Putting up a fence is a major yard project but before you start digging postholes, there’s an often-overlooked step: locating your irrigation system. Skipping that step can lead to costly damage, system failures, and headaches. Here’s why marking your sprinkler / irrigation lines is so critical when planning a fence.

Protect Your Irrigation System

Sprinkler lines are often buried a few inches to a foot (or more) underground. Without knowing where they run, you risk breaking PVC pipes, damaging valves, or cracking tees when digging for fence posts.
Repairing broken irrigation pipes isn’t just annoying, depending on how bad the damage is, it can be expensive or require redoing parts of your system
Even minor damage (like a slow leak) can waste water, erode soil around the fence, or cause future ground settling.

Avoid Legal or Liability Issues

While calling 811 (the national “Call Before You Dig” system) is a great first step, it doesn’t always locate private utilities, like irrigation lines.
Because sprinkler systems are often considered “private utilities” (not run by public utility companies), a private utility locator is sometimes needed to fully map them out.
If you or a contractor damages irrigation lines, you might be responsible for repairs.
This is coming from not just a cost standpoint, but also in terms of downtime for your system.

Ensure Safe Digging & Construction

By knowing where your sprinkler system is, your fence installers can plan to avoid those lines or use hand digging near sensitive spots.
Some tools (like ground-penetrating radar) or locating services can help map out the lines more precisely.
Even after calling 811, you should dig carefully around flagged areas. According to guidelines, there’s often a “tolerance zone” around marked utilities (meaning even near lines, extra caution is needed).

Plan Smartly for Fence Placement

Once you know where your irrigation lines are, you can adjust your fence layout to avoid conflicts. For example, by shifting a post location or changing post types.
If your sprinkler heads are close to where a fence will go, you may need to reposition them before the fence is built so they don’t spray against or through the fence.
Knowing your irrigation system’s layout can help you decide whether to hand-dig or machine-dig certain post holes.

Coordinate with Contractors

Make sure to talk with your fence installer about your irrigation system before work starts. Let them know where existing lines are (or where you’ve had them located). Many contractors, like fence companies, may only identify public utilities through 811, not your private sprinkler lines.
If needed, hire a private locator specializing in irrigation systems. They can mark and map your system so everyone is on the same page.

Long-Term Savings & Peace of Mind

Taking the time to locate irrigation lines up front can save money by preventing post-installation repairs.
You’ll avoid having to dig up sections of your new fence later to fix a busted sprinkler pipe.
It also gives you confidence that your fence project is done right, with minimal risk to your existing yard infrastructure.

How to Locate Your Irrigation System: Practical Steps

Call 811
1. This will flag the major public utilities on your property
Hire a Private Locator
1. For private lines like sprinkler piping, consider a professional who can use specialized equipment.
Use Technology
1. Tools like ground-penetrating radar (GPR) or metal detectors can help identify buried irrigation lines.
Mark the Lines
1. Once located, clearly mark your irrigation lines with flags or paint, so everyone knows where to avoid digging.
Integrate with Fence Planning
1. Use your irrigation map to influence fence layout, post placement, and construction methods.