Dig Safe® is a not-for-profit clearinghouse that notifies participating utility companies of your plans to dig. In turn, these utilities (or their contract locating companies) respond to mark out the location of their underground facilities. Dig Safe is a free service, funded entirely by its member utility companies.

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Then, how do you call Dig Safe?

State law requires that you call Dig Safe at 811 or 888-DIG-SAFE (888-344-7233) at least 72 business hours prior to digging. Once notified, Dig Safe will contact member utilities to come to your site and mark underground utility wires, cables and pipelines.

Also, how long is a Dig Safe ticket good for in MA? Your ticket is valid for only 30 days, so be sure to call Dig Safe and request a new ticket at least 72 business hours before your ticket expires.

Herein, is it illegal to dig before 811?

The law, in all states, generally provides that anyone excavating must call the 811 utility-locate hotline before digging begins to have all utilities located and marked. The new law has stricter requirements for both excavators and utilities.

Does it cost money for 811?

Whether you are a homeowner or a professional excavator, your call to 811 allows affected facility operators to locate and mark their underground facilities in the area in which you are digging. There is no cost to you — even the call is free — so Call 811 Before You Dig. Follow this link for more information on 811.

Related Question Answers

How deep can you dig legally?

If there is nothing there you can safely dig up to at least 25 feet without having to worry about any legal repercussions. Anything beyond that and you really will need to do research for your local area and find out if there is anything anyone owns mineral rights too in the area.

How deep can I dig before calling 811?

There are more than 100 billion feet of underground utilities in the United States, according to data compiled by CGA from various industry groups, so you can't assume your customer's property doesn't have any. There is no allotted depth before a person needs to call 811.

What do Dig Safe markings mean?

Standard Color Codes Paint, flags, or stakes indicating the presence of a buried facility should correspond to the following color codes: Red = Electric. Yellow = Gas/Oil/Steam. Orange = Communications/CATV. Blue = Water.

How long is a 811 ticket good for?

The marks are good for 30 days, assuming they are still readable and have not been destroyed or you have maintained the marks and they have not been changed. After 30 days you need to call and get an updated ticket. Simply call the 811 number and say you have a ticket number that you need to remarked.

How do I call 811 from my cell phone?

Instead, call 1-888-709-2929 to reach the HealthLine.

How is 811 Funded?

Many CGA members promote the 811 campaign using grant money secured through programs managed by the U.S. Department of Transportation's Pipelines and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration.

How do I find utilities?

How to Locate Underground Utilities

1. Utility Locator Personnel.
2. Utility Locating Equipment.
3. Ground Penetrating Radar (GPR) is an important tool for locating underground utilities.
4. Electromagnetic Conductivity (EM) instruments measure the conductivity of the ground and can detect conductive and buried metal utilities.

How do I check my 811 ticket?

To check the status of your New York 811 location request ticket (APR), visit managetickets.com to view/print tickets and Ticket Check® statuses or call 1-877-811-7701, both are available 24hrs a day.

How far down are electrical lines buried?

The minimum depth requirement of a direct burial cable is 24 inches, except when installed under a concrete slab with a minimum thickness of 2 inches. In this case, the cable can be installed at only 18 inches deep.

Can I dig a hole in my backyard?

In theory, it is possible to dig several stories deep under your yard and even spread out to move across your yard and into others. Assuming you can support the hole properly and make sure there is no risk to your foundations or that of your neighbors you could theoretically dig as deep as you like.

How deep are residential utility lines typically buried?

When working around buried facilities, remember that main lines are typically at least 2 feet deep while service lines are only at about 18 inches deep. Existing grades can change and the current depth may be different when it first was installed.

What happens if you don't call before you dig?

You could cause serious damage to not only your underground utility lines, but also those of the neighborhood you live in. If you cut into any line, with or without a call to 811, you need to report the damage immediately to the Railroad Commission of Texas.

What is the fine for digging without locates?

The purpose of this requirement is to reduce the incidence of excavation damage to gas and hazardous-liquid pipelines and other underground facilities. Penalties for violation of state damage-prevention laws range from $500 to $50,000, depending on the state.

What is the fine for not calling 811?

In Texas, not calling 811 before digging or incorrectly marking a pipeline location can result in fines of up to $200,000 per day per violation.

Do you need a permit to dig a trench?

Do I need a permit to trench? You typically won't need a permit to trench in your backyard if your intended trench depth is less than 1m. However, you will need to contact Dial Before You Dig to identify existing utilities that may be running across your yard or work site.

Do I need a permit to dig?

Permits are required on JLAB property for any mechanized excavations or excavations using hand tools that penetrate the ground greater than 12 inches. A permit does not guarantee that a utility is not present. All precautions need to be taken to safe guard individuals during the digging or excavation activity.

How far from the utility line flags in the ground should you hand dig?

18 inches

Where is my gas line in my yard?

Calling the 811 Hotline The best way to locate gas and other utility lines that are underground before you dig is by calling 811. When you make a free call to this federally designated number, your address, information on where you're planning to dig and other information will be sent to any affected utility operators.

How do you mark a call before you dig?

Making the call Tell the operator where you're planning to dig. Your affected local utility companies will be notified about your intent to dig and will send locators to your dig site to mark the approximate location of buried lines with flags or paint. Remember: Always call 811 before you start any digging project!