In addition to calling 811 for your public utilities, you will need to make a second call to have private utilities in your dig site marked. This is more straightforward. You can find a private utility locator online using Google or your favorite search engine.
How do I find out where my utility lines are?
If you don’t have one, the first place to check is with your local utility companies. They should know the location of any lines related to their services and that will help a great deal. Even with that information, it’s still important to be cautious. How Deep Are Utility Lines Buried?
Should you use a private utility locator?
Know that there are no guarantees. While locators do a thorough job of marking private utilities, they are automatically at a disadvantage since they don’t have the benefit of underground facility maps like a public utility locator would have. “When we go out to private lines, we’re flying by the seat of our pants.
How do I find buried utilities?
Wait for the marks! Utilities will mark their buried lines on your dig site. State laws vary, but generally, utility companies have a few days to respond to your request. Utilities will send out locators who will come to your dig site to mark the approximate location of buried utilities with paint or flags so that you can avoid them.
How do I find out about utility easements that deal with underground?
To find out information about utility easements that deal with underground lines, you can call 811 directly in the United States. Known as ‘call before you dig,’ the hotline was set up by the Federal Communications Commission, and you can get up-to-date information about any easements on your property that deal with underground lines.
How deep are buried electrical lines?
36 inchesDirect buried cables or cables in flexible nonmetallic enclosures shall be installed at a depth of at least 36 inches.
Can you hand dig around utility lines?
Whenever you hand dig near buried utility lines, take care to prevent damage: Use a rounded or blunt-edged shovel. Sharp tools like pickaxes, mattocks, pry bars or pointed spades may gouge or puncture lines. Begin digging off to the side of the marked utility line.
How deep are residential gas lines buried in Virginia?
On average, though, main gas lines are buried at least 24 inches deep and service lines (the ones that actually run up to your house) are only buried about 18 inches deep.
Does USA mark on private property?
Why don't they mark on private property? Answer: The California Government Code 4216 only requires them to mark the lines they own and/or maintain.
How do I find a buried wire in my yard?
0:041:11How to Easily Find Any Underground Cable or Wire Depth Using Locator ...YouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipThe first thing you want to do is find the path of the cable. We prefer to do it with the nullMoreThe first thing you want to do is find the path of the cable. We prefer to do it with the null method that's the most accurate way to find the exact location of the cable.
How close to utilities can you dig?
In reality experts recommend a depth of between 24 and 36 inches, making this project one of the more risky projects in terms of potential underground utility damage.
Is Virginia 811 free?
Virginia 811 is the free “one call” Virginia communications center for excavators, contractors, property owners, and those planning any kind of excavation or digging.
How close to a gas line can I build?
The answer to the first question is straightforward: There is no limitation on how close gas pipelines can be built to homes. The federal regulations say nothing about any minimum distance away from homes that pipeline installation must occur.
Who do you call before you dig in Virginia?
811811 or 1-800-552-7001 The law requires that you Contact VA811 at least three working days (excluding weekends and legal holidays) before beginning any digging project. Upon calling VA811 to request a clearance you will be given a ticket number — keep this number handy for later reference.
What does orange marking paint mean?
Communication, Alarm or Signal LinesYELLOW: Gas, Oil, Steam, Petroleum or Gaseous Materials. ORANGE: Communication, Alarm or Signal Lines, Cables or Conduits. BLUE: Potable, Water. GREEN: Sewers and Drain Lines.
Who do I call before I dig around my house?
811811 is the national call-before-you-dig phone number. Anyone who plans to dig should call 811 or go to their state 811 center's website before digging to request that the approximate location of buried utilities be marked with paint or flags so that you don't unintentionally dig into an underground utility line.
What does USA on sidewalk mean?
Before digging on a property, everyone is supposed to delineate the proposed dig area with white markings, so that DigAlert knows where to focus its efforts. People write “USA” because DigAlert's official name is actually Underground Service Alert of Southern California, or USA/SC.
