Stump Grinding & Water Lines: Who's Responsible?

[sotc]

We have a disclaimer as well
"Grind 2 stumps -no clean up- We will not be responsible for any underground installations such as pipes, wires, septic tanks although reasonable care will be taken to avoid damage"
I figure that if the owner wants the stump ground and there is a water line going through it that the stump is more important as water lines are pretty easy to repair. If we see pvc show up in the grinding we tell them we hit a line and they may want to fix it soon! If it is a main line we shut the water off at the street and then tell them. Anything the locate company fails to locate is their problem, any lines marked through the stump and we tell people we will only be able to go below grade

 

[vharrison]

Line taken out of our contract's disclaimer:
"RC is not responsible for damage done to unknown septic systems, irrigation systems, underground wiring, unstable soil, etc."

Exactly, have a disclaimer! We do!

 

[tophopper]

Here, the contractor is legally required to have all utilities located prior to any excavation work.

 

[MasterBlaster]

Exactly, have a disclaimer! We do!

So, who pays for the repair? The stump grinder sub or the treeco that hired them? Orrrr, the homeowner?

I don't see your vote in the poll.

 

[sotc]

The locate company pays for anything miss located. The grinder pays for anything properly located that they hit or if they didn't call in the locate. Homeowner pays for anything not covered by the locate.
Here a locate is only good for 10 days, you need to re locate after that to maintain protection

 

[Cobleskill]

That seems odd. You know the reasoning behind that?

 

[rskybiz]

Yea. Lawn mowing contractors here

 

[Cobleskill]

Do they spray paint the line or just flag it? Paint seems to last for quite a while. Flags could be gone the next day.

 

[rskybiz]

Flags here but they will paint if requested.

 

[flushcut]

Do they spray paint the line or just flag it? Paint seems to last for quite a while. Flags could be gone the next day.

They do both around here.

 

[flushcut]

I voted for the contractor who is (diggers hotline) they do the locate so their bad.

 

[Cobleskill]

They do both here also.

 

[BOTS]

Just another reason in the growing list not to grind stumps.

Amen tree bro!

 

[ClimbMIT]

Butch, We have 811 here in Slidell. I am pretty sure it is offered throughout the whole state? I agree with whatever company didn't mark should be responsible for the damages. I sub my stumps and like the waiver idea for homeowner installed.

Here is the website
http://www.laonecall.com/

 

[MasterBlaster]

Cool.