Biert is especially proud that the rebuild has allowed him to come off the natural gas network. 'And completely off-grid.'Ī housing company tore down then rebuilt his home last year as part of a larger project on several streets in the village of Loppersum in Groningen, a northern province in the Netherlands. 'It's wonderful,' he says of his low-carbon underfloor heating, a recent addition in his rented house. Leaning out of his doorway to point out new gas-free construction in his village, he keeps them planted inside. Be sure to let your 811 center know about your plans, and they will help ensure the proper area is marked by utility locators.Gerrit Biert's feet have never been so warm.

If you are only planning to dig in a small portion of your yard, you can outline the area in white paint or white flags available at home improvement stores to ensure that only the utilities in that part of your yard will be located and marked. I am only digging in a small area and don't want my entire yard marked. Never let digging work begin without contacting 811! It’s not worth the risk. I have hired a contractor or landscaper to do the digging project.īe sure to check with your contractor or landscaper to make sure that they will contact 811 a few business days before digging begins – whether it means you making the call, or your contractor doing so. I am digging in a spot that was previously marked.Įrosion and root system growth can alter the depth or location of buried lines, or your utility companies may have completed work on their lines since the last time you dug – so you must contact 811 before you dig, each and every time. Don’t make a judgment call – make the call (or online request) to 811 every time you dig. Hitting a line can knock out service to your home and neighborhood or result in fines, damage, and serious injury.

Contact your 811 center anytime you’re putting a shovel in the ground to keep yourself and your community safe.īuried utility lines are everywhere! Installing mailboxes and fences are examples of projects that absolutely require a call to 811 to know what’s below before digging. I am only planting a small flower bed or bush.ĭid you know that many utilities are buried just a few inches below ground? You can easily hit a line when digging for simple gardening projects, like planting flowers or small shrubs. Yes! Even projects you might think are “small,” like planting a garden, require you to contact 811.

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