If you plan to dig, , yes! Don’t make a judgment call; make an 811 call. Homeowners often make risky assumptions about whether or not they should get their utility lines marked, but every digging job requires a phone call—even small projects.
I’m only planting a small flower bed or bush.
Many utilities are buried just a few inches below ground. You can easily hit a line when digging for simple gardening projects, like planting flowers or small shrubs. Make the call to 811 anytime you’re putting a shovel in the ground to help keep yourself and your community safe.
I’m just installing a mailbox.
Buried utility lines are everywhere. Installing mailboxes and fences are examples of projects that absolutely require a call to 811 to know
what’s below before digging. Hitting a line can knock out service to your home and neighborhood or result in fines, damage and serious injury.
I’m digging in a spot that was previously marked.
Erosion and root system growth can alter the depth and location of buried lines, or your utility companies might have completed work on their lines since the last time you dug—so you must call 811 before you dig—each and every time.
I hired a contractor or landscaper to do the digging project.
Be sure to check with your contractor or landscaper to make sure the call to 811 is made before digging begins—whether you make the call or your contractor does. Never let digging begin without calling 811. It’s not worth the risk.
I’m only digging in a small area and don’t want my entire yard marked.
If you’re planning to dig only in a small portion of your yard, you can outline the area with white paint or white flags available at home improvement stores to ensure that only the utilities in that part of your yard are located and marked. Let your 811 operator know about your plans, and they will help ensure the proper area is marked by utility locators.