Homeowners planning spring digging projects are being warned that failing to call 811 first can lead to an average utility repair cost of $3,500, as utility companies and state officials promote National Safe Digging Month this April.
The simple, free, and legally required phone call to 811 connects homeowners and contractors with local utility companies, which then send professionals to mark the approximate locations of underground lines with flags or paint. This step is critical for preventing damage that can cause dangerous service outages, lead to serious injury, and result in significant financial liability for the property owner. Data shows that in 89 percent of incidents where a homeowner damaged an underground utility line, a call to 811 was not made beforehand, highlighting a direct link between the oversight and the costly consequence.
What We Know So Far
- The average cost to repair a single damaged underground utility line is $3,500, according to data from utility providers.
- In a vast majority of cases—89 percent—where a homeowner caused damage to a buried line, they had not called 811 before starting their project, based on incident reports from PG&E.
- Calling 811 is a free service that is required by law in all 50 states. Homeowners must make the call a minimum of two full business days before beginning any excavation.
- April is National Safe Digging Month, a designation supported by officials like Colorado Governor Jared Polis to raise awareness of safe excavation practices.
- Many essential utility lines, including natural gas and electricity, can be buried just a few inches beneath the ground due to erosion or previous landscaping work, making them vulnerable to strikes from even simple hand tools.
Why is Calling 811 Critical for Spring Digging?
Warmer weather prompts outdoor projects—planting trees, building fences, installing new mailboxes—significantly increasing the risk of striking buried utility lines. The national 811 "Call Before You Dig" system offers a simple, effective safeguard. Calling 811 before spring digging projects provides crucial knowledge of what lies beneath your property, ensuring both safety and financial protection.
The 811 process is straightforward and free for homeowners. After dialing 811, the request routes to a local one-call center, which notifies member utility companies of your intent to dig. These companies then dispatch locators to your property to mark the approximate location of their buried lines. This is a legal requirement for every digging project, regardless of scale; even using a shovel to plant a small shrub requires a call to 811.
"Calling 811 is required before all digging projects, even small ones using hand tools," said Jeff Janvier, PG&E Gas Operations Lead, in a recent press release. "This simple and free step will help keep you, your family, and neighbors safe, while also avoiding expensive repairs. Once 811 has been notified, professionals will mark the location of underground utilities using paint and/or flags, so you know what's below and can dig safely."
What are the Consequences of Not Calling 811?
Failing to call 811 carries severe consequences, from financial penalties to life-threatening hazards. The most immediate impact is often financial: the average cost to repair a damaged line is $3,500. This figure can climb much higher depending on the utility type, damage extent, and repair complexity. These costs are typically billed directly to the homeowner who failed to have the lines marked.
The frequency of underground utility line damage from digging is significant. According to a PG&E report, over 1,200 incidents occurred in Northern and Central California in 2025. A separate release from the company's investor page noted 1,247 similar incidents in the same region during 2024, demonstrating a consistent and widespread problem. States from Alabama to Arkansas are launching public awareness campaigns to curb the issue.
Striking a utility line can cause more than just repair bills. Damaging a fiber optic cable can knock out internet and phone service for an entire neighborhood, while hitting a water main can cause localized flooding and service disruptions. The most dangerous scenarios involve striking a natural gas line, which can lead to leaks, fires, and explosions, or an electrical line, which carries the risk of electrocution. The responsible party may also face legal fines and be held liable for any injuries or broader damages.
811 Guidelines for Safe Outdoor Projects
Homeowners should integrate the 811 process as the first step in outdoor project planning to ensure safety and prevent incidents. The system is designed for ease of use, but requires property owners to follow a clear timeline and respect the provided markings. Adhering to these guidelines is the most effective way to prevent costly utility damage when digging.
First, plan your project and contact 811 at least two full business days before you intend to break ground. You can do this by simply dialing 811 from anywhere in the country. You will be asked for information about your project's location and scope. This lead time is crucial as it allows the utility companies adequate time to schedule and dispatch their locators. Do not assume you can call in the morning and dig in the afternoon.
Second, wait for all utilities to respond. After the locators visit your property, you will see a series of colored flags, paint marks, or both. Each color corresponds to a specific type of utility. While you wait, you can confirm that all relevant utilities have responded by checking an online portal, which is often provided by your local 811 center. Once all lines are marked, you have official clearance to begin your project.
Finally, respect the marks and dig with care. The markings indicate the approximate location of the buried lines, but you are required to use caution when digging near them. Most states have a "tolerance zone," which is the area on either side of the markings where you should only use hand tools or other non-invasive methods. Power equipment should never be used within this zone. If your project requires digging directly where a line is marked, you must consult with the utility company to discuss a safe path forward.
What Happens Next
Throughout April, National Safe Digging Month will continue to be a focal point for utility providers and safety advocates across the country. Companies like Black Hills Energy in Arkansas and organizations like Colorado 811 are increasing their public outreach efforts to educate homeowners before the peak digging season gets underway. These campaigns aim to make the "Call 811" message as routine for outdoor work as checking the weather forecast.
Homeowners must incorporate contacting 811 into any planned outdoor improvements. Before renting an auger, sharpening a shovel, or hiring a contractor, contacting 811 should be the first action. This practice is crucial to reduce preventable utility strikes this spring and summer, saving homeowners and communities from the unnecessary costs and dangers of digging blindly.
