SDL Utility Locating – Private Utility Locating Company SDL Utility Locating, a division of Smart Digging LLC, is your trusted partner for safe and accurate utility locating.

Beyond 811 Verification

Accuracy starts below the surface.

“We See What Others Can’t. We Locate What Others Won’t.”

When public utility locators complete their markings through the 811 system, accuracy is essential – yet field conditions, signal limitations, and human error can sometimes result in mismarked, incomplete, or missing lines.

SDL Utility Locating Beyond 811 Verification service provides an additional layer of assurance by independently verifying the accuracy and completeness of 811 public utility markings. Our goal is to help prevent damage, delays, and costly rework before excavation begins.

How It Works

Using advanced electromagnetic locating methods, SDL Utility Locating conducts a detailed assessment of all visible and signal-detectable utility paths. Each mark is evaluated to ensure it aligns with actual subsurface conditions confirming that your job site is safe, compliant, and ready for excavation.

When 811 utility locators mark public lines, they typically represent the four major utility providers in your area:

  • Power: Marked by your local electric utility provider.
  • Gas: Marked by your natural gas provider.
  • Communication: Marked by your telephone or internet service provider.
  • Cable/TV: Marked by your local cable service company.

SDL Utility Locating independently verifies the accuracy and completeness of those 811 public utility markings to ensure your entire job site is properly marked before any excavation begins.

Remember:
Illinois law requires all underground utility lines on your property to be properly marked before any digging or excavation, whether you’re a homeowner or a contractor. This critical step helps prevent utility damage, service disruptions, and safety hazards – ensuring full compliance and peace of mind for your project. Call 811 before you dig  it’s the law and the first step in safe, worry-free work.

Project Sizes & Flat-Rate Options

SDL Utility Locating provides Beyond 811 Verification services for projects of all sizes – from small residential work to large-scale commercial and industrial sites.
We offer flat-rate pricing based on the size and complexity of each job:

  • Small Projects: Homeowners and contractors working on small or single-site excavations.

  • Medium Projects: Moderate-size commercial sites or multi-unit residential properties.

  • Large Projects: Industrial facilities, complex utility networks, or multi-phase construction areas.

Verification typically takes 2–3 hours, depending on job site conditions.
Some larger or more complex sites may require up to 8 hours to complete.

Annual Service Contracts

For companies and organizations that frequently utilize locating services, SDL Utility Locating offers annual contract options with flexible weekly or monthly scheduling.
These agreements are ideal for contractors, property managers, and engineering firms seeking to streamline their verification process and reduce long-term costs throughout the year.

To learn more about our flat-rate pricing or yearly service contracts, please contact Smart Digging LLC at [email protected]
No matter the size of your project, SDL Utility Locating ensures your site is fully marked, verified, and ready for safe digging.

Why Verification Matters

The 811 system is a vital first step in any excavation project but it’s not infallible.
Public utility locators are responsible only for utilities owned and maintained by their respective companies, which means errors or omissions can occur.

Our Beyond 811 Verification process offers added confidence by ensuring all public utility markings are accurate, clearly defined, and correctly mark.
This helps prevent accidental strikes, protects buried infrastructure, and supports compliance with state and OSHA safety standards.

Service Requirements

Before requesting this service, customers must first contact 811 to initiate public utility markings as required by law.
Once those markings are complete, SDL Utility Locating will perform a comprehensive verification to confirm their precision and identify any inconsistencies.

If photo documentation of verified or corrected markings is required, please note this on your Service Request Form.
Photo documentation is optional and available for an additional charge upon request for project records or documentation.

Why Choose SDL Utility Locating

  • Comprehensive Detection — EM Locating & GPR for complete subsurface coverage
  • Experienced Technicians — Trained professionals skilled in complex site conditions
  • Compliance & Safety — Meeting Illinois and OSHA excavation standards
  • Rapid Scheduling — Flexible and efficient service for urgent or large-scale projects
  • Professional Integrity — Protecting people, property, and infrastructure on every job
service request

Disclaimer

SDL Utility Locating provides verification and private utility locating services only.
We do not replace or act as the 811 One Call system.
All customers are required by law to contact 811 before any excavation begins, in compliance with the
Illinois Underground Utility Facilities Damage Prevention Act (220 ILCS 50/)
SDL Utility Locating is not responsible for inaccurate, incomplete, or omitted public utility markings
performed by 811 or any associated utility companies.

 

 

At SDL Utility Locating, accuracy isn’t just our goal — it’s our commitment.