How close can you excavate next to a power pole?
DO NOT attempt to excavate within 10m of any power pole or electrical item 3.
Can a shovel break a gas line?
Gas lines are typically metal or plastic. If plastic, they're very likely thick enough to withstand most hand digging with a shovel. Laws typically require hand digging within some distance (18" in my state) of a marked line.
How do you dig around a pipe?
1:426:29How To Dig Around The Gas Line, DIY for French Drain - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipProbably the best advice is when in doubt use a smaller shovel. It's really important you must useMoreProbably the best advice is when in doubt use a smaller shovel. It's really important you must use force to get down you've got to push that shovel down through the soil.
How do you dig around utilities with a backhoe?
6:5610:50Digging Safely Around Utilities - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipSet up so you can dig parallel to the marked utility. And remove six inches of soil digging parallelMoreSet up so you can dig parallel to the marked utility. And remove six inches of soil digging parallel to the indicated line reduces.
When Should You Locate & Mark Utility Lines?
Make sure you do all this before you close escrow on land. So if you’re in escrow, you want to do this during the due diligence period, and you want to make sure this gets done before you build your home and you bid out the project so you’re accurate on what your site costs are going to be as far as getting your utilities in.
Do You Want to Buy Land or Build a Custom Home?
If you’d like more information on the cost to build a custom home, or you’d like to see some of our popular custom home floor plans, or even would like information on how to buy land, we have an awesome How to Buy Land guide that has a ton of information in it. Thank you again for your time today and have an excellent rest of your day.
How much does it cost to mark out a utility line?
It costs anywhere from $200 to $300 an hour to have them do the mark out and it can take 2 to 4 hours to get this done. This allows you to know where all the utilities are on your property. It is really helpful to get this figured out if there’s already an existing structure on the property, utilities crossing the property or if you’re doing a remodel and you need to know where your existing lines are at. You can get that done with a company like CPL. You’ll be responsible to cover those costs or all secondary system lines. These are not provided by the utility companies.
Why is it important to put a tracer line in a water line?
And it’s really important to put a tracer line in for these water lines, because they’re non-conductive. And with that tracer line, they can actually get a depth on that line later, as well as get it marked out way faster, so it saves you some headaches in the future. It’s good to do with the gas line as well.
What happens when you call Dig Alert?
So, once you call Dig Alert, they’re going to mark out the primary system. Once they get to the primary, you are not going to see any more markings. So, for instance, for this one, this is a pull box for the SDG&E and that’s where they stop, power stops here. So, they’re not going to mark it any further.
What color are phone lines?
Phone or cable lines are orange, and they will run into a box. You’ll see them on a taller skinnier box. There’s nothing going out to the property at this point, so you won’t see any lines going out to the property.
How long does it take to mark out utilities?
Once they’re notified, they have to come out within 48 hours and do the mark out for you to get their systems located. So, you want to call them, and it’s a really easy way to get it done on the very front end when you’re making that purchase on the land.
How to find out who owns an 811?
First contact your state 811 One Call and they will have all the member utilities come and verify who owns the utility. If no member company will mark the found line then it will need to be marked by a private utility locator.
What is private utility?
Private Utilities are the buried lines after the meter or main lines. If you have a curbside meter then your property will not get marked by the participating member utility locators. Other buried utilities that generally are not marked include but may not be limited to: sewer lines, private lighting, sprinklers, fire mains, ...
Does one call mark utilities?
The One-Call System does not mark utilities. The One-Call system only notifies participating member utilities. These participating member utilities will not mark private or non-member utilities. The utility locating companies notified will locate and mark only primary public utilities, so it's up to you to keep track of what else is on your own ...
Is there a fee for private locate?
No. There will be a service fee for a private locate. The utilites are owned by you and its the owners responsibility to cover the cost to protect private undergound lines.
How far away from utility lines can you dig?
