Terms of Service

1. Introduction & Acceptance

Welcome to Hydrovac Hotline. These Terms of Service ("Terms") constitute a legally binding agreement between you and Hydrovac Hotline ("we," "us," or "our") governing your access to and use of the website hydrovachotline.org and all related services, including our provider network, quote request system, and subscription services (collectively, the "Platform").

By accessing or using our Platform, you acknowledge that you have read, understood, and agree to be bound by these Terms. If you do not agree to these Terms, you must not access or use the Platform.

You must be at least 18 years of age to use this Platform. By using the Platform, you represent and warrant that you are at least 18 years old and have the legal capacity to enter into these Terms.

If you are using the Platform on behalf of a business or other legal entity, you represent that you have the authority to bind that entity to these Terms.

2. Definitions

For the purposes of these Terms, the following definitions apply:

• "Platform" refers to the Hydrovac Hotline website, mobile applications, APIs, and all related services.
• "Provider" refers to any hydrovac excavation company or individual contractor that registers to be listed in our network.
• "Customer" refers to any individual or entity seeking hydrovac excavation services through the Platform.
• "User" refers to any person who accesses or uses the Platform, including both Providers and Customers.
• "Quote Request" refers to a Customer's submission seeking pricing or availability information from Providers.
• "Subscription" refers to the paid membership tiers (Industry Supporter) that Providers may purchase for enhanced network features.
• "Content" refers to any text, images, logos, company information, or other materials submitted to the Platform.
• "Services" refers to the hydrovac excavation services provided by Providers to Customers, which are separate from the Platform services we provide.

3. Description of Services

Hydrovac Hotline provides an online network and lead generation platform that connects Customers seeking hydrovac excavation services with Providers who offer such services.

What We Provide

• A searchable network of hydrovac service providers
• A quote request system for Customers to receive competitive bids
• Communication tools to connect Customers and Providers
• Subscription plans for Providers to enhance their visibility
• Educational resources about hydrovac excavation

What We Do Not Provide

All hydrovac excavation services are provided by independent third-party Providers. Users must independently verify Provider qualifications, licensing, insurance, and suitability for their specific project needs.

4. User Accounts

Account Registration

Certain features of the Platform require account registration. When you create an account, you agree to:

• Provide accurate, current, and complete information
• Maintain and promptly update your account information
• Maintain the security and confidentiality of your login credentials
• Accept responsibility for all activities under your account
• Notify us immediately of any unauthorized access

Account Types

We offer two types of accounts:

• Provider Accounts: For hydrovac companies seeking to be listed in our network and receive quote requests
• Customer Accounts: For individuals or businesses seeking hydrovac services (optional; quote requests can also be submitted without an account)

Account Security

We use passwordless authentication via email magic links for Provider accounts. You are responsible for maintaining the security of your email account and must notify us immediately if you suspect unauthorized access to your account.

Admin-Provisioned Accounts

In some cases, a Provider account may be created by our administrative team on behalf of a company that has contacted us and requested to be listed in our network. When we create an account on your behalf:

• We will use the information you provide to us via email, phone, or other communication to populate your listing
• You will receive a welcome email confirming your listing and providing instructions to access and manage your account
• By requesting that we create your listing, you agree to these Terms of Service, our Privacy Policy, and consent to receive quote requests and communications related to our services
• You may update, correct, or request deletion of your account information at any time by contacting us or through your Provider Dashboard

Admin-provisioned accounts are subject to the same terms, obligations, and rights as self-registered accounts. If you did not request an account and believe one was created in error, please contact us immediately at support@hydrovachotline.org.

5. Provider-Specific Terms

If you register as a Provider, the following additional terms apply:

Subscription Tiers

We offer two subscription tiers for Providers:

• Free: Basic network listing with standard lead delivery
• Industry Supporter: Top placement, instant lead delivery, and premium features

Full details of each tier's features are available on our Join page.

Billing & Payments

• Paid subscriptions are billed monthly or annually in advance
• All fees are non-refundable except as required by law or as expressly stated in these Terms
• We may change subscription pricing with 30 days' advance notice
• Bundle discounts apply when subscribing to multiple regions
• Failed payments may result in suspension or downgrade of your subscription

Cancellation

You may cancel your paid subscription at any time. Upon cancellation:

• Your paid features remain active until the end of the current billing period
• Your account will be downgraded to the Free tier
• No refunds are provided for partial billing periods

Listing Requirements

As a Provider, you represent and warrant that:

• You are a legitimate hydrovac excavation business operating legally
• All information in your listing is accurate and up-to-date
• You hold all required licenses, permits, and insurance for your service areas
• You have the rights to any logos, photos, or content you submit
• You will respond to quote requests in a timely and professional manner

Platform Content Management

We reserve the right to review, edit, modify, correct, or remove any Provider listing content at any time, for any reason, including but not limited to:

• Correcting inaccuracies or typographical errors
• Ensuring compliance with our policies and applicable laws
• Removing prohibited, misleading, or inappropriate content
• Updating contact information at Provider request
• Improving the quality and consistency of network listings
• Adjusting subscription tier or billing information

We will make reasonable efforts to notify you via email of material changes to your listing. You are responsible for reviewing your listing periodically to confirm its accuracy. If you believe any changes made to your listing are incorrect, please contact us at support@hydrovachotline.org.

