Planning to dig in your yard for a new garden, fence, or mailbox? Before you break ground, it’s crucial to understand the importance of calling 811, the national “Call Before You Dig” service. This free service helps prevent accidents by identifying underground utility lines on your property. Fantastic Fence calls 811 for all projects when we are going to dig for the safety of the crew and your property.
What Is 811?
811 is a nationwide service designed to protect you and your community from unintentional damage to underground utilities. By dialing 811 before any digging project, you connect with a local notification center that coordinates with utility companies to mark the locations of underground lines such as gas, water, electricity, and telecommunications. This process is essential to ensure safety and prevent service disruptions.
Why Is Calling 811 Important?
- Safety: Accidentally hitting an underground utility line can lead to serious injuries or fatalities. For example, striking a gas line could cause explosions, while contacting electrical lines poses electrocution risks.
- Preventing Service Disruptions: Damaging utility lines can interrupt essential services to your home and neighborhood, leading to inconvenient and costly repairs.
- Legal Compliance: In California, the law requires individuals to contact 811 before any digging project. Non-compliance can result in significant fines and legal liabilities.
How Does the 811 Process Work?
- Mark Your Dig Site: Before contacting 811, outline the area where you plan to dig using white paint, flags, or stakes. This helps utility locators identify the specific area to be marked.
- Contact 811: Submit a request online or call 811 at least two business days before you plan to start digging. Provide details about your project and the marked area.
- Wait for Markings: Utility companies will send professionals to your property to mark the locations of underground lines with color-coded flags or paint, each color representing a different type of utility.
- Respect the Marks and Dig Carefully: Once the utilities are marked, avoid digging within the designated areas. If you must dig near the markings, use hand tools and proceed with caution to prevent damage.
Understanding the Color Codes
Utility markings follow a standardized color code to indicate the type of underground service:
- Red: Electric power lines
- Yellow: Gas, oil, or steam
- Orange: Communication or alarm lines
- Blue: Water
- Green: Sewer or drain lines
- Purple: Reclaimed water, irrigation, and slurry lines
- White: Proposed excavation sites
Special Considerations for California Property Owners
- Private Utility Lines: 811 services typically mark only public utility lines. Private lines, such as those running to pools, spas, or outbuildings, may not be marked. Property owners are responsible for identifying these lines, which may require hiring a private utility locator.
- Legal Obligations: Even for projects on private property, California law mandates contacting 811 before digging. This ensures all potential underground hazards are identified, promoting safety and compliance with state regulations.
Consequences of Not Calling 811
Failing to contact 811 before digging can lead to severe consequences:
- Injuries or Fatalities: Unintentionally striking utility lines can cause serious harm or death.
- Service Interruptions: Damaging lines can disrupt essential services to your home and neighborhood.
- Legal and Financial Penalties: Non-compliance with the law can result in fines and liability for repair costs.
By taking the simple step of calling 811 before you dig, you protect yourself, your community, and avoid unnecessary complications. Always remember: Call 811 – Call Before You Dig.