811 Call Before You Dig Underground Utilities
Trench Digging Solutions from Texoma Excavation & Construction
811 Call Before You Dig Underground Utilities
Trench Digging Solutions from Texoma Excavation & Construction
What is 811?
811 is a free service that helps prevent damage to underground utility lines and keeps communities safe. Before starting any construction project that requires digging, it is important to call 811 or visit your state’s 811 website to request that the approximate location of buried utilities be marked with paint or flags so that you or your excavation company don’t unintentionally dig into an underground utility line [2][3].
811 is the national phone number designated by the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) that connects professionals and homeowners who plan to dig with their local one call center [1]. It was established in 2005 as a national underground utility locator service. By calling 811, you can create a notification that will be sent to all the utility companies that are within your work area, instead of searching for multiple utility companies and notifying each one about your project [1].
Remember, digging without knowing the approximate location of underground utilities can result in serious injuries, service disruptions, and costly repairs [2]. So, if you’re planning to dig, make sure to call 811 first!
I called 811, when can I begin my project?
The time it takes for the utility companies to mark the location of their underground utility lines may vary depending on the state you are in and the number of utility companies that operate in your area . However, most states require that the utility companies mark the location of their underground utility lines within 2-3 business days after you call 811 (refer to the Texas & Oklahoma 811 section below for links to their online process).
Once the utility companies have marked the location of their underground utility lines, you can begin your project. However, it is important to remember that the markings are only valid for a certain period of time, usually 14-21 days . If your project takes longer than that, you will need to call 811 again to have the underground utility lines re-marked .[2]
Oklahoma 811
You can use the Oklahoma 811 portal to quickly and easily submit a request to have underground lines marked prior to the start of any excavation project. By Oklahoma Law, you must provide no less than 48-hours’ notice, but no more than 10 business days, excluding the date of notification, Saturdays, Sundays and legal holidays prior to the start date of your excavation project.
If you are planning to dig sooner than 2 business days, dial 811 or 800-522-6543 to speak with an agent.
Texas 811
You can use the Texas 811 portal to submit an online request to have underground lines marked prior to the start of any excavation project. You will be walked through a series of screens that will collect the information they need to process your request.
Dial 811 with an agent directly.
What’s Next?
The time it takes for the utility companies to mark the location of their underground utility lines may vary depending on the state you are in and the number of utility companies that operate in your area . However, most states require that the utility companies mark the location of their underground utility lines within 2-3 business days after you call 811 .
Once the utility companies have marked the location of their underground utility lines, you can begin your project. However, it is important to remember that the markings are only valid for a certain period of time, usually 14-21 days . If your project takes longer than that, you will need to call 811 again to have the underground utility lines re-marked .[2]
Resources
- 1811 – Common Ground Alliance, Online resource.
- 2Call 811 – Know what’s below, Online resource.
- 3What is 811? Why You Need to Call Before Digging On Your Property, Online resource.
- 4What is 811: Call Before You Dig, 811 Pro. Online resource.
- 5What is 811?, Online resource.
Past Excavation Projects
The above image shows Texoma Excavation & Construction digging a new power supply ditch and tying into the existing live power supply near Melissa, Texas. The paver stones were salvaged to be replaced. All the PVC, electrical conduit, phone lines, and small electrical lines that were destroyed were anticipated.
Pond building is a complex process that requires careful planning and execution. After all the planning, the first construction step is excavation of the area where the pond will be located. The pond excavation work shown above was near Montague, Texas. When this pond is full, it will be 7′ 2″ deep at its deepest point.
Residential drainage excavation work done near Denison, Texas. This client had some significant drainage problems during periods of high-volume runoff and tried to excavate a ditch to channel water away from his house. We were hired to polish the existing ditch and spread some grass seed.
