Line Locating

Before you dig, remodel, or troubleshoot recurring sewer and water issues, it pays to know exactly where your underground lines run. John Shelton Plumbing provides precise electronic line locating for residential and commercial properties across the Alle-Kiski Valley and surrounding Alle-Kiski Valley areas. Since 1983, our family-owned team has used professional locating transmitters, receivers, and traceable rods to map laterals and mains with minimal disruption—so you can make informed decisions, avoid damage, and plan cleaner, faster repairs.

What We Locate (and Why It Matters)

• Sewer laterals and mains: Identify the route, depth, and tie-in points to plan sewer services, trenchless pipe lining, or excavation with confidence.
• Storm drains and yard drains: Verify connections and outfalls to prevent cross-connections—critical for a smooth dye testing process and municipal compliance.
• Cleanouts and access points: Mark entry locations for future maintenance, hydro jetting, and sewer camera inspections.
• Water service routes: Support water line repair and water service installation without guesswork.

Our Line Locating Process

1) Access & Signal Introduction

We introduce a traceable signal into the line using a transmitter/sonde or push-rod with an integrated beacon. When access is limited, we may pair locating with a sewer camera inspection to confirm internal conditions and find the best insertion point.

2) Surface Tracking & Depth Estimation

Our receiver follows the transmitted signal across your property to create a clear surface map. We note direction changes, junctions, and estimated depths—critical data for planning trenchless repairs, targeted excavation, or future hydro jetting work.

3) Marking & Documentation

We mark routes with paint and flags and review a simple diagram with you on site. If you’re coordinating multiple projects, we can leave long-lasting stakes and reference notes to guide other trades and keep everyone working from the same plan.

When to Schedule Electronic Locating

• Recurring backups: Pinpoint a collapsed section, offset joint, or root incursion before opening the yard.
• Remodels and additions: Confirm stack tie-ins and lateral routes to avoid conflicts with new foundations, patios, or utilities.
• Home purchases and closings: Pair line locating with a sewer camera inspection so you understand the system before you buy.
• Pre-jetting or lining: Map the line so cleaning and trenchless pipe lining go faster with fewer surprises.

Benefits of Professional Locating

• Accuracy: Reduce exploratory digging and protect landscaping, driveways, and hardscape.
• Speed: Crews arrive prepared with the right equipment and plan—shortening downtime and disruption.
• Cost control: Fewer change orders and cleaner scopes for both trenchless work and excavation.
• Code-smart planning: We ensure routing and access points support clean, compliant repairs and future maintenance.

How Locating Works with Other Services

Electronic line locating is often the first step in a complete sewer or water solution. After mapping the route, we can:

• Jet and descale the line with hydro jetting to restore flow
• Verify interior condition with a sewer camera inspection
• Restore damaged sections via trenchless pipe lining or planned excavation