How far down can you dig without calling 811?

There is no allotted depth before a person needs to call 811. Whether you are just planting small shrubs or installing fences, CGA says any time you are putting a shovel in the ground you need to call due to the fact that many utilities are buried just a few inches below the surface.

Thereof, how deep can you dig without calling 811?

Likewise, what happens if you dig before calling 811? A: According to the most recent CGA Damage Information Reporting Tool (DIRT) Report, an underground utility line is damaged every six minutes because someone decided to dig but didn't call 811.

Beside this, is it against the law to dig without calling 811?

The law, in all states, generally provides that anyone excavating must call the 811 utility-locate hotline before digging begins to have all utilities located and marked. But as of January 1, the law has changed.

How far down can I dig on my property?

In rural areas, that buffer is 360 feet; in urban and suburban areas, it's 500 feet. Property rights belowground still extend “all the way to hell”; you can dig as far as you want under your own land, but if your city wants to build a subway beneath it, it needs to purchase an easement from you.

39 Related Question Answers Found

How deep are residential utilities buried?

Working around buried facilities

Main lines are generally found at least 24 inches deep, while service lines are gener- ally found at least 18 inches deep. Keep in mind: existing grades can change and the current depth of an electric or natural gas line may be different than when originally installed.

How far down are electrical lines buried?

The minimum depth requirement of a direct burial cable is 24 inches, except when installed under a concrete slab with a minimum thickness of 2 inches. In this case, the cable can be installed at only 18 inches deep.

Can I dig a hole in my backyard?

In theory, it is possible to dig several stories deep under your yard and even spread out to move across your yard and into others. Assuming you can support the hole properly and make sure there is no risk to your foundations or that of your neighbors you could theoretically dig as deep as you like.

What is the fine for hitting a gas line?

“The Attorney General has the power to investigate and enforce the penalty proceedings under Chapter 480 and that could amount — in a gas line situation — in fines up to a half-a-million dollars. That's $10,000 dollars per day, per violation all the way up to half-a-million dollars,” Booth explains.

What is the fine for digging without locates?

The purpose of this requirement is to reduce the incidence of excavation damage to gas and hazardous-liquid pipelines and other underground facilities. Penalties for violation of state damage-prevention laws range from $500 to $50,000, depending on the state.

How much does it cost to locate utilities?

A. Cost varies per site but typically $400 per test hole to 5 feet deep, extra cost for depth, permits, traffic control etc.

Can you hand dig without locates?

Digging without knowing the approximate location of underground utilities increases the likelihood of an unintentional damage, which can cause serious injuries, service disruptions and repair costs. Once a site has been accurately marked, it is safe to begin digging around the marked areas.

Do I need a permit for excavation?

Excavation works

A Building permit is not required for excavations that are not connected with building work and therefore do not come within the definition of building work.

What is the fine for not calling 811?

In Texas, not calling 811 before digging or incorrectly marking a pipeline location can result in fines of up to $200,000 per day per violation. Excavators are required to notify pipeline operators of any pipeline damage no later than two hours following the damage incident by placing a call to 811.

Does 811 find private property?

In most (if not all) states, calling 811 before you dig is the law. Miss Utility (811) does not itself locate utilities. Private utility lines are buried utilities that are located on common or private property between the meter and a home or a commercial building.

How long is 811 good for?

30 days

How is 811 Funded?

Many CGA members promote the 811 campaign using grant money secured through programs managed by the U.S. Department of Transportation's Pipelines and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration.

How deep can you dig with a shovel?

If you try digging into the earth you can probably work really really hard and dig 2 feet deep with a shovel!

What do I do if I hit a gas line?

If you do break a gas line, follow these tips: Move away from the site. Extinguish any flames, including cigarettes. Immediately call your utility company's emergency number or 911.

Signs that you've hit a gas line include:

Feeling the shovel strike.
Seeing a bare line.
Hearing a hissing sound.
Smelling a rotten-egg scent.

Does 811 find water lines?

811 is the phone number you call before digging to protect yourself and others from unintentionally hitting underground utility lines. There are millions of miles of buried utilities beneath the surface of the earth that are vital to everyday living like water, electricity and natural gas.

Who to call to locate underground utilities?

To request a locate, call 1-800-400-2255 or go to on1call.com at least five business days before you plan to dig.

How far from the utility line flags in the ground should you hand dig?

18 inches