April is here, bringing with it more than just showers and flowers. It’s also National Safe Digging Month, our annual reminder to follow some simple but important rules whenever you need to dig on your property.
Before you pick up the shovel, always be sure to contact 811. Not only is this service free, it’s the law. Call 811 to request that all utilities mark any underground lines (electric, water, cable, etc.) on your property. Hitting an unmarked underground line could cause expensive damage, severe injuries or death.
The next step is to receive a “positive” response before proceeding with your digging project. Underground utility operators will provide this positive response either in the form of markings or flags on your property’s excavation area or through phone, email or online notifications. You’ll also be notified if there are no underground lines in your area.
Once you have a confirmed positive response, safe digging can proceed. This means always observing the tolerance zone around any underground line markings. This zone is the width of the underground utility itself, plus the area extending 24 inches on either side of the utility. (If no width is provided for the utility, assume no less than 2 inches. Depths may vary.) If digging is required within the tolerance zone, always hand dig or use other nonintrusive methods to avoid damaging the underground line.
Also, remember that some underground lines on your property may NOT be marked by 811. These lines could include private lines like electric lines to sheds or pathway lighting, invisible pet fences or water lines to pools or fountains. Utilities that run from the street will typically be marked, while lines running from a meter to another location will not. For these private lines, it’s always the property owner’s responsibility to contact a private locating company. Learn more information on private lines and locating companies.
Finally, it’s not just underground lines you should consider when it comes to your property’s utilities. Avoiding interference with overhead power lines is important, too. For example, when planting trees, avoid issues now and in the future by choosing the right planting location – and tree – for your property. Learn more.
