Call 811 Before You Dig: How It Works for Homeowners

Gas, electric, water, sewer and communication lines run under most yards, and some sit only inches below the surface. Hitting one can cause injuries, outages and repair bills. The fix is simple and free: contact 811 before you dig. This guide explains how the process works for homeowners, based on 811 Before You Dig, an initiative of the Common Ground Alliance.

What is 811?

811 is the free national before-you-dig service. When you contact it, your request goes to the utilities in your area, which send locators to mark the approximate location of their buried lines with paint or flags. You can call 811 from anywhere in the U.S. or start a request on your state 811 center’s website.

Which projects need an 811 request?

Any project that breaks ground. 811 lists common homeowner projects like planting trees and shrubs, installing fences and mailboxes, and installing drain tile. Other examples include setting deck footings, adding sprinkler lines, building a raised bed that you dig into, and installing a play set or post. If you are hiring someone, ask who will place the 811 request; a contractor digging on your property should do it.

What information do you need?

811 says to have ready:

• the address where you plan to dig, including the county and the nearest cross street,
• the type of project,
• the exact area on the property where you plan to dig.

Some state centers ask you to outline the dig area with white paint or flags so locators know where to mark. Ask your state center what it prefers.

How long do you have to wait?

Contact 811 a few business days before you begin. 811 says you need to wait a few days for utilities to respond and to make sure all utilities have responded before breaking ground. The exact notice time and how long marks stay valid are set by each state’s law, so check your state 811 center. Many centers let you check your ticket status online.

How do you dig around the marks?

Once every utility has marked its lines, 811 says to dig carefully around any marks and to consider moving projects that are close to buried utilities. The marks show the approximate location, so:

• keep the paint and flags in place until the project is done,
• hand dig gently near the marks instead of using power equipment,
• if marks fade, are disturbed or look unclear, contact your 811 center for a remark before digging,
• ask your center which lines are marked; lines you or a previous owner installed (for example, to a shed or a sprinkler system) may not be included.

What if you hit a line?

If you damage a gas line or smell gas, leave the area right away and call 911 and the gas utility from a safe distance. For any other damaged line, even a nick or scrape, stop digging and contact the utility that owns it so it can be inspected and repaired. Don’t try to fix it yourself or cover it up.

Why does it matter?

811 reports that damage to buried utilities costs the U.S. about $30 billion a year in repairs and societal impacts, and that not contacting 811 before digging is the top driver of those damages.

Planning yard work?

See our guides to tree care and planting near utilities and lawn watering and sprinkler systems. The 811 step is on our spring home maintenance checklist.