Call 811 Before You Dig
The most important step before digging is to call 811, the national Call Before You Dig number. When you call 811, your local utility companies will be notified to mark the location of any underground lines on your property.
This service is free, prevents unintentionally hitting utility lines, and is required by law in most states. Calling only takes a few minutes, and the utility companies will mark their lines within a few days. So make sure to call 811 and wait the required amount of time before starting any digging project.
Look for Signs of Utility Lines
Even after calling 811, visually inspect your yard for signs of utility lines. Some clues that lines may be buried include:
- Metal or plastic utility box covers on the ground
- Dips or low spots in the terrain
- Warning signs or colored flags from utility companies
- Patches of dead grass or disturbed soil
Pay special attention to these areas when digging.
Hand Dig Around Marked Areas
When the lines have been marked by utility companies, carefully hand dig around the marked areas. Use a shovel to gently probe the soil around the marked spots to avoid direct contact with buried lines.
Digging by hand also gives you better control and precision around utilities compared to powerful digging machinery. Never use excavation equipment within 2-3 feet of marked utility lines.
Dig With Care Near Your Home
Be very careful when digging closer to your home or other structures. Service lines that connect from the street to your house are often buried shallowly and can easily be hit if you aren’t digging with care.
Some service lines, like gas pipes, can also extend underground away from the home. So be sure to call 811 for line marking and hand dig in these high-risk zones.
Hire a Professional For Large Projects
For any major digging or trenching projects, consider hiring a professional excavation contractor. They have the experience to safely dig around utilities.
Professionals also have equipment that can further locate utilities without damage. This is recommended for projects like putting in a pool, trenching for drainage, or any deep digging.
Stop Digging If You Hit a Line
If you do accidentally strike a utility line while digging, stop immediately. Do not try to dig around it or free it yourself. Call the utility company, secure the area to prevent others from coming near it, and wait for the professionals to arrive. Never try to dig out or repair utility lines on your own.
Dig Safely With Hand Tools
For general shallow digging, use hand tools like shovels, trowels, or manual post hole diggers. Avoid power augers or tillers which can easily slice through buried lines. Hand tools give you better control and won’t dig deeply enough to reach buried utilities.
Contact Utility Companies With Any Questions
If you have any doubts about the safety or process of your digging project, reach out to your local utility companies directly. They can provide advice tailored to your specific needs concerning buried utilities on and near your property.
Digging without knowing the location of underground utilities can have devastating and dangerous consequences. Always call 811, dig with care, and stop immediately if you hit any lines. Following these important steps will help you avoid damage and keep your digging project safe.
Frequently Asked Questions About Avoiding Utility Lines When Digging
Should I call 811 if I’m just planting a small shrub or flower?
Yes, any digging activity, including planting flowers or shrubs, warrants a call to 811 to have utilities marked. Shallow digging can still hit utility lines that are buried close to the surface. Calling 811 is quick, free, and the law for nearly all digging projects, no matter how small.
What if I’m digging in my yard and find an unmarked utility line?
Stop digging immediately if you find any underground pipes, wires, or structures that you weren’t expecting. Then call 811 to report the unmarked utility so they can investigate and properly mark it on your property. Never try to dig out or clear unmarked utilities yourself.
Is it safe to dig after a couple days of rainfall?
No, you should avoid digging in saturated soil after heavy rainfall. Wet soil can easily collapse and cause you to unintentionally dig deeper than intended. Wait at least 2-3 days after heavy rains before resuming any digging projects for maximum safety near buried utility lines.
How deep are utility lines usually buried?
There is no standard depth for buried utilities. Lines can be located anywhere from a few inches to several feet underground. This varied burial depth is why it’s critical to call 811 before digging so all utilities at any depth are properly marked at your site. Never assume the depth that lines are buried.
What should I do if I damage a utility line while digging?
If you hit and damage any utility line, stop digging immediately, secure the area, and call 911 if any escaping gas, vapors, or liquids pose an imminent danger. Then call the affected utility company to report the damage. Do not try to repair the line yourself, as this will likely make the situation worse and more dangerous.
If I’m hand digging around marked lines, how close can I safely get?
As a rule of thumb, do not use any digging tools within 2-3 feet to either side of marked utility lines. Carefully hand dig beyond this buffer zone to expose the lines and determine their exact location. Then widen your digging area while staying at least a couple feet away from the lines at all times during your project.
Conclusion
Digging without calling 811 and understanding where buried utility lines run can have catastrophic results, from injury to huge repair costs. Always start your project safely by calling 811, respecting line markings, digging with care, and stopping immediately upon striking any utilities. Following basic underground utility damage prevention procedures will protect you and your family while digging in your yard.