Call 811 Before you Dig!

Posted on 08/11/2025

"811" refers to the national "Call Before You Dig" number in the United States. It's a free service that helps prevent damage to underground utility lines, including gas lines, when digging or excavating. By calling 811 at least two business days before digging, you can have utility companies mark the locations of their buried lines, ensuring safety and preventing potential hazards.

Here's why calling 811 is crucial:

Safety:

Striking a gas line can lead to serious injuries, property damage, and even death.
Costly Repairs:

Damaging underground utilities can result in expensive repairs and service interruptions.

Legality:

In many areas, including California, calling 811 before digging is required by law, according to Socalgas and the California Public Utilities Commission (.gov).

Convenience:

It's a free and easy way to get your underground utilities marked, ensuring your project is safe.

How it works:

1. Call 811:
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At least two business days before you plan to dig, dial 811. You can also submit a request online through your state's 811 center, according to the American Gas Association.

2. Utility Locators:
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The 811 center will notify the relevant utility companies, who will then send out locators to mark the approximate locations of their underground lines with paint or flags.

3. Dig Safely:
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Use the markings as a guide to avoid digging in those areas. If you need to dig within a few feet of the marked lines, use hand tools to carefully expose the lines and confirm their exact location before using power equipment.

Important Considerations:

Customer-owned lines:
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811 primarily marks utility-owned lines. For customer-owned lines (like those running from the gas meter to appliances), you may need to contact a qualified professional to locate them.

Minor projects:
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Even small digging projects like planting a tree or installing a mailbox should be preceded by a call to 811.

Odor fade:
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In some situations, natural gas odorants can fade, making it harder to detect leaks. If you smell natural gas, even faintly, leave the area immediately and call 911 or your gas company.