What is 811?
Before you install your fence on your property, you gotta mark your underground utility lines distinctly
so that a fence company can safely dig on it. Don’t overlook this critical step as according to a recent
survey 34.9 Million Americans dig around their homes without consulting 811, and as a result suffer
financial strain because of hitting a utility line or even getting seriously injured, too.
811 is a national call-before-you-dig service that you can call to make a request to locate and mark the utility lines on your property. This vital task is assigned by 811 to your local utility companies or other third-party locating services. Either way, the point is that 811 protects you and your community! Hitting
a buried line while digging can disrupt utility service that’ll cost more than a pretty penny to repair, not to mention the risk of serious injury or even death is a possibility, too. So don’t overlook this step.
Is contacting 811 required?
Absolutely, Yes! Any digging requires contacting your 811 center. You can either call 811 from anywhere in the U.S. or make your request through your state 811 center’s website. Planting a garden? Installing a fence or mailbox? Contacting 811 is a must.
When you dial 811, you will automatically be connected to a representative from your state’s 811 center. They will ask you simple questions about the location and details of your digging project. If you make your request online, you will enter the same information over an e-form. No matter which way you choose to contact 811, you’ll receive a ticket number and instructions for how much time utilities have to respond to your request. Plus, you’ll receive confirmation about which utilities have responded and which are responding before you can safely dig.
When contracting a company to install your fence, they should take care of this for you and request to
have your utility lines located through 811 prior to your installation date. The time it takes for your
utility lines to be marked is dependent on local response times. Oh, and the markings of the utility lines will be highlighted by using temporary spray paint and/or flags.
Public Utilities vs. Private Utilities
It’s important to note that the 811 ticket only covers your public utilities and NOT private utilities. It is the responsibility of the homeowner to locate and mark private utility lines. Here is a list of some of the
most common private utilities to be aware of:
A) Underground sprinkler and/ or irrigation lines
B) Underground water lines that feed a swimming pool or other structure
C) Underground electric lines (other than local utility lines) that supply power to lamp posts,
walkway/yard lighting, pool wiring, sheds, invisible dog fences, wells, etc.
D) French drains or related items
E) Any electrical, water, or cable locations (including satellite lines) where the utility in your city did not provide marking services
F) All public utilities are connected to meters (including water). After a public utility reaches the meter on your house/property, that line is considered private. If the lines leave the meter and runs to another area of the house, that line will not be marked by the locating service.
All lines marked by a locating service (public lines) have a grace area of 2 feet to each side of the marking. That means the line could be within a 4-foot-wide path. Big Jerry’s Fencing will attempt to span that area when setting our posts. If spanning that area is not possible or practical, Big Jerry’s Fencing will make every effort to carefully hand dig. Please note that the placement of a gate or a post may be dictated by the location of any public or private utility line.
If you have any questions regarding the utilities at your property, please contact your local Big Jerry’s Fencing representative.
