Call 811 Before You Dig – Safety Starts Here

At HP Pipelines Hydrovac, Inc., safety is not just a priority—it’s our standard. As leaders in hydrovac excavation and underground utility services, we know that one of the most critical steps in any digging project is ensuring that underground utilities are properly marked before breaking ground. Calling 811 before you dig is essential to preventing accidents, avoiding costly damages, and keeping your project on track.

Why is Calling 811 So Important?

Underground utilities—including gas, water, electric, communication, and fiber optic lines—can be just a shovel thrust away from turning a routine project into a disaster. Striking a buried line can cause serious injuries, costly delays, and disruption of essential services. Even minor excavation projects can have severe consequences if underground lines are not properly located beforehand.

That’s why HP Pipelines strongly advocates for using the 811 Call Before You Dig service. With one simple call to 811, utility companies are notified to mark underground lines on your property, free of charge. This process ensures that you know what’s below before you start digging—whether you’re working on a large-scale construction project or a small residential job.

The Reality of Digging Without Calling 811

Despite the importance of calling 811, many homeowners and even some contractors still take unnecessary risks. According to the Common Ground Alliance (CGA), a national survey revealed that only 50 percent of homeowners call to have their lines marked before starting digging projects. As a result, an underground utility line is damaged every six minutes in the U.S. because someone decided to dig without first dialing 811.

At HP Pipelines, we have seen firsthand how crucial it is to take this simple step. As recipients of the Pacific Gas and Electric Company’s Gold Shovel Award since 2015, we’ve made it our mission to demonstrate the highest standards of safety on every project. We believe that no project is so urgent that it cannot be done safely.

What Happens When You Call 811?

Calling 811 is simple and free. Once your call is made, utility companies will come out and mark the location of underground lines with color-coded paint, stakes, or flags, indicating where it is safe to dig. Here’s what the colors typically mean:

  • RED: Electric lines, cables, conduit, and lighting cables

  • YELLOW: Gas, oil, steam, petroleum, or gaseous materials

  • ORANGE: Communication, alarm, or signal lines, cables, or conduit

  • BLUE: Potable water

  • GREEN: Sewers and drain lines

  • PURPLE: Reclaimed water, irrigation, and slurry lines

  • WHITE: Proposed excavation limits or route

  • PINK: Temporary survey markings

These markings will help you safely plan your excavation project, minimizing the risk of striking utility lines and preventing accidents. Keep in mind that 811 only marks utility lines up to the meter. Customer-owned lines on private property, such as private electric lines, irrigation systems, or septic tanks, are not included. For those, it’s important to hire a licensed professional to mark them accurately.

Common Projects That Require Calling 811:

  • Excavating for driveways, foundations, or swimming pools

  • Installing irrigation or sprinkler systems

  • Digging post holes for fences, signs, or mailboxes

  • Anchoring supports for decks, pergolas, or swing sets

  • Building retaining walls or other landscaping features

  • Planting trees or removing large roots

  • Driving stakes for landscape contouring

  • Installing underground utility lines or drainage systems

Best Practices for Safe Digging:

  1. Call 811 Well in Advance: At least 2-3 business days before you plan to dig.

  2. Wait for Confirmation: Make sure utility representatives mark all lines.

  3. Respect the Marks: Maintain clearance and use safe excavation practices near marked areas.

  4. Hand Dig Cautiously Near Marks: Use hand tools to expose lines safely.

  5. Plan for Private Lines: Hire a professional to mark any customer-owned utilities not covered by 811.

  6. Keep Records: Take photos of marked lines for reference.

  7. Communicate With Your Team: Ensure everyone on-site understands the markings and safety protocols.

HP Pipelines – Your Partner in Safe Excavation

At HP Pipelines, we take every precaution to ensure safe excavation practices, and that starts with calling 811. Whether you’re planning a major infrastructure project or a small backyard improvement, it’s essential to know what’s below. Calling 811 before digging can help you avoid costly mistakes, protect essential utilities, and ensure the safety of everyone involved.

For more information about local services, visit www.call811.com. If you have any questions or need expert assistance with hydrovac excavation, contact HP Pipelines Hydrovac, Inc. today. We’re here to support your project—safely and efficiently.