Digging Deeper: The Importance of Underground Utility Safety for Homeowners

As the warm weather approaches, many homeowners are eager to embark on spring yard projects, from landscaping and gardening to renovations and construction. However, before breaking out the shovel and digging in, experts stress the importance of taking a crucial step to prevent disaster: calling 811 to have underground utilities marked. This simple phone call can be the difference between a safe and successful project and a costly, potentially deadly mistake.

Sarah Magruder Lyle, president and CEO of Common Ground Alliance, emphasizes that assuming you know what's underground can be a recipe for disaster. "You can't assume you know what's underground. You have to assume that you don't," she warns. Lyle notes that too many people start digging without first getting utilities marked, a mistake that can have severe consequences, including damaging your home, putting yourself and others in danger, and incurring significant financial costs.

Erik Phillips, vice president of operations for UtiliQuest, and his team use specialized equipment and radar to identify underground lines, essentially bringing the "underground puzzle" to the surface to keep everyone safe. Phillips explains that a color-coded marking system is used to identify different types of utilities: red for electric lines, orange for telecommunication and phone lines, yellow for gas, propane, and natural gas, blue for water lines, and green for sewer and storm drains.

Before digging, experts urge homeowners to dial 811, a national hotline that connects callers with local utility companies, which then send crews to mark the underground lines. This service is free and can provide peace of mind for homeowners embarking on yard projects. Lyle advises homeowners to also verify that contractors are calling 811 before working on their property, as the homeowner is ultimately responsible for ensuring that all necessary precautions are taken.

The history of underground utility safety dates back to the 1970s, when the first 811 call center was established in response to a growing number of accidents and near-misses. Since then, the 811 system has expanded nationwide, with all 50 states participating in the program. Despite this, accidents still occur, often due to lack of awareness or neglecting to call 811 before digging.

In addition to calling 811, homeowners can take other steps to ensure underground utility safety. This includes being mindful of the location of utility lines when planting trees or shrubs, avoiding digging near marked utility lines, and educating family members and contractors about the importance of underground utility safety.

By taking the necessary precautions and calling 811 before digging, homeowners can help prevent accidents, protect their property, and ensure a safe and successful yard project. Remember, it's always better to be safe than sorry when it comes to underground utility safety.