Before digging in your yard, call 811 to have utility companies come out and mark any underground utility lines, and do not dig within 2 feet of marked lines
What to do if neighbor punts water runoff?
The fellow with the neighbor punting his water runoff onto your property ..call the city code man that’s NOT LEGAL code enforecement officer will come out anonomously and!check it out but its not ok to do what he!did
What does Danny say about invisible fences?
Danny says, “It’s hard to say , Bill. It could be a cable TV line or an old ‘invisible fence’ for dogs — but it’s really hard to be able to tell you exactly what it is.
Who operates 811 before digging?
Thomas BoniJuly 2, 2019 at 11:17 am. Hi, CJ, It’s great that you called 811 before attempting to dig in your yard. The Common Ground Alliance, which operates 811, knows folks will have more questions before and after the process, and encourages folks to call them: http://call811.com/before-you-dig/how-811-works.
Does Black Hills Energy mark gas lines?
Black Hills Energy and USIC (colorado), will not mark gas lines on homeowner (private)property. You must call and pay a private company for locate service
Should you second guess where electrical cables belong?
It’s best to never second-guess where electrical cables belong — safety first.
Can water lines be marked on property?
People s/b aware that water utility companies will not locate and mark water lines on your property. They will only locate and mark where service enters your meter near curb or street. They claim it’s not their responsibility and do not have capability to locate and will not come on private property.
What are property lines?
Property lines are necessary during construction by the developer, city, county, or state to show where ownership of one plot of land starts and ends. A surveyor establishes the formal boundaries and marks them. When the property is legally split, the new property lines are established in a survey. The property line at the front of your house is known as your frontage, the measured distance across the front of the plot you own. The property lines on the side of your plot are known as sidelines. Local zoning laws often dictate these distances.
Why are property lines in place?
Property lines are in place to keep one property owner from encroaching on another owner’s land or compromising their privacy by building too close to their house. A typical encroachment might be tree limbs that grow past your property and overhang into a neighbor’s yard or a driveway poured to extend onto a neighbor’s property. When you know exactly where your property lines fall, you’ll avoid accidentally encroaching on your neighbor’s land.
What are property line markers made of?
Locating property line markers is another alternative to finding survey pins. Property line markers can be made of metal, wood, or concrete. For a relatively new home, the property boundary markers might still be in place. If you find survey pins or concrete boundary markers, they are likely to be more accurate, as wooden stakes are more easily moved. Check your plat map to see where to look for property line markers.
How to get property line information?
Many counties and municipalities have plat maps on their Geographical Information System (GIS), accessible through the official county or assessor’s website. This information can be a helpful guide as a start and could get you close enough for your intended purpose. Usually, you can input your address to search up a copy of your property map. It should show your house and any other structures, along with your property lines.
How to find plat map?
When you buy a house, you typically receive a plat or property line map. If you don’t, you can find it at the county clerk’s office. The plat will give you the exact dimensions of your lot related to other lots on your block. For a property on a residential street, expect to see similarly sized rectangles lined up on each side of the street, showing each privately owned property. Every individual property will be labeled with an identifying number. This number is separate from the parcel number for tax purposes. Your neighbors may be able to help as well. You can ask them if they have a copy of their plat map, which would show the neighborhood.
What is a metes and bounds survey?
A metes and bounds survey identifies a landmark to define the property boundaries, such as a tree, creek, road, or intersection. This is the “place of beginning” or POB. You can then use a compass to follow the directions provided. This survey can be hard to understand because it often uses landmarks that may no longer exist. For example, the survey may state that a property line extends “fifty meters from the tall maple.” However, that maple tree may no longer be standing.
What app can you use to find plats?
Other GPS apps can provide you with accurate plat maps. LandGlide and Landgrid are two used most commonly by property owners.
What is Gopher State One Call?
