FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
HOW IS R&B LOCATING DIFFERENT FROM ITS COMPETITORS?
R&B Locating stands apart through our comprehensive, end-to-end approach to utility detection. Unlike companies that provide isolated services, we deliver fully integrated solutions that address every dimension of your underground mapping needs.
Our capabilities span the entire utility mapping spectrum—from initial records research and precision locating to physical verification through test pits and seamless integration of findings into your existing project plans. This holistic approach eliminates coordination headaches and information gaps that commonly occur when using multiple service providers.
We position ourselves as genuine project partners rather than merely vendors. Our team becomes an extension of yours, sharing your commitment to project success and bringing specialized expertise that complements your team's capabilities.
WHAT IS THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN PUBLIC & PRIVATE UTILITIES?
Public Utilities:
Public utilities are infrastructure systems that traverse public rights-of-way and are owned, maintained, and operated by municipalities or utility companies. These include municipal water mains, telecommunications lines, public gas distribution systems, and electrical grids. While these utilities frequently cross onto private property via service connections, they remain under the jurisdiction of the utility provider—not the property owner. Public utilities must be located through Ontario One Call before any excavation work.
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Private Utilities:
Private utilities exist exclusively within the boundaries of private property, never extending into public rights-of-way. These systems are owned and maintained solely by the property owner and typically include private water lines, irrigation systems, septic systems, private electrical conduits, and site lighting circuits. Because these utilities normally fall outside Ontario One Call's scope, specialized private locating services—like those provided by R&B—are essential for their identification and mapping.
Understanding this distinction is crucial for comprehensive site preparation, as both types of utilities must be properly located to ensure safe excavation and project success.
DO WE PROVIDE HYDRO-EXCAVATION UTILITY INVESTIGATIONS?
Yes, we offer comprehensive test pit solutions and certified SUE Level A investigations as part of our complete utility verification services. While R&B Locating manages and oversees the entire process, we partner with specialized hydrovac subcontractors for the actual excavation component.
This collaborative approach allows us to maintain strict quality control throughout the investigation while leveraging the specialized equipment and expertise of dedicated hydrovac providers. Our team coordinates all aspects of the process—from initial planning and utility marking to physical exposure, documentation, and site restoration—ensuring you receive a seamless, single-source solution for your utility verification needs.
WHEN DO I NEED PRIVATE UTILITY LOCATING?
Private utility locating is essential whenever your project involves excavation on private property where underground infrastructure exists beyond public service connections. Ontario One Call covers public utilities up to the property line or "demarcation" point—but everything beyond that falls outside their scope. This includes irrigation systems, private water and sewer lines, site lighting, building-to-building conduits, septic systems, telecommunications infrastructure, and privately-owned electrical or gas services. Without proper identification of these systems, you're excavating blind in areas where damage can halt your project, create safety hazards, and generate costly repair claims.
The need becomes critical in several common scenarios: site development and grading work, building additions or renovations involving trenching, installation of new underground services, parking lot reconstruction, landscaping projects requiring excavation, and any work requiring comprehensive as-built documentation. Many contractors and property owners discover the gap in Ontario One Call coverage only after encountering unexpected utilities during excavation—by which point the damage is done. Proactive private locating eliminates surprises, protects existing infrastructure, keeps projects on schedule, and provides the documentation needed for permits, insurance, and future property development.