Dial 811: Call Before You Dig
Yard work and spring are in full bloom, and with summer around the corner, many homeowners may be starting DIY home projects. Home Telecom has some essential tips before embarking on yard projects this year.
Call Before You Dig SC
Before digging anywhere in your yard or easement, it’s vital that you call 811. This is the best way to ensure that your property, community and family stay safe by preventing damage, especially when it comes to underground utility lines. In fact, the only way you can ensure you dig safely is to contact 811 for a FREE underground utility locate before digging.
How to Schedule 811 Call Before You Dig
Whether your project is big or small, it’s important to call in a utility locate before digging, even if you assume you know where underground utility lines may be located. Submit your request a minimum of three days before digging, excluding the day you call in the locate request, weekends and holidays.
Questions About 811 Call Before You Dig
811 Call Before You Dig is a FREE service available to everyone, including the general public. You don’t need to be a construction or utility company to call in utility locate requests.
Projects That Require 811 Call Before You Dig
If you hire a contractor to do yard work or projects, it is their responsibility to contact 811 before they dig; however, you may want to ensure they did notify 811 by requesting the notice or ticket number.
Typical projects that require you to contact 811 Call Before You Dig include:
- Setting up or replacing a mailbox that involves digging
- Landscaping projects that require digging
- Installing or repairing an existing fence
- Planting any trees or shrubs
- Installing sprinkler systems
- Adding a basketball hoop
What Utility Lines Does 811 Locate
Any utilities that are publicly owned, maintained or operated by a utility company or local municipality will be located, including water lines, power, gas, sewer, electrical and fiber optic lines. Private utility lines, such as lines running to your home, shop, shed or garage are the homeowners’ responsibility to locate.
Never Assume Where Utilities Are Located
Never assume you know where utilities are located. By not calling 811 Call Before You Dig, you risk:
- Explosion
- Power or utility interruptions
- Property and environmental damage
- Job delays
- Injury or death
In the event you accidentally hit a utility line, follow these rules:
- Stop any work. Contact the utility companies immediately. Don’t assume any damage has not been done, as some damage is not detectable to the naked eye.
- If there is an emergency, call 911 immediately.
- As soon as you have contacted the utility company or if you had to call 911, contact 811 Call Before You Dig to file a damage report.
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