As a DIYer, you may have various reasons for undertaking a digging project, such as installing a fence, planting trees, or setting up a new mailbox. No matter the size or scope of your project, it’s crucial to ensure that you dig safely and avoid damaging underground utilities. The 811 service is here to help you do just that.
The 811 service is a free national resource designed to prevent damage to underground utilities and ensure the safety of your digging projects. When you contact 811, you initiate a process that notifies utility companies of your planned excavation. These companies then send locators to mark the locations of underground utilities, helping you avoid potentially hazardous and costly accidents.
Using the FREE 811 service before you dig provides several key benefits:
Preventing accidents by identifying the locations of electric lines, gas pipes, water pipes, and telecommunication cables.
Ensuring you follow legal requirements and regulations for safe digging.
Avoid expensive repair costs by ensuring you don't dig into buried pipes, cables, or wires.
Knowing that you’ve taken the necessary steps to protect yourself, your property, and your community.
Before notifying 811 of your planned digging project, you will need to pre-mark your proposed project area. These markings will help utility locators quickly identify where the digging is taking place.
Simply dial 811 or submit your request online a few days before you plan to dig. Provide your project area location and information about your project. Utility owners will be notified about your digging project and begin responding to your request.
Utility companies will send professional locators to your project area to mark the location of buried lines with flags or paint. They may also choose to share utility location information with you or notify you that they do not operate a utility within your project area. This service is free of charge. Wait until each utility operator on your request has responded before you begin digging.
Verify that all the utility lines have been marked and that each utility operator on your ticket has responded. IF you need clarification, call 811 again for assistance.
Use the marks as a guide to avoid hitting utility lines. Use hand tools when digging near the marks and proceed with caution.
Pre-marking is an essential step in the 811 process where the proposed dig site is marked with white paint or flags. This visual indicator helps utility locators identify where you plan to dig, ensuring that underground utilities are accurately located and marked. Proper pre-marking minimizes the risk of damaging utilities, which can lead to project delays, costly repairs, and safety hazards. Always ensure your pre-marks are visible and clear to assist the locators effectively.
Need to add content here about how tickets are submitted. How to create an online account. Etc. Geared towards first time users.
Call 811 at least two working days before you plan to begin your digging project and after you have clearly pre-marked the area where you plan to dig.
Our Damage Prevention Specialists will work with you to submit your 811 ticket and notify the appropriate utility operators about your upcoming project.
At the end of your call you should receive a ticket number and email confirmation of your request.
You should expect utility companies to respond to your ticket before the start date and time of your project (two working day notice required)
After creating an account with our OneCallAccess ticket entry system, you will be able to complete your 811 ticket Online
You can also track utility responses and perform additional actions to your ticket inside your OneCallAccess account.
You can create and manage your 811 tickets completely from your mobile device.
The 811 mobile app is available on the Apple and Google Play Store
DownloadWe’re here to help you understand and use the 811 system. Whether you need assistance creating a ticket, have questions about the excavation process, or want training for your team, USA North 811 offers multiple ways to get support.
If you’re using our online ticket platform, OneCallAccess, we provide several tools to make the process easier:
Step-by-step tutorials on creating and managing tickets.
View VideosConnect with a real person for quick answers in real time.
Contact us directly for one-on-one help with creating and managing tickets.
weboperations@usan.org
Our Education Department can help you better understand excavation law and the 811 process:
Free public training sessions for professional excavators.
Learn moreFree, customized trainings for your company or organization, offered in person or as a webinar.
Send us your questions and a team member will respond.
education@usan.orgSpeak with an expert for guidance on 811 requirements and excavation law.
View our Team
Pre-marking is an essential step in the excavation process where the proposed dig site is marked with white paint or flags. This visual indicator helps utility locators identify where you plan to excavate, ensuring that underground utilities are accurately located and marked. Proper pre-marking minimizes the risk of damaging utilities, which can lead to project delays, costly repairs, and safety hazards. Always ensure your pre-marks are visible and clear to assist the locators effectively.
Utility markings use a standardized color code to indicate the type of utility buried underground. This system helps excavators quickly identify and avoid different utility lines. The American Public Works Association (APWA) color code is widely adopted and includes:
Understanding these colors is crucial for maintaining safety and preventing utility damage during excavation.
In addition to color codes, specific abbreviations are used next to utility markings to provide more detailed information about the utilities present. These abbreviations help communicate the material of the pipe or line and the type of service it carries.
Knowing these abbreviations helps excavators understand the nature of the utilities they are working around, allowing for safer and more informed digging practices.
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