National 811 Day serves as a vital reminder of the importance of making a free call to 811 before starting any digging project, no matter the size. Whether you’re a homeowner or a contractor, dialing 811 can help ensure the safety of your project by preventing damage to underground utility lines. These lines can be surprisingly shallow, sometimes only a few inches below the surface, making it essential to call 811 before beginning any work that involves digging, such as building or replacing a fence, landscaping, or starting construction.
In the service area of Pacific Gas and Electric Company (PG&E), there have been 573 incidents this year alone where underground gas and electric lines were damaged due to digging. Shockingly, in 58% of these cases, 811 was not called beforehand. For residential customers, this figure rises to 89%. Avoiding a quick and free call to 811 can be costly, as the average repair cost for a damaged underground line is around $3,500.
“By making a quick and free call to 811, utility professionals will visit your home or job site to mark the location of underground lines, allowing you to dig safely and avoid costly repairs,” said Joe Forline, PG&E’s Senior Vice President of Gas Operations. “Know what’s below before starting any digging project, whether it’s planting, landscaping, or fence work, and be sure to call 811 at least two days before you dig.”
When you call 811, a professional locator will visit your project site to mark the locations of underground utility lines, such as gas, electric, water, telecom, and sewer, at no charge. Being aware of the location of these lines and following safe digging practices will help protect you, your family, and your connection to essential utility services.
During the warmer months, digging projects increase, leading to a rise in incidents involving unmarked underground lines. In 2024, across PG&E’s service area in Northern and Central California:
- There have been 573 incidents of underground utility line damage due to digging.
- In 58% of these incidents, 811 was not called before digging.
- For homeowners, the percentage of incidents where 811 was not called rises to 89%.
- The average repair cost for a damaged utility line is $3,500.
- The leading causes of underground utility line damage include fence construction, gardening and landscaping, tree planting or stump removal, sewer and irrigation work, and deck or patio building.
Calling 811 is Fast and Free
Customers should call 811 at least two business days before starting any digging project, regardless of its size. You can also visit 811express.com to have underground utility lines marked for your project site.
- Professional utility workers from all relevant utilities (gas, electric, water, sewer, and telecommunications) will be dispatched to mark the location of underground utility lines with flags, spray paint, or both.
- The 811 call center, serving Northern and Central California through USA North, operates 24/7 and offers translation services in Spanish and other languages.
PG&E Safe Digging Tips
- Mark the project area in white: Use white paint, stakes, flags, chalk, or even baking flour to identify the digging location by drawing a box around the area.
- Call 811 or submit an online request at least two working days before digging: Provide the address and general location of the project, the start date, and the type of digging activity. PG&E and other utilities will identify underground facilities in the area for free. Requests can be submitted up to 14 days before the start of the project.
- Dig safely: Use hand tools when digging within 24 inches of the outer edge of underground lines. Keep utility flags, stakes, or paint marks in place until the project is complete. Backfill and compact the soil after digging.
- Be aware of natural gas leak signs: Watch for a “rotten egg” smell, listen for hissing, whistling, or roaring sounds, and look for signs such as dirt spraying into the air, bubbling in water, or dead/dying vegetation in otherwise moist areas.
