Call VA 811 Before You Dig: Fences, Posts and Buried Lines

A fence post, a mailbox, a garden bed, a new tree: plenty of weekend projects involve digging, and the yard under them can hold electric, gas, water, telephone and internet lines. Hitting one can cause injuries, outages and repair bills. In Virginia, the free call that prevents it is 811.

What VA 811 Does

Virginia 811 is the state’s one-call notification center. You tell it where you plan to dig, and it notifies the utilities with lines in that area. Each utility then marks the approximate location of its lines with paint or flags, at no charge.

When and How to Contact 811

• Who: Virginia law requires anyone who digs, homeowners included, to notify 811 before excavating, with limited exceptions.
• When: before you dig, allowing the waiting period the law requires for utilities to respond (at least three working days, not counting the day you call). Plan ahead for weekends and holidays.
• How: call 811 or submit a request online through Virginia 811.
• Where: describe the dig area clearly. White paint or flags marking where you’ll dig help locators.

Check Virginia 811’s website for the current rules and timeframes before you start.

Reading the Marks

Utility marks follow a standard color code:

• Red: electric
• Yellow: gas, oil or steam
• Orange: communications (telephone, cable, fiber)
• Blue: potable water
• Green: sewer and drain
• Purple: reclaimed water and irrigation
• White: your proposed dig area

Marks show the approximate location. Dig carefully by hand near them, within the tolerance zone the law describes.

What 811 Doesn’t Mark

Utilities mark their own lines, up to the meter or service point. Private lines you or a previous owner installed usually aren’t marked, such as:

• Wiring to a detached garage, shop, barn or well pump
• Circuits to a hot tub, pool, outdoor lighting or a generator
• Propane lines from a private tank
• Sprinkler and drainage lines

For those, use your own records, or have a private locating service find them before digging.

If You Hit a Line

• Electric: stay away from the line and anything touching it; keep others away; call the utility, and 911 if anyone is hurt.
• Gas: leave the area immediately, don’t start engines or use anything that could spark, then call 911 and the gas company from a safe distance.
• Report any damage to 811 and the utility, even if it seems minor.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Do homeowners have to call 811 in Virginia?

Yes. Virginia law requires notification before excavation, including by homeowners, with limited exceptions.

How long does it take for lines to be marked?

Utilities have a set number of working days to respond after your request. Allow at least three working days, not counting the day you call.

Does 811 mark my wiring to a detached garage?

Usually not. Private lines beyond the utility’s meter aren’t marked by 811.

Is calling 811 free?

Yes. The notification and the utilities’ marking are free to you.

Digging Safely in Our Communities

Our licensed, insured, background-checked electricians install underground circuits safely across Lynchburg, Roanoke, Danville, Martinsville and the surrounding counties. See our outdoor electrical guide.