Certifications & Ownership Designations

Safety certifications (e.g., OSHA 30, ISNetworld), ownership designations (e.g., Veteran Owned, Woman Owned, Minority Owned), and similar credentials displayed on your listing are self-reported by you. You represent and warrant that any certifications or designations you claim are accurate and current. Hydrovac Hotline does not independently verify these claims and is not responsible for their accuracy.

Falsely claiming certifications or ownership designations may violate federal and state laws, including but not limited to the FTC Act, SBA procurement regulations, and the Stolen Valor Act. You agree to indemnify Hydrovac Hotline against any claims arising from inaccurate certification or ownership representations.

Independent Contractor Status

Providers are independent contractors and not employees, agents, or representatives of Hydrovac Hotline. Nothing in these Terms creates an employment, partnership, joint venture, or agency relationship.

6. Customer-Specific Terms

If you use the Platform to request quotes or connect with Providers, the following additional terms apply:

Quote Request Process

• Quote requests are distributed to Providers in your selected service area
• We do not guarantee that you will receive any quotes
• Quotes provided by Providers are subject to their own terms and conditions
• We do not verify the accuracy of any quotes or estimates

No Service Guarantees

We make no guarantees regarding:

• The availability of Providers in your area
• The quality, pricing, or timeliness of Provider services
• The accuracy of Provider credentials or qualifications
• The outcome of any project or service engagement

Communication Consent

By submitting a quote request, you consent to receive:

• Email communications about your quote request
• Phone calls or SMS messages from matched Providers
• Follow-up communications from Hydrovac Hotline

You may opt out of non-essential communications at any time.

Your Responsibility

You are solely responsible for evaluating and selecting Providers, negotiating terms, and ensuring any work meets your requirements. We strongly recommend verifying Provider licensing, insurance, and references before engaging their services.

7. User Responsibilities

Accurate Information

All Users agree to provide accurate, current, and complete information when using the Platform. Providing false or misleading information is a violation of these Terms.

Prohibited Conduct

You agree not to:

• Use the Platform for any unlawful purpose or in violation of any laws
• Submit false, misleading, or fraudulent quote requests or listings
• Impersonate any person or entity or misrepresent your affiliation
• Harass, abuse, threaten, or intimidate other Users
• Interfere with or disrupt the Platform or servers
• Attempt to gain unauthorized access to any part of the Platform
• Scrape, harvest, or collect User data without authorization
• Use automated systems (bots, spiders, scrapers) to access the Platform
• Circumvent any content filtering or security measures
• Upload malware, viruses, or other harmful code
• Engage in any activity that could damage, disable, or impair the Platform
• Use Provider contact information for purposes other than engaging their services

8. Intellectual Property

Platform Ownership

The Platform, including its design, features, content, trademarks, logos, and all intellectual property rights therein, is owned by Hydrovac Hotline and is protected by copyright, trademark, and other intellectual property laws.

Limited License

We grant you a limited, non-exclusive, non-transferable, revocable license to access and use the Platform for its intended purposes in accordance with these Terms.

User Content

You retain ownership of any Content you submit to the Platform. By submitting Content, you grant us a worldwide, non-exclusive, royalty-free, sublicensable license to use, reproduce, modify, display, and distribute such Content in connection with operating and promoting the Platform.

You represent that you own or have the necessary rights to submit any Content and that such Content does not violate any third party's intellectual property or other rights.

9. Disclaimers & Limitation of Liability

Platform Provided "As Is"

No Endorsement

Inclusion of a Provider in our network does not constitute an endorsement, recommendation, or guarantee of their services. Users must independently verify Provider credentials, licensing, insurance, and qualifications.

Excavation Industry Risks

Limitation of Liability

Some jurisdictions do not allow the exclusion of certain warranties or limitations of liability, so some of the above limitations may not apply to you.

10. Indemnification

You agree to indemnify, defend, and hold harmless Hydrovac Hotline, its officers, directors, employees, agents, and affiliates from and against any and all claims, damages, losses, liabilities, costs, and expenses (including reasonable attorneys' fees) arising from or related to:

• Your use of the Platform
• Your violation of these Terms
• Your violation of any applicable law or third-party rights
• Any Content you submit to the Platform
• Any dispute between you and a Provider or Customer (if you are a Provider)
• Any services provided by you (if you are a Provider) or received by you (if you are a Customer)

11. Dispute Resolution

Informal Resolution

Before initiating any formal dispute resolution, you agree to contact us at support@hydrovachotline.org and attempt to resolve the dispute informally for at least 30 days.

