If you’re a homeowner planning to build an addition, install a fence, swimming pool, or even a mailbox on your own property, you need to know what you might encounter underground. We’re not talking about Sparky, who “went to live with a nice family at their farm.” There may be buried utilities, such as electric lines and TV/internet cables. Water and sewer lines are also highly likely. On some properties, there may be an underground propane tank.
Before starting a project that will require digging on your property, you or your contractor should contact Dig Safe® at 8-1-1 or visit www.digsafe.com at least 72 hours (excluding Saturdays, Sundays, and legal holidays) before excavation begins. The boundaries of the proposed excavation area will need to be marked. Then Dig Safe® will:
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Notify any member companies with utilities in the area who will then come and mark their lines for you.
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Notify any non-member utilities, such as municipal water and sewer systems or propane operators, of your planned excavation.
Designed to promote public safety and avoid damage to underground utilities, Dig Safe® is a free service.