Before You Dig: Do You Need a Private Utility Locate?
Call 811 before you dig. It is free, and it marks the utility companies' lines up to the meter or the end of their own line. Everything past the meter is yours, and the 811 ticket says nothing about it.
Pick the job
Before You Install a Fence
Before you set fence posts: call 811, then get the private lines past the meter located and marked.
Before You Dig a French Drain
A French drain trench crosses the irrigation, downspout drains, sewer lateral and gas line. 811 marks none of them. Call 811, then have them marked.
Before You Plant Trees
Before you plant trees: call 811, then get the private water, sewer, gas and power lines past the meter located.
Before You Build a Retaining Wall
A retaining wall is a footing trench, a cut into the slope and a drain line, through lines 811 does not mark. Call 811, then have the private lines marked.
Before You Install a Pool or Hot Tub
Before a pool or hot tub goes in: call 811, then get the private lines past the meter located and marked.
Before You Run Power to a Shed or Shop
A new trench to a shed or shop crosses every line already buried between it and the house, and 811 marks none of them. Call 811, then have them marked.
Before You Pour or Regrade a Driveway
Before you pour or regrade a driveway: call 811, then get the private lines past the meter located and marked.
Does 811 Mark Private Lines?
No. 811 tells the utility companies to mark their own lines up to your meter. Everything past it is yours: power to the shop, gas to the fire pit.