Binding Arbitration

If informal resolution is unsuccessful, any dispute, claim, or controversy arising out of or relating to these Terms or the Platform shall be resolved by binding arbitration administered by the American Arbitration Association ("AAA") in accordance with its Commercial Arbitration Rules. The arbitration shall take place in Texas, or another mutually agreed location.

Class Action Waiver

Exceptions

Notwithstanding the above, either party may seek injunctive or other equitable relief in any court of competent jurisdiction to protect its intellectual property rights.

Governing Law

These Terms shall be governed by and construed in accordance with the laws of the State of Texas, without regard to its conflict of law provisions.

12. Modification of Terms

We reserve the right to modify these Terms at any time. When we make changes:

• We will update the "Effective Date" at the top of this page
• For material changes, we will provide at least 30 days' advance notice via email to registered Users or prominent notice on the Platform
• Continued use of the Platform after the effective date of any changes constitutes acceptance of the modified Terms

If you do not agree to the modified Terms, you must stop using the Platform and, if applicable, cancel your subscription before the changes take effect.

13. Termination

Termination by You

You may terminate your account at any time by contacting us at support@hydrovachotline.org. Termination does not entitle you to any refund of subscription fees.

Termination by Us

We may suspend or terminate your access to the Platform at any time, with or without cause, with or without notice, including but not limited to:

• Violation of these Terms
• Fraudulent or illegal activity
• Non-payment of subscription fees
• Prolonged inactivity
• At our sole discretion for any reason

Effect of Termination

Upon termination, your right to use the Platform immediately ceases. We may delete your account and Content. Sections that by their nature should survive termination (including disclaimers, limitation of liability, indemnification, and dispute resolution) shall survive.

14. Privacy & Data

Your privacy is important to us. Our collection and use of personal information is governed by our Privacy Policy, which is incorporated into these Terms by reference.

Data Sharing Disclosure

By using the Platform:

• Customers: Your quote request information (including contact details) is shared with matched Providers in your area
• Providers: Your business information is publicly displayed in our network

Please review our Privacy Policy to understand how your data is collected, used, and shared.

15. Third-Party Services

Payment Processing

All payment transactions are processed by Stripe, Inc. By making a payment, you agree to Stripe's Terms of Service. We do not store your full credit card information on our servers.

External Links

The Platform may contain links to third-party websites or services that are not owned or controlled by us. We are not responsible for the content, privacy policies, or practices of any third-party sites or services.

Third-Party Services We Use

We utilize various third-party services to operate the Platform, including but not limited to cloud hosting, email delivery, SMS messaging, and analytics. Use of these services is subject to their respective terms and privacy policies.

16. SMS/Text Messaging Terms

Program Description

Hydrovac Hotline offers an SMS-based service that connects you with hydrovac excavation providers in your area. When you use our SMS service, you will receive text messages containing provider contact information (company name and phone number) relevant to your location and project needs.

Message Frequency

Message frequency varies. A typical conversation involves 1–5 messages. You will only receive messages in direct response to your request or as part of an active conversation you initiated.

Message & Data Rates

Message and data rates may apply. Please contact your wireless carrier for details about your text messaging plan.

Opt-Out

You may opt out of receiving SMS messages at any time by replying STOP to any message from Hydrovac Hotline. You will receive a one-time confirmation message, and no further messages will be sent unless you opt back in by texting START.

Help

For assistance, reply HELP to any message from Hydrovac Hotline. You can also contact us at support@hydrovachotline.org or call 1-833-EASY-DIG (1-833-327-9344).

No Sharing of SMS Data

We will not share your phone number or SMS opt-in consent with any third parties for their marketing purposes.

Carrier Disclaimer

Carriers are not liable for delayed or undelivered messages. Message delivery is subject to effective transmission by your wireless carrier.

For our full privacy practices regarding SMS data, see our Privacy Policy — SMS/Text Messaging Terms.

17. Miscellaneous

Entire Agreement

These Terms, together with our Privacy Policy and any other policies referenced herein, constitute the entire agreement between you and Hydrovac Hotline regarding the Platform and supersede all prior agreements and understandings.

Severability

If any provision of these Terms is found to be unenforceable or invalid, that provision shall be limited or eliminated to the minimum extent necessary, and the remaining provisions shall remain in full force and effect.

Waiver

Our failure to enforce any right or provision of these Terms shall not be deemed a waiver of such right or provision. Any waiver must be in writing and signed by an authorized representative of Hydrovac Hotline.

Assignment

You may not assign or transfer these Terms or your rights hereunder without our prior written consent. We may assign these Terms without restriction.

Force Majeure

Neither party shall be liable for any failure or delay in performance due to causes beyond its reasonable control, including but not limited to acts of God, natural disasters, war, terrorism, riots, embargoes, acts of civil or military authorities, fire, floods, accidents, strikes, or shortages of transportation, facilities, fuel, energy, labor, or materials.

18. Contact Information

If you have questions, concerns, or feedback regarding these Terms of Service, please contact us:

We will respond to all inquiries within a reasonable timeframe.