Call BEFORE you dig!
Buried utility lines can cause not only a headache, but a serious disaster. Before you do any landscape remodeling, or digging for any reason in your yard…know where any lines are buried.
Texas offers a fabulous service at Texas811 for Dig Tess. Located at 11880 Greenville Avenue, Suite 120 in Dallas, TX, their eLocate service can save you time, money, and headaches by helping you (and your contractor) avoid problems.
You can register for free on their website, and they offer the following information about Texas811:
Texas811 is a one-call notification center for Texas. Our member companies demonstrate their industry leadership through their support of the largest one-call notification center in the country. Texas811 is managed by our Board of Directors which are elected by our members.
Our center is powered by GeoCall, the state-of-the-art one-call system developed by Progressive Partnering (P2). We trust that our system and all of its applications have met or exceeded your expectations
And,
Safe Excavation Begins With You!
It's FREE. It's EASY. It's the LAW!
These simple steps may be the most important you ever take:
1. Contact us by calling 811 or using GeoRemote or eLOCATE at least 2 working days before you dig.
Tell us about your project including location and what is being done, as well as all necessary instructions to make sure the right area gets marked. We accept GPS coordinates if provided along with detailed driving directions.
2. We Notify Member Facility Operators
Texas811 will tell you which facility operators will be notified about your excavation near their underground lines.
We will provide you with a reference number that serves as a proof of your call. We also keep a complete record of your call to verify your compliance with the law.
3. The Facility Operators Respond by marking their buried lines or other response.
Facility operators will mark their underground lines, as they determine necessary, and you will be able to work safely without delay. Marking Examples
4. Your excavation project proceeds safely.
Begin your project knowing that you are utilizing safe excavation practices while preserving vital services, protecting property and saving lives!
Know what's below... call before you dig!
Color Code
For Marking Underground Utility Lines
White - Proposed excavation
Pink - Temporary survey markings
Red - Electric power lines, cables, conduit and lighting cables
Yellow - Gas, oil, steam, petroleum or gaseous materials
Orange - Communication, alarm or signal lines, cables or conduit
Blue - Potable water
Purple - Reclaimed water, irrigation and slurry lines
Green - Sewer and drain lines
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Lisa
811 is a smart law in Texas . . . . it's very easy to cut a utility line.
Good luck and success.
Lou Ludwig
Texas is getting even more organized and helping the people.
We do the same in Georgia. I don't have to worry so much for landscaping on my property as I know where everything, but I always call anyway.
We have similar phone lines to call and it is truly great advice too often gas lines or electric lines are damaged and then there is a bigger problem....Endre
Washington has the same 811 number. It seems to be a national number which I did not realize. The colors are the same as well (which makes sense).
It amazes me how many people DO NOT call thinking that they aren't digging down very far or "know" they are not going to harm anything.
Good morning Lisa Von Domek . I think all states have a similar hot number. With all the underground utilities, it is amazing how often something gets hit that shouldn't.
Good morning Lisa. Pretty smart by your state to offer this service in this manner. Connecticut is not as sophisticated, good job by your state.
An informative post for residents in Texas. Best to know what is below the ground before one starts to dig.
Lisa this is an excellent serice that Texas provides. As Joe stated above, we are lagging behind here in CT.
Hi, Lisa...I know some folks that learned this the hard way. Thankfully all they did was cut a dead phone cable and no serious harm was done, but it sure freaked them out. Great post.
Hi Lisa Von Domek , We see TV ads locally, reminding to call the 811 before you dig. I had to call before putting in my addition and when I planted a few trees.
And that is never a headache that you want Lou!
We like to do things in a big way here in Texas Noah!
Tammy, it is always better to be safe than sorry!
I agree Endre - never want to cut those utility lines...yikes!
Libby, so many don't know about this great service and how valuable it is!
This is not something anyone wants to be in the news for Michael, cutting through a utility line!
I am surprised that it is not in your area Joe.
Thank you Rebecca, I never want to hit a utility line!
That is a shame George, hopefully they will add this service in the future!
I can imagine Debbie - thanks goodness it wasn't worse!
It is a great service, Larry, isn't it?!!