Locating Irrigation Lines for Fence Installation: DIY vs. Pro

Fence contractor charges $100 to mark irrigation lines. Homeowner asks for DIY methods.

Reality Check

• Lateral pipes (to heads): No tracer wire. Must be located by digging at each head and following the trench.
• Mainline (valve supply): Has control wires—can be traced with a wire locator (toner).

DIY Approach

1. Obtain as-built plan if available.
2. Dig up a head, determine pipe direction, proceed to next head.
3. Repeat for all heads in fence line.

Recommendation

$100 is reasonable for professional locating (mainline at minimum). Even pros occasionally nick pipes. Ask if they locate laterals or just mainline. Mainline damage introduces dirt into valves—costly repairs.