Before you do any digging in your yard you must first call Virginia 811 to receive the necessary underground utility clearances.
The law requires you contact Virginia 811 at least three working days (excluding weekends and legal holidays) before beginning any digging project. Upon calling Virginia 811 to request a clearance or submitting a ticket online, you will be given a ticket number — keep this number handy for later reference. After the request has been processed, users will be notified by Virginia 811 confirming that their ticket has been processed.
Your work site will normally be cleared for digging within the three working days time period given to utilities to mark underground lines. Utilities can request an extension for marking their lines, in which case you must wait another 24 hours and then call again to check on the status or check online. After a total of three business days, and if there is no evidence of unmarked utilities, you may begin digging.
There is often confusion as to who actually marks the utility lines. Note that Virginia 811 does not do any marking; it only serves as the coordinating center. Each individual utility (electric, water, phone, cable) is responsible for doing their own locating and marking of underground lines on your property. In order to avoid injury, damage or a monetary fine, always remember to call before you dig.
The law requires you contact Virginia 811 at least three working days (excluding weekends and legal holidays) before beginning any digging project. Upon calling Virginia 811 to request a clearance or submitting a ticket online, you will be given a ticket number — keep this number handy for later reference. After the request has been processed, users will be notified by Virginia 811 confirming that their ticket has been processed.
Your work site will normally be cleared for digging within the three working days time period given to utilities to mark underground lines. Utilities can request an extension for marking their lines, in which case you must wait another 24 hours and then call again to check on the status or check online. After a total of three business days, and if there is no evidence of unmarked utilities, you may begin digging.
There is often confusion as to who actually marks the utility lines. Note that Virginia 811 does not do any marking; it only serves as the coordinating center. Each individual utility (electric, water, phone, cable) is responsible for doing their own locating and marking of underground lines on your property. In order to avoid injury, damage or a monetary fine, always remember to call before you dig.
Safe Digging Guidelines
No matter how big or small you work site project is contacting Virginia 811 to reqest utility line markings before you dig is not only the law, but will help avoid property damage, physical injury, property damage, costly repairs, and service interruptions. The VA 811 Safe Digging message:
- CONTACT VIRGINIA 811 BEFORE YOU DIG
- ALLOW THE REQUIRED TIME FOR MARKING
- RESPECT AND PROTECT THE MARKS
- EXCAVATE CAREFULLY