When Gopher State One Call contacts utility operators to locate a property, those operators only locate public facilities for which the company is responsible, and that are part of the community infrastructure (for example, sewer lines, gas pipelines or fiber optic lines that serve you and your neighbors). Private utilities that specifically serve your property and home, however, are the responsibility of the property owner.
What to do if you call 811 for digging?
There is another very important step to take before you dig: contacting a private utility locator.
Can a public utility company locate private utilities?
Leave the public utilities to public locators. It might seem like any locator should be able to locate any underground utilities. After all, they’re already on site with the equipment. But locators working on behalf of a public utility company cannot locate a property owner’s private utilities, and vice versa. If a locator working on behalf of a private property owner marks public lines outside the bounds of the state one call process, “We’re really helping [the homeowner] violate state statute,” Koch explains. “On top of that, we're inserting ourselves into a contractual relationship that [the facility owner] has with another vendor—a company perhaps like us. So we're really jumping two fences.”
Is private utility damage a public utility?
A private utility damage “can be equally calamitous” as a public utility damage, he explains, giving the example of Jason Joseph Menteer, a city crew worker in Oregon who died in 1999 at age 22. Menteer had been completing an emergency water system repair in the middle of the night when he was electrocuted by an energized streetlight line that hadn’t been located.
Does Gopher State One Call have a reminder?
Whenever a property owner files a locate request with Go pher State One Call, they’ll either be read or emailed (depending on how they submitted their ticket) a reminder to have private utilities located. Below are a few tips to make sure the process goes smoothly.
Can a private utility line cause property damage?
Beyond injury or death, some private utilities can cause expensive or even catastrophic property damage. “A water line to a residence could flood the basement and [result in] tens of thousands of dollars of damage,” says Koch. “Even when a severed utility line doesn't cause any property damage or personal injury, you still have to bear the cost of repairing it.”
Do schools have utilities?
Schools, multi-unit housing, office parks and other businesses and organizations typically also have private utilities on their grounds , but in this article, we’ll be addressing the homeowner’s role in protecting private utilities .
How Deep Are Utility Lines Buried?
Buried lines can be found at various depths underground, so make sure that you or any landscaper or contracter you hire looks at all the possibilities. Some typical depths where you might find certain lines are:
How deep are gas lines?
3 feet – more electrical lines, water pipes, sewage lines. Any depth – gas lines (there is no standardized depth for gas lines) If you don’t get the answers you need from your utility companies, you can check out Before You Dig.
Does Terry's Plumbing work with gas lines?
It’s also always good to trust a professional to do your digging. In addition to all our plumbing services we at Terry’s Plumbing also work with water, gas and sewer lines. Learn more here.
What is 811?
811 is the national call-before-you-dig phone number. Anyone who plans to dig should call 811 or go to their state 811 center’s website a few business days before digging to request that the approximate location of buried utilities be marked with paint or flags so that you don’t unintentionally dig into an underground utility line.
What does 811 mean?
811 protects you and your community! Hit ting a buried line while digging can disrupt utility service, cost money to repair, or cause serious injury or death. Always contact your 811 center, wait the required time for utilities to respond to your request, and ensure that all utilities have responded to your request before putting a shovel in ...
How long does it take for a utility to respond to a request?
State laws vary, but generally, utility companies have a few days to respond to your request. Utilities will send out locators who will come to your dig site to mark the approximate location of buried utilities with paint or flags so that you can avoid them. Each utility type corresponds to a specific color of paint or a flag -- for example, gas lines are marked with yellow paint or flags. In addition to waiting for marks, you must use the info on your ticket to confirm that ALL utilities have responded before you can dig.
What happens if you hit a line?
Hitting a line can knock out service to your home and neighborhood or result in fines, damage, and serious injury. Don’t make a judgment call – make the call (or online request) to 811 every time you dig.
Can you dig around utility lines?
You called before digging, waited for your lines to be marked, confirmed that all utilities responded to your request, and now it's time to roll up your sleeves and get to work! Make sure to always dig carefully around the marks, not on them.