Why Must You Call 811 Before Beginning an Excavation Project?

Calling 811 before starting any digging project is crucial due to several important reasons, both for safety and compliance:

Legal Requirement

Across the nation, it’s legally mandated that individuals dial 811 before undertaking any excavation. This requirement ensures that excavators are aware of and avoid interfering with essential underground utilities.

Prevent Costly Errors

By contacting 811 a few days before you begin your project, you gain access to mapped locations of underground lines. This proactive step helps prevent accidental damage to utility lines, which can lead to expensive repairs.

Ensure Safety

Protecting both lives and property, 811 serves as a safety measure by preventing dangerous encounters with power, water, and gas lines. Striking these can result in serious accidents or infrastructure damage.

Safeguarding Infrastructure

The 811 service helps maintain the integrity of vital community services by preserving critical underground utility infrastructure against potential damage.

In essence, calling 811 is a simple yet essential step for anyone planning to dig, ensuring a smooth, safe, and legally compliant excavation process.