We've all been waiting to dig into our landscaping projects this summer, but keep safety in mind as you plan your project. Calling 811 to have utility lines marked should be included in your plan. Before you contact Indiana 811, you will need to know specific details about where you plan to dig, including the address, nearest intersecting street, and exact location on the property. Mark the designated area with white paint so the utility operators know where you plan to excavate.
You can request underground utility markings online at indiana811.org or by phone at 811. Be sure to call at least two business days before you want to start digging to give the utility companies time to mark the underground utilities. Each line is marked in the color that corresponds to the appropriate utility.
Once the two full working days have passed, confirm that all utility companies have visited the property by comparing the colors of the marks to the list of utilities provided by Indiana 811.
If the utility's lines are outside the designated area, you will be notified. The method of notification is up to the utility operator or contractor locator. For example, if a gas line is not in conflict, you may see the word "OK" with yellow paint in the designated area.
Now that the utility lines are marked, you can begin digging carefully. It's crucial to only dig with hand tools inside the tolerance zone.
