Call 811 Before You Dig!

When the temperature starts lingering in the 70s and the sun becomes a familiar fixture in the sky again, thoughts of backyard barbecues, lazy days in swimming pools, and patio lounging come to mind. You're probably ready for summer...but what about your yard?

To transform your winter-worn yard into a sunny weather oasis, you may need to first tackle a few projects that require digging, landscaping, or excavation. But before you begin your first big project, be sure to plan safely and legally by calling 8-1-1 at least three days before your project starts. By calling 8-1-1, you’ll be connected to a representative who will set everything up for you, so that you can avoid the hazards of digging near utility lines.

After placing your call to 8-1-1, companies with buried utilities in your area, such as natural gas, water, and electricity, will come to your property to mark lines at no cost to you. The markers will be color-coordinated flags that represent specific utilities, including:

 Electric Power Lines

 Gas, Oil, or Steam

 Communication Lines, Cables, or Conduit

 Potable Water

 Reclaimed Water, Irrigation, and Slurry Lines

 Sewer and Drain Lines

 Temporary Survey Markings

 Proposed Excavation

Once these lines are properly marked, you can work worry-free by actively avoiding all underground utilities.

Do you have a project in mind, but don’t know if placing a call to 8-1-1 is necessary?  Here are just a few examples of seemingly simple home improvement projects that may require you to call 8-1-1:

• Installing a fence, mailbox, yard sign, flag pole, or basketball hoop

• Installing a deck, porch patio, swimming pool, or garage

• Installing a sprinkler system, pet perimeter fence, septic tank, leach bed, or sand mound

• Planting trees, bushes, or installing flower beds

While some projects, like planting bushes and performing some basic gardening, may seem like unassuming tasks, there may be hidden dangers underground that you will not discover without calling 8-1-1. Don't wait until it's too late! Be sure to call before you start a project that involves digging.

According to a study conducted by Common Ground Alliance (CGA), an underground utility line is damaged once every six minutes due to neglect of the 8-1-1 process. CGA is a group of utility industry professionals who promote safety when working with underground utilities. Damages caused by failing to call 8-1-1 can result in serious injuries to those digging, service interruptions in gas, electric, water or sewer lines, and sometimes staggering repair feeds for the  property owner.

CGA also reports that there are more than 20 million miles of utility lines lurking below the ground that we walk on, drive on, and play on every day, which is why taking the proper steps to call 8-1-1 is vital to making improvements to your home or yard.

In March 2015, CGA conducted a study to find that 45 percent of homeowners in the United States who were planning projects involving digging or excavation were not planning to utilize 8-1-1’s marking services. By neglecting the legal practice of having their underground utilities clearly marked, these individuals are increasing the risk of danger to themselves, their families, and their neighbors.

Preparing your home for all of the fun that comes with warmer weather should be an exciting, worry-free process. Keep your family, friends, and neighbors safe during your renovations by knowing what’s below. Call before you dig!