811 is the national “Call Before You Dig” phone number. It was created to help prevent people from coming into contact with underground utility lines during digging projects.
The first step in safe digging is to call 811 or visit call811.com before ever starting any digging project.
Reach out two to three business days before starting a digging project. It takes a few business days for professionals to come mark your utilities with flags and/or spray paint. Advance notice requirements vary from state to state.
Make sure to tell the operator where you plan to dig and what type of work you will be doing. The 811 operator will then route you to a local utility locating service. Then mark where you plan to dig with white spray paint or flags.
After contacting 811, locators will then be sent to your digging location to mark the areas where public utility lines are buried, free of charge.
What utilities are buried underground:
Electricity is not the only utility that can be located underground. Gas, water, sewer, communications, and telephone lines can also be buried beneath the earth. When located the following utilities are marked with the following colors:
Red – Electric
Orange – Communications, Telephone/CATV
Blue – Potable Water
Green – Sewer/Drainage
Yellow – Gas/Petroleum
Purple – Reclaimed Water/Irrigation
White – Proposed digging/excavation
For homeowners and contractors:
Even if you previously had utilities located by calling 811, it is best to call before every digging project. Underground utilities can shift, and it is important to be certain of where they are before ever putting a shovel in the ground.
Make sure all utilities are marked before beginning a digging project and that you are wearing all the proper protective gear.
There is no project too small or task too menial that you don’t have to take the proper precautions before a digging project.
Remember, other people and businesses may also rely upon these utilities buried in the yard.
Always respect the utility markings and dig with care.
If you accidentally come in contact with an underground utility, do not bury the problem. Your priority should be evacuating the area for safety. It can be difficult to locate exactly where a problem is after the damage occurred and was buried. Damage to some underground utilities can cause dangers and inconveniences miles away from the actual site of the damage.
Small nicks in underground wires can be expensive, but necessary, to fix. If you nick an underground utility, notify your utility provider. Do not attempt to fix the problem yourself.
