What 811’s Call-Before-You-Dig Service Doesn’t Cover

Digging in your yard might seem harmless, but beneath the surface lies a network of gas lines, water pipes, and electrical cables that can cause costly damage or serious injuries if hit. That’s where 811 comes in, offering a free service to locate public utility lines before you dig.

However, sometimes, calling 811 isn’t enough to ensure safe digging. Below, we explain what 811’s call-before-you-dig service doesn’t cover and why you sometimes need private utility locating services.

What Is 811?

The 811 public utility service is a federally mandated program in the US that connects individuals and businesses with local utility companies to ensure safety during digging projects. When you call 811, professionals mark public utility lines using paint or flags. This service focuses exclusively on public utilities that the utility companies maintain. The typical utilities that fall under the public umbrella and the free 811 service include:

• Gas lines
• Electric cables
• Water and sewer pipes
• Telecommunications and fiber optics

While 811 ensures the correct marking of public utilities, it only covers lines within the public utility provider’s jurisdiction.

Understanding 811’s Limitations

While 811 is a valuable service, it only marks public utility lines up to your property boundary or transfer points like meters. What the 811 call-before-you-dig service doesn’t cover are underground lines that fall under the private sector. These include:

• Irrigation systems
• Septic tanks
• Outdoor lighting
• Electrical wiring
• Private gas or water lines connecting to pools or guest houses.

Failing to locate private utilities can lead to costly damages, service interruptions, and legal liabilities.

When To Hire a Private Utility Locator

To avoid these risks, consider hiring private utility locating services. Using advanced tools like ground-penetrating radar, these experts can identify hidden private lines, providing a complete picture of all underground utilities. This ensures safer digging, compliance with regulations, and fewer surprises during your project. When calling for locating services, there’s specific information you should provide to the professionals so they can adequately locate the utilities when they arrive.

Protecting Yourself and Your Property

Digging without knowing what’s beneath your property can risk safety, assets, and compliance. While the 811 call-before-you-dig service marks public utilities, it won’t locate private utilities that may also be below the surface of your digging site. Hiring private utility locating services ensures the identification of all underground utilities, protecting your property and the surrounding community.

Avoid costly mistakes, delays, and accidents by prioritizing utility locating for every project. Partnering with experts ensures your project remains safe, compliant, and disruption-free.