Call Before You Dig: Why It’s Essential When Installing Utilities
Installing underground utilities is a critical part of many construction projects. Whether you're installing a septic system, water line, electrical service, drainage pipe, or other underground utilities, one important step should always happen before excavation begins:
Call Before You Dig.
Underground utility lines are everywhere, and striking one can quickly turn a routine installation into a dangerous and expensive situation. Taking the time to have utilities located before digging helps protect workers, property owners, and the surrounding infrastructure.
What Is Call Before You Dig?
Before beginning an excavation project, homeowners and contractors should contact their local utility locating service, commonly known as 811. This service notifies participating utility companies that excavation is planned at a specific location.
Utility companies can then identify and mark the approximate location of their underground facilities, such as:
Electric lines
Natural gas lines
Water lines
Sewer lines
Telephone lines
Cable and internet lines
Once the utilities have been marked, contractors can better plan their excavation and take additional precautions when working near those areas.
Why Is It So Important?
Safety Comes First
The most important reason to call before digging is safety. Accidentally striking an underground electrical or gas line can result in serious injuries or even death.
Even utilities that may seem less dangerous, such as water or communication lines, can create hazardous conditions and cause significant property damage.
Knowing where underground utilities are located helps crews excavate safely and reduces unnecessary risks on the job site.
Avoid Expensive Repairs
Damaging an underground utility can be extremely costly. In addition to repairing the damaged line, the contractor or property owner may be responsible for:
Emergency repair costs
Service interruptions
Property damage
Lost time on the project
Possible fines or penalties
A simple utility locate can help prevent thousands of dollars in unexpected expenses.
Utility Marks Help You Plan the Installation
Utility markings are not just about avoiding damage—they can also help with planning.
When installing a septic system, water line, electrical line, or drainage system, knowing the location of existing utilities can help determine:
The safest route for new utility lines
Where equipment can safely excavate
Potential conflicts with existing infrastructure
Whether changes need to be made to the installation plan
Finding these conflicts before excavation begins is much easier and less expensive than discovering them after a trench has already been dug.
Remember: Not Every Underground Line May Be Marked
One important thing to understand is that a utility locate may not identify every underground line on a property.
Private utilities and customer-owned lines may not be included in standard utility locating services. These can include items such as:
Private water lines
Septic lines
Irrigation systems
Underground electrical lines to outbuildings
Propane lines
Landscape lighting
Invisible pet fences
Private communication lines
Always discuss the property with the homeowner and consider whether additional private utility locating may be necessary before excavation.
Hand Digging May Be Necessary Near Marked Utilities
Utility markings indicate the approximate location of underground facilities, but additional caution should always be used near marked areas.
Mechanical excavation equipment can quickly damage a buried line. When working close to marked utilities, contractors may need to carefully expose the area by hand or use other safe excavation practices before continuing with equipment.
Never assume the depth or exact location of an underground utility.
Make It Part of Every Job
Calling before you dig should be a standard part of every installation process.
Before bringing equipment onto the property:
Plan the installation.
Contact the appropriate utility locating service.
Allow time for utilities to be marked.
Review all markings before excavation begins.
Identify any private utilities that may not have been marked.
Use additional caution when excavating near marked areas.
Taking these steps can prevent injuries, costly repairs, and unnecessary project delays.
The Bottom Line
Excavation is a necessary part of installing septic systems and other underground utilities, but digging without knowing what is below the surface can be dangerous.
A few minutes spent planning ahead and requesting utility locates can protect your crew, your customer, and your business.
Before you dig, make the call. Knowing what's underground could prevent a costly—and potentially dangerous—mistake.
