The 811 Process For Homeowners
Call Before You Dig!

Notify
Notify your local one-call center by calling 811 or making an online request 2-3 days before work begins. Click here for information about your local one-call center and online service availability. The one-call center will transmit information to affected utility operators. (keep scrolling down the page)

Wait
Wait 2-3 days (varies by state) for affected utility operators to respond to your request. On average, between 7-8 utility operators are notified for each request.

Confirm
Confirm that all affected utility operators have responded to your request by comparing the marks to the list of utilities the one-call center notified. State laws vary on the process for confirmation; please check with your local one-call center for more information.

Respect
Respect the marks. The marks provided by the affected utility operators are your guide for the duration of your project. If you are unable to maintain the marks during your project, or the project will continue past your request’s expiration date (varies by state), please call 811 to ask for a re-mark.

Dig Carefully
Dig carefully. If you can’t avoid digging near the marks (within 18-24 inches on all sides, depending on state law), consider moving your project to another part of your yard. If you must dig near the marks or use machinery of any kind, please click here to read about the responsibilities of facility owners and excavators.
Information taken from the Call 8-1-1 website.