Frequently asked question | Linelock Locating

Can you locate every utility on a property?

Not always. Some lines are non-conductive or inaccessible.
We employ a variety of locating techniques, including electromagnetic locating, acoustic locating, and induction methods.
Still, some lines — such as unreported, abandoned, or privately modified utilities — may not be traceable.
We can only locate what we are informed of and what conditions allow.

Do you warranty your locates?

Every locate is performed using professional equipment and industry-standard methods to ensure the highest possible accuracy.
Unlike public utility locators (such as 811), private locating does not have access to utility-owned GIS databases or mapped records. Some private locators may offer limited warranties, but these are typically conditional and depend on the specific circumstances of each job.
At Linelock Locating, we stand behind the accuracy of our work and will always verify or clarify markings if concerns arise.

How accurate are your marks?

Under ideal conditions, electromagnetic (EM) locating can be accurate down to the inch.
However, factors such as terrain, inclines, interference, and obstructions can influence signal behavior.
We always follow the industry-standard tolerance zone to ensure safety and precision.

What if a line wasn’t marked and I hit it?

If a line is damaged and it was not marked, responsibility depends on the situation.
Public utilities follow JULIE (811) standards:

• If a utility is on their GIS system but incorrectly marked or missed, it may fall on the locator.

• If it’s not on the GIS map, the utility owner is responsible.

For private locates, we can only mark what we are made aware of and can physically detect.
Unmarked lines may result from access limitations, non-conductive materials, or unknown abandoned lines.

Utility Locating & Safe Digging

What if I hit a line that’s been marked?

If you hit a utility that was correctly marked, the repair is typically the excavator’s responsibility.
The marks are there to warn of buried hazards, and excavation within the tolerance zone (18 inches on either side plus half the utility’s width) requires extreme care.
Depth can vary — some utilities are just a few inches below ground, others several feet, and in some cases (such as sewer or water) can exceed 10 feet deep.
Always dig cautiously by hand within the tolerance zone and avoid prying directly on the utility.

Leak Detection

How does your leak detection process work?

Our leak detection service uses non-invasive, acoustic-based methods to identify potential leak locations before excavation or repair.
The process begins by locating the water main and/or service line, then listening at intervals along the line to detect possible leak noise.
Any areas of concern are rechecked to pinpoint the leak as accurately as possible.

Does water pressure affect results?

Pressure can influence how easily a leak is heard — larger leaks tend to produce stronger and clearer sound patterns.
However, leak detection is not limited by pressure within the line; our equipment is sensitive enough to detect even small leaks under low-pressure conditions.
While higher pressure can enhance clarity, accurate results can still be achieved across a wide range of pressures.

How far can acoustic locating reach?

In real-world conditions, this method can effectively trace water lines up to approximately 300 feet, depending on line material, pressure, and site conditions.
This makes it a powerful option for locating plastic or non-conductive lines where other methods are ineffective.

How does pressure affect acoustic locating?

Pressure plays a major role in the success of acoustic locating.
Lines operating at 40–60 PSI typically allow sound to travel cleanly through the water column, providing strong, traceable signal responses.
Lower pressures can reduce signal clarity, while proper pressure improves range and accuracy.

Acoustic Locating

What is acoustic locating?

Acoustic locating is a method used to trace non-conductive water lines that cannot be found using traditional electromagnetic locating.
This process involves inducing a sound wave or vibration into the line, which can then be detected above ground using specialized listening equipment.

Who benefits from sewer inspections?

Sewer inspections are valuable for homebuyers, realtors, property managers, and homeowners alike.
They provide visual confirmation of pipe condition, identify blockages or cracks, and help prevent costly future repairs.

What pipe sizes can you inspect?

Our equipment can reliably inspect pipe sizes ranging from 1.5 inches up to 12 inches in diameter.

How far can your camera reach?

Our sewer camera system can reach approximately 275 feet in a single run, depending on the condition and layout of the line.

Sewer Inspections

What does a sewer inspection include?

We provide 1080p HD video inspections with a self-leveling camera head, ensuring the video remains upright and clear throughout the inspection.
We can add narration upon request and deliver the results either digitally or on a USB drive.

What types of faults can you locate?

This process is highly effective for:

• Insulation faults on buried electrical cables

• Coating defects on buried pipelines
  It’s a proven method for locating damage before excavation begins.

How does fault finding work?

We use a specialized detection frame to measure decibel variations along a line, caused by voltage leaks or coating flaws. This allows us to precisely locate the damaged area.

Fault Finding

What is fault finding?

Fault finding detects sheath faults in cables and coating defects on pipelines — identifying damage that’s often invisible from the surface.

GIS Mapping

What are GIS mapping services?

GIS (Geographic Information System) mapping allows us to create digital maps that record the precise locations of utilities, lines, and site features.
Each mapped point can include depth, material, location, photos, notes, and coordinates — all integrated into a single, visual map.

How accurate is your mapping?

We use RTK survey-grade GPS technology with accuracy up to 0.03 feet (less than 3/8 of an inch).
This means our maps are true survey-grade, allowing precise documentation of utilities while they’re being located.

Who benefits from GIS mapping?

GIS mapping offers major value to:

• Farmers — to record field drainage, private lines, or infrastructure.

• Municipalities — for maintaining accurate underground utility records.

• Property managers — for long-term asset tracking.

• Homeowners — to avoid guesswork during renovations or future projects.

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Disclaimer

This FAQ is intended to provide general information about our services and processes.
Site conditions, accessibility, and material types may influence locating accuracy and available methods.

How can I contact you?

You can reach Linelock Locating in whatever way is easiest for you:

• Call or text: (309) 826-2922

• Email: linelock.locating@outlook.com

• Online: Use the Contact Us page on this website to send project details or request a call-back.

We do our best to respond promptly — typically the same day during business hours.