Every excavation starts with a locate request. Skipping it puts crews and neighborhoods at risk. Here is how to make 811 part of every dig.
In this article
When to call
Before any digging, from small post holes to major excavation.
Marking colors
Red for electric, yellow for gas, orange for communications, blue for water, green for sewer.
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Waiting period
Each state sets a waiting period. Do not dig early.
Tolerance zone
Hand dig or use careful methods within the tolerance zone around the marks.
Private lines
811 usually marks public utilities only. Private lines may need a private locator.
Documentation
Save the ticket number and photograph the marks before digging.
Re-marks
If marks fade or the job runs long, request a re-mark.
Getting started
Make the 811 ticket number a required field on every dig checklist.
Common mistakes
Digging before the wait ends, ignoring private lines and no photos of the marks.
Example
A landscaping contractor required photos of every locate mark before digging. When a damaged line was reported, the photos showed the line was unmarked, protecting the company from the claim.
Before the crew digs
Ticket number written on the work order, marks photographed, private lines located and tolerance zone explained to the operator.
What to track
Digs with a valid ticket, re-mark requests and any utility strikes.
Talking with the crew
Make 811 a hard stop: no ticket, no digging. Clear rules prevent shortcuts on busy days.
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Frequently asked questions
How long do you wait after calling 811?
The waiting period depends on the state, often a few business days. Do not dig until the locate period has passed and utilities are marked or have responded.