Have you ever wondered how deep you can dig without calling 811? Perhaps you’re planning a simple landscaping project or dreaming of installing an in-ground pool in your backyard.
It’s essential to understand the potential dangers that lie beneath the surface.
Buried utility lines are lurking in unexpected places, and one wrong move could lead to disastrous consequences.
In this comprehensive guide, we’ll explore the depths at which various utility lines are buried, the importance of calling 811, and what can happen if you don’t.
So grab your shovel and let’s dig in!
How Deep Are Utility Lines Buried?
When it comes to underground utilities, the depth at which they are buried can vary depending on several factors.
Electric lines, for instance, are typically buried deeper than other utilities, while cable and telephone lines are often found closer to the surface.
But let’s take a closer look at these depths to give you a better understanding of the risks involved.
1. Electric Lines:
Electric lines are a vital part of our everyday lives, providing power to our homes, businesses, and communities.
To ensure safety and reliability, these lines are buried at varying depths.
On average, electric lines are buried between 18 and 24 inches below the ground.
However, in some cases, they can be buried as deep as 36 inches or more, depending on local regulations and the specific power requirements of the area.
2. Cable Lines:
In the age of streaming services and endless entertainment options, cable lines have become a ubiquitous part of our homes.
These lines, responsible for delivering television and internet services, are typically buried at shallower depths compared to electric lines.
Cable lines are often found just a few inches below the surface, making them more susceptible to accidental damage during digging projects.
3. Telephone Lines:
While landlines may be less prevalent nowadays, telephone lines still play a crucial role in communication infrastructure.
Similar to cable lines, telephone lines are usually buried at shallow depths, typically around 6 to 12 inches below the ground.
These lines are essential for maintaining telephone connectivity and ensuring uninterrupted communication.
The Importance of Calling 811: Protecting Yourself and Your Community
Now that we have a better understanding of the depths at which utility lines are buried, it’s time to address the critical question: How deep can you dig without calling 811?
The answer is simple: you should never pick up a shovel without making that call.
Here’s why…
1. Safety First:
Calling 811 before you dig is not just a suggestion; it’s the law. Each state has its own regulations, but the common goal is to ensure the safety of everyone involved.
By calling 811, you notify the local one-call center, which will then contact the relevant utility companies on your behalf.
These companies will send out trained professionals to mark the location of buried lines, helping you avoid any potentially hazardous situations.
2. Avoiding Costly Damage:
Accidentally hitting a buried utility line can have severe financial consequences. Not only will you be responsible for the cost of repairs, but you may also face penalties and fines.
By calling 811, you can prevent unnecessary expenses and protect yourself from legal liabilities.
Remember, the cost of making that call is far less than the cost of repairing damaged utility lines and dealing with the aftermath.
3. Protecting Your Community:
Digging without calling 811 doesn’t just put yourself at risk; it also endangers your community.
Severed utility lines can disrupt services not only to your property but also to neighboring homes and businesses.
Imagine the chaos if you accidentally cut off power, cable, or telephone services for an entire neighborhood.
By making that simple phone call, you’re taking a proactive step to ensure the well-being of your community.
The 811 Process: How Does It Work?
Now that you understand the importance of calling 811, let’s walk through the process to help you get started on your digging project:
1. Notify the One-Call Center:
Before you grab your shovel, pick up the phone and dial 811 or submit an online request through the center’s website.
This will connect you to your local one-call center, where a representative will gather essential information about your project.
2. Provide Project Details:
Be prepared to share details about the location and scope of your project.
Let the representative know how deep you plan to dig and the approximate area you’ll be working in.
The more accurate information you provide, the better prepared the utility companies will be to mark the correct areas.
3. Wait for Utility Responses:
After you’ve made the call, the one-call center will notify the relevant utility companies about your upcoming project.
Depending on the state you’re in, you may need to wait two to three days for the utility operators to respond to your request.
Each utility company will send a locator to mark the location of their respective buried lines.
4. Confirm the Markings:
Once the utility companies have responded, it’s crucial to confirm that all the affected operators have marked their lines.
Take the time to double-check the markings and ensure that all the necessary areas have been identified.
If there are any discrepancies or missing markings, contact the one-call center for clarification.
5. Dig with Care:
Now that you have the marked areas, it’s time to start digging.
Remember, state laws generally prohibit the use of machines within 18 to 24 inches of a marked utility.
If you need to dig closer to the marked area, opt for hand digging or vacuum excavation to minimize the risk of damaging the buried lines.
6. Respect the Time Limits:
Keep in mind that the locate ticket provided by the one-call center is only valid for a certain period of time, as determined by your state’s laws.
If your project extends beyond the designated time frame, you’ll need to call 811 again to request a re-mark.
This ensures that the utility companies have up-to-date information about your ongoing excavation.
Common Myths: Debunking Misconceptions About 811
Despite the importance of calling 811, several misconceptions and myths persist. Let’s debunk some of the most common ones to ensure you have accurate information:
Myth 1: I Only Need to Call 811 for Major Excavation Projects.
False. Whether you’re planning a small gardening project or a major excavation, calling 811 is essential. Even shallow digging activities like planting flowers or installing a mailbox can potentially damage buried utility lines. No project is too small to skip the call.
Myth 2: Calling 811 Costs Money.
Not true. Calling 811 is a free service provided by utility companies to protect you and your community. The cost of locating and marking the buried lines is covered by the utility companies themselves. So, don’t let the fear of additional expenses deter you from making that important call.
Myth 3: I Don’t Need to Call 811 if the Area Has Been Previously Marked.
Think again. Erosion, root system growth, and recent utility work can alter the depth or location of buried lines.
Always call 811 before you dig, even if the area has been marked in the past. It’s better to be safe and double-check than to risk hitting an unmarked line.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Is it against the law to dig without calling 811 in Illinois?
Under Illinois regulations, both homeowners and professional diggers must contact 811 a minimum of 48 hours or two business days before beginning any digging activities. This applies to tasks like tree planting, mailbox installation, garden creation, or deck construction, irrespective of the project’s depth or scale. Always dial 811 first.
Do I need to call 811 before tilling?
Yes. By law, you must call 811 before tilling to ensure you don’t accidentally hit any underground utilities, regardless of the depth you plan to till. Safety first!
How deep can I dig before calling 811 in Washington state?
In Washington state, you are required to call 811 before any digging project more than 12 inches deep. It’s essential to ensure safety and avoid damaging underground utilities. Always contact 811 prior to starting your excavation.
Is it against the law to dig without calling 811 in NC?
Yes, in North Carolina, it is against the law to dig without first calling 811. This is to prevent damage to underground utilities and ensure safety. Always contact 811 before starting any excavation project in NC.
Additional Information
- Always check your state-specific guidelines for calling 811.
- If you notice any damage to the utility lines during your project, stop work immediately and notify the relevant utility company.
- Respect the marked areas and avoid removing utility flags until the project is complete and you’ve received approval to do so. Removing flags prematurely can lead to confusion and potential accidents.
- Consider using alternative methods like hand digging or vacuum excavation when working near marked utility lines to minimize the risk of damage.
Wrapping It Up
Digging without calling 811 is like playing a dangerous game of chance. The depths at which utility lines are buried may vary, but the consequences of hitting one are universal: potential injuries, costly repairs, and disrupted services for your community.
By making that simple phone call or submitting an online request, you’re taking a proactive step to protect yourself, your property, and your neighbors.
So, remember, before you pick up that shovel, make the call to 811 and dig with confidence, knowing that you’ve done your part to prevent any underground surprises.
