Why You Always Need To Call Before You Dig
Home improvement projects can bring excitement and a sense of accomplishment. Whether you’re planting trees, building a fence, or installing a new mailbox, digging into the ground might seem like the easiest first step to take. However, digging without any preparation could turn a simple project into a disaster.
Here’s why you always need to call the proper authorities before you dig on your property—no matter what.
Why You Need To Call
Calling before you dig is essential for safety. Underground utility lines for gas, water, electricity, and internet cables are closer to the surface than you think. Accidentally hitting one can cause dangerous gas leaks, power outages, or personal injuries.
A simple call before digging ensures you’re taking steps to protect yourself and those around you. Calling ahead also prevents service disruptions and costly repairs. Damaging utility lines could cut off water, electricity, or internet for your household or even your entire neighborhood. By reaching out to local utility companies, you can avoid these risks for a smooth, compliant project.
The Consequences of Not Calling
You always need to call before you dig because, if you don’t, there could be significant consequences. Striking a gas line could cause dangerous leaks or explosions, while hitting electric lines risks burns, shock, or even death. Damaging water lines may result in flooding or contamination, affecting your property and the local water supply.
You may also face costly repairs, fines, and bills from utility companies for equipment replacement and labor hours. Ignoring this step can delay your project, as hitting a line will mean stopping all work and making necessary repairs before continuing.
Save yourself time and money by making the call prior to digging.
How To Call 811 Before Digging
Before you start your next project, you first have to figure out who to call to locate underground utilities. For most, this will mean calling 811 to contact public utility locators, but you may also have to hire the services of private utility locators if there are private utilities beneath the surface of the digging site.
Within a few days, utility companies will send professionals to mark underground lines using paint, flags, or stakes. These markers indicate where it’s safe to dig and areas you should avoid. Take note of these locations to incorporate them into your project plans.
Without proper markers and warnings, homeowners who strike utility lines can injure themselves and others, cause community service outages, and receive fines from municipalities. Before any shovel or excavator strikes the ground, make the call to the proper authorities for your own and everyone else’s safety.
