Ground Truth Utility Locating

If you're digging, boring, trenching, installing, or investigating underground lines, these are the answers you need before work starts.

If you don't see your question here, contact us and we'll point you in the right direction.

Frequently asked questions

What is private utility locating?

Private utility locating is the process of identifying underground utility lines on private property before digging or construction begins.

This may include:

  • Power
  • Telecom/Internet
  • Gas
  • Water
  • Sewer
  • Unknown/Abandoned lines.

Our job is to help you reduce risk, avoid damage, and keep your project moving safely.

Are you 811?

No. Ground Truth Utility Locating is an independent private utility locating company and is not affiliated with 811.

 

We support safe digging and strongly encourage you to call 811 before you dig. Public utility owners mark what they are responsible for. We help with the private side and with verification/troubleshooting when needed.

Do I still need to call 811 if I hire you?

Yes in most cases, yes.

 

Calling 811 is a critical first step. 811 typically covers public utility markings. Private utilities on private property may not be covered, and that's where we come in.

 

Best practice:

  1. Call 811
  2. Wait for ticket processing/marking
  3. Hire us for private locating and/or 811 verification

What type of customers do you work with?

We work with:

  • Contractors
  • Excavation crews
  • Property Owners
  • Fence Installers
  • Landscapers
  • Plumbers
  • Electricians
  • Utility Crews
  • Project Managers
  • Anyone digging on private property

 

If there's a chance your work could hit a line, this service is for you.

What kinds of projects do you help with?

Common jobs include:

  • Trenching
  • Fence posts / fence installation
  • Directional boring
  • Pool installs
  • Driveways
  • Drainage work
  • Electrical upgrades
  • Water/sewer repairs
  • Site prep and construction
  • Damage investigations
  • Utility mark verification

Can you verify existing 811 markings?

Yes.

If you want a second set of eyes on a site, we offer 811 verification to help confirm markings and identify possible concerns before work begins.

This is especially useful when:

  • A site looks confusing
  • Marks seem incomplete
  • Multiple utilities overlap
  • You’re working in a high-risk area
  • You just want extra confidence before digging

What if I already started digging and found an unknown line?

Stop work and contact us.

If it’s safe to do so, we can help investigate and identify the issue area so you can avoid making things worse. We also offer damage investigation support when a line has already been struck or exposed.

How fast can you schedule a locate?

Scheduling depends on:

  • Job location
  • Site size/complexity
  • Current workload
  • Whether it’s routine or urgent service
  • We do our best to respond quickly and keep communication clear. If your project is time-sensitive, let us know when you submit your request.

Do you offer emergency or priority service?

Yes, when available.

If your project is urgent, include that in your request and provide:

  • Jobsite address
  • Type of work
  • What’s already been done
  • What you’re concerned about
  • Your timeline
  • We’ll let you know what’s possible.

What information do you need to quote or schedule a job?.

To get started, send:

  • Your name and company (if applicable)
  • Phone number
  • Email
  • Jobsite address
  • Type of work being performed
  • When you need service
  • Any known risks or concerns
  • Whether 811 has already been called (and ticket status if available)
  • The more details you provide, the faster we can help.

How is pricing determined?

Pricing is based on the job — not a one-size-fits-all number.

  • Typical factors include:
  • Site size
  • Utility congestion / complexity
  • Type of work
  • Travel distance
  • Urgency / priority scheduling
  • Scope of locating needed (private locate, verification, investigation, etc.)
  • We’ll communicate pricing clearly before scheduling.

Do you guarantee no utility strikes?

No locator can promise that a strike will never happen.

What we do provide is a professional, safety-focused locating process designed to reduce risk and help you make better digging decisions. Safe excavation still depends on proper field practices, careful digging methods, and following all applicable safety rules.