Before you dig, drill, or excavate anywhere on your property, you need to know what's underground. 811 utility locating services mark the location of buried electric, gas, water, and telecommunications lines so you don't hit them—potentially causing injury, service outages, or expensive repairs. This guide answers the most common questions customers have about how these services work and what to expect.
What Exactly Does 811 Do?
811 is a free national utility locating request system. When you call 811 (or submit a locate request online), you're contacting a regional notification center that alerts all relevant utility companies in your area about your planned excavation. Those utilities then send technicians to mark their lines with spray paint, flags, or both—typically within 2–3 business days.
The service itself is free because utility companies fund it as a way to prevent damage to their infrastructure. You're not paying for the marking; you're paying for the peace of mind that comes with knowing what's underground before breaking ground.
When Do I Actually Need to Call 811?
You need to call 811 before any excavation project, no exceptions. This includes:
- Fence post installation
- Deck or shed foundation digging
- Landscape grading or tree planting
- Pool or hot tub installation
- Driveway or patio work
- Utility line repairs or upgrades on your own property
Even small projects with shallow digging warrant a call. Utility lines don't always run at standard depths, and hitting a gas line can be catastrophic. Call at least 2–3 business days before you plan to dig, though you can request a locate up to 30 days in advance.
How Long Does the Marking Process Take?
Once you call 811, expect the locate marks to appear within 2–3 business days in most areas. During peak seasons (spring and summer), response times can stretch to 4–5 days, so plan ahead. The technicians typically need 15–30 minutes on site to identify and mark all lines.
If you need an expedited locate for time-sensitive work, ask about rush services when you call. Some regions offer next-day or same-day locating for a fee (typically $50–$150, depending on your location and utility companies involved).
What Happens if the Marks Fade or Expire?
Utility markings remain valid for 30 days. If you don't start digging within that window, call 811 again to request a fresh locate. Don't rely on old marks—ground conditions change, and you need current information. If marks fade due to rain or weather before you're ready, request a remark at no additional charge within the 30-day window.
What If I Hit a Line Despite Getting It Located?
Call 911 immediately if you damage a gas line (listen for hissing, smell rotten eggs, or see dead vegetation). For electric or telecommunications lines, contact the utility directly and mark the area as unsafe until they respond. Never touch downed power lines.
Report the incident to 811 as well. Most regions require incident reporting, and this data helps utilities improve marking practices and training.
How Much Does 811 Really Cost?
The marking service is free. However, some situations incur fees:
- Expedited locating: $50–$150 for same-day or next-day service
- Private locates: If you hire a private locating company (not through 811) for complex underground work, expect $100–$300+
- Multiple remark requests: Free if requested within 30 days, but repeated requests beyond that may result in charges
If you're comparing utility locating service providers, Mercoly helps you find and evaluate trusted 811 centers and private locating companies in your region, making it easier to understand your options and pricing.
Should I Hire a Private Locating Company?
811 covers public utility lines. Private locating companies locate irrigation systems, septic tanks, underground storage tanks, fiber optic cables on private property, and other non-utility lines. For a standard excavation on residential property, 811 is sufficient. If your project involves complex underground infrastructure beyond standard utilities, a private locator ($200–$500) may be worth the investment.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What happens if utilities don't show up to mark lines within 3 days? A: Contact your 811 center directly—this is rare, but if a utility fails to respond, the center can follow up or note the delay for regulatory purposes. You can typically proceed with digging if 3+ business days have passed.
Q: Can I call 811 for work someone else is doing (like a contractor)? A: Yes, but the property owner should make the request or authorize the contractor to do so. Have the contractor confirm with you that they've called 811 before arriving.
Q: Are spray paint marks accurate enough to avoid digging near them? A: Marks show centerlines, not exact depths or widths. Dig carefully near marked lines—hand-dig or use a vacuum excavator within 2 feet of any mark.
Find a trusted utility locating provider near you and get accurate, timely service for your next project.