Private Locating Services

We provide many varieties of private locates. We serve home owners to large construction companies and engineering firms. whether you are building a small addition, repurposing a large commercial property, or planning a large city utility upgrade we can handle the job.

How it works

Whether you are a home owner planning a DIY project, or a construction company, you are required to call Dig Safe if you are utilizing any motorized equipment (rototiller, backhoe/excavator, jackhammer, Ditch Witch, etc) to dig on your property. Dig Safe is a non-profit organization that works as a middle person between you and the utility companies to ensure underground utilities are properly marked before you start your project. When you contact Dig Safe they will notify all member utilities to locate and mark their underground utilities where you’ll be working. Not all companies are a part of the Dig Safe network. You may be notified that you will also need to hire someone to locate what is called “private utilities”. That’s where we come in! Centerline got its start in private locating and has since expanded to include contract locating and much more. We work closely with you to ensure your needs are met, and your project can be done safely and efficiently. There is no project too big or too small!

MA, ME, NH, and RI state law require a minimum notification of 72 hours (48 hours in VT) before you start digging. Dig Safe recommends you call if you’re planning a landscaping project, retaining walls, dog fences, root removal, patios, fence installation, walkways, irrigation lines, driveways, and more. In New England you can call 811 for more information or to submit a ticket to Dig Safe. You can also visit their website to learn more about the process and what’s required.

What is a “private utility”?

Private utilities are generally the portion of a utility you would be responsible for installing and/or maintaining on your property. For electrical and water, your responsibility is anything after the meter/shut-off (also referred to as a curb stop). Meters can be on a pole at the end of your driveway or on your house. Curb stops are usually found in the right of way near your property line. The utilities that are included in private locating are underground or “buried” lines only. Above ground, or hanging utilities do not need to be located. This means if you have electrical, water or gas running from your house to a detached garage, shed, landscaping, well lines, etc they should be privately located before you dig.

I’ve called dig safe, now what?

Once you’ve contacted Dig Safe to request a ticket, you’ll be asked to “pre-mark” your project area (Dig Safe requests you pre-mark before you call them but it’s common to have missed this step). Pre-marking is required by law and works as a guide for your utility locators. Knowing where exactly you’ll be working can help reduce excessive marking and help to lower costs. Pre-marking is as simple as putting white stakes, flags or using white paint to mark the area you’ll be working. You can find more in-depth requirements about pre-marks here.

After your ticket has been submitted, all member utility companies will have 72 hours (48 in VT) to respond to your request. It’s important to note that this does not include weekends or legal holidays. You do not need to be home during this time unless you need to give access your property. Underground utilities will be marked according to a color coding system as seen below. Our company mostly uses a temporary, water-based paint to mark utilities on private property, but you may also notice corresponding flags. This paint will not damage your grass and should fade within a few weeks (depending on the weather). Please do not remove the flags until your work is completed.

Once all private and public utilities have been located & marked, you are cleared to start digging!