# Millsboro Utility Locating Services — Frequently Asked Questions

**Phone:** (302) 306-2628 | **Website:** https://www.millsboroutilitylocating.com/faq

## About 811 and Private Utility Locating

**Q: What is 811 and what does it locate?**
A: 811 is the national "Call Before You Dig" service. When you call 811, utility companies send technicians to mark their public utility lines — typically from the street to your meter. 811 marks electric, gas, water, sewer, and telecommunications lines that are owned and maintained by utility companies.

**Q: What does 811 NOT locate?**
A: 811 does not mark any utility lines on your private property. This includes: electric lines from your meter to a shed, garage, barn, or pool equipment; septic system lines and drain fields; irrigation system lines; propane lines to outbuildings or pool heaters; well lines; invisible pet fence wires; private sewer laterals; and any utility installed by a homeowner or previous owner.

**Q: Do I really need private utility locating if I already called 811?**
A: Yes, in most cases. 811 only marks public lines to your meter. On a typical residential property, there are often more private utility lines than public ones. If you are digging anywhere on your property beyond the meter, you need private utility locating to avoid hitting your own lines.

**Q: What happens if I hit a private utility line?**
A: Hitting a private utility line can result in emergency repair costs of $2,000–$10,000+, project delays, safety hazards (especially with gas and electric lines), and potential liability. Private utility lines are the property owner's responsibility to locate and protect.

## Pricing

**Q: How much does private utility locating cost?**
A: Residential locates typically range from $300–$1,200 depending on property size and the number of utilities to be located. Commercial and contractor projects range from $500–$5,000+. We provide free, no-obligation quotes before any work begins.

**Q: Is there a fee for a quote?**
A: No. Quotes are free and there is no obligation.

**Q: Do you charge extra for same-day service?**
A: Same-day service is available and pricing is discussed at the time of booking. We do not have a standard surcharge but availability and pricing may vary.

## Services and Technology

**Q: What technology do you use to locate utilities?**
A: We use Ground Penetrating Radar (GPR), electromagnetic pipe and cable locating equipment, and GPS mapping technology. The combination of these tools allows us to detect metallic and non-metallic utilities, estimate depths, and create accurate digital records.

**Q: Can you locate non-metallic pipes like PVC?**
A: Yes. Ground Penetrating Radar (GPR) can detect non-metallic pipes, including PVC water and sewer lines, that electromagnetic equipment cannot find.

**Q: Can you locate septic systems?**
A: Yes. We locate septic tanks, distribution boxes, and drain field lines. This is one of our most common residential services.

**Q: Can you locate irrigation systems?**
A: Yes. We locate underground irrigation lines, valve boxes, and control wiring.

**Q: Do you provide documentation after the locate?**
A: Yes. We provide utility marking on the ground surface (paint or flags) and can provide GPS mapping and digital documentation upon request.

## Service Area and Scheduling

**Q: What areas do you serve?**
A: We serve a 30-mile radius from Millsboro, Delaware, covering 30+ communities in Sussex County, Delaware and the Eastern Shore of Maryland. This includes Rehoboth Beach, Georgetown, Lewes, Bethany Beach, Seaford, Salisbury MD, Ocean City MD, Berlin MD, and many more.

**Q: How quickly can you respond?**
A: We respond to inquiries within 2 hours during business hours. Same-day service is available for urgent projects.

**Q: Do you serve both residential and commercial clients?**
A: Yes. We serve homeowners, contractors, developers, property managers, and municipalities.

## Qualifications

**Q: Are you licensed and insured?**
A: Yes. We are fully licensed and carry comprehensive general liability insurance.

**Q: How many projects have you completed?**
A: We have completed 500+ utility locating projects across Delaware and Maryland.