Private utility locating services for utilities and municipalities
UPA locates privately owned buried utilities and checks existing 811 marks. We don’t do 811 locate-and-mark work. We don’t yet publish a named locating reference; ask us for one for your site.
Checking a site beyond the 811 marks
A site can have buried lines the utility’s marks don’t cover. UPA’s private-locating team works on private power, communications, water and sewer lines, choosing methods to suit the site.
Preparing for a private locate
Share any drawings, who owns which assets, the dig boundaries and known access limits. The scope should say what can be located and how uncertain or inaccessible lines will be recorded.
Before you dig: a utility locating checklist
Use these steps to plan a site visit and spot gaps in the utility records.
Contact 811 for utility-owned lines
Start with the 811 notification process. Review the marks and the utilities identified for the site.
Look for gaps in the utility marks
Check for private lines beyond the meter or service connection, campus or industrial infrastructure, and missing or outdated as-built plans.
Schedule private utility locating
Agree the site boundary, private assets, access and locating methods with a private utility locator.
Verify and document the site
Walk the site with utility and private marks in place. Confirm the findings and any unresolved areas with the project team before anyone digs.
Adapted from UPA’s Before you dig infographic, August 2025. See also private locating for utilities and municipalities.
References
We don’t yet publish a named private-locating client or annual volume. UPA lists its private-locating service area as South Carolina, North Carolina, Georgia and Virginia.
Ask us for a reference or see the programs in our track record.
Working with procurement
Ask us for a named reference, current capacity and qualifications for your contract.
- Contractor
- Utility Partners of America, LLC, headquartered in Greer, South Carolina
- Service
- Private utility locating services for utilities and municipalities
- What the work covers
- Private underground power and communication lines; private water and sewer services; storm drains and other agreed buried assets; handheld locating equipment; ground-penetrating radar and pipe cameras; verification of existing 811 marks at the client’s request.
- Scope and dates
- Set out the asset types, territory, program period, utility responsibilities and acceptance criteria in the RFP.
- Qualifications to ask for
- Current state and work-specific licenses, insurance, bonding, crew training and dated safety figures with their definitions.
- Capacity and service levels
- Ask for the staffing plan, production assumptions, escalation process and reporting commitments.
- References
- Ask us for a named client, dated scope and relevant performance measures.
- Contact
- Talk to us about an RFP or call (864) 269-2302
How a program runs
Each phase is agreed with the utility. Durations, staffing, service levels and acceptance rules depend on the contract.
- Agree the scopeSettle the asset types, service area, responsibilities and acceptance rules before any field work is assigned.
- Plan access and routesSet priorities, customer notices, appointment needs and escalation contacts with the utility.
- Do the field workWork to the agreed scope and record the asset information the utility needs.
- Review exceptions and dataAgree how incomplete work, access problems and records are reviewed with the utility.
- Close outReconcile accepted work and flag any follow-up service or maintenance.
Common questions
Straight answers for utility teams. Customers with a question about an appointment should start with their utility.
Does UPA perform 811 locate-and-mark?
No. UPA locates private utilities and, if you ask, checks the marks left by 811 locators.
What’s the difference between private locating and 811 marks?
Private locating finds privately owned buried lines within the agreed site. It doesn’t replace the 811 notification process; confirm responsibilities with the utility and the project owner.
Can UPA check another locator’s marks?
Yes. At the client’s request we verify marks made by 811 locators. Agree the area, records and deliverable before the visit.
Where does UPA offer private locating?
Our listing names South Carolina, North Carolina, Georgia and Virginia. Ask about availability for your site and schedule.
What locating methods does UPA use?
Handheld locators, ground-penetrating radar and pipe cameras. The method depends on the asset, its material, access and site conditions.
What safety and qualification records should a utility ask for?
Ask for current licenses for the work and the state, insurance and bonding documents, crew training records, and EMR, TRIR and DART figures with their dates and definitions. Ask us for the current documents that match your scope.
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Planning a meter or field program?
Tell us the work, the service territory and the timeline. We’ll put you in touch with the people who run that kind of program.
Or call (864) 269-2302.