Q: Do I really need to call?
A: YES! Don’t make a judgment call; make a phone call to 811. Every digging job requires a call – even “small” projects like planting trees and shrubs.
Q: How deep are the underground utility lines buried?
A: We can never guarantee the depth of underground facilities. Utility lines are usually installed prior to any new construction. If the land is graded, leveled, or reshaped in any other way, this will change the depth of any underground utility lines. Natural ground settling will also change the depth. If you need to dig near the locate marks, hand-dig (use a hand implement, like a shovel) or soft-dig (use air or water pressure) within 24 inches of either side of the markings to avoid damage.
Q: How can I be sure DIGLINE will notify the right utilities?
A: When an underground facility owner becomes a DIGLINE Member Utility, that owner provides us with a detailed notification area, covering all the territory it services. We program this notification area into our database software, which cross-references the territory with GPS coordinates and current street data from Idaho’s county assessors. When locate requests come in, this database allows our staff to select the appropriate excavation area and accurately notify the affected Member Utilities.
Of course, our database can only be as accurate as the data we receive. If you know of an underground facility owner in the excavation area that is not listed on your locate request ticket, please notify us. We might have inaccuracies in that facility owner’s notification area, or the facility owner might not be a DIGLINE Member. If the facility owner is not a DIGLINE Member, you will need to contact that owner directly.
Q: How can I get an underground utility line, meter box, or PED box moved or relocated?
A: To request this service, contact the customer service department of your service provider. To avoid confusion, request to have their facilities moved, rather than relocated.
Q: How much will it cost to have underground utilities located on my property?
A: Not a thing! This free service is provided by your local utilities to promote safety and prevent service disruption.
Q: What color does each utility use to mark their individual lines?
A:
Q: I called, and Utility Locators came out and only marked some of the lines. Others they did not mark at all! Why?
A: Utility locators only mark lines to the meter or connection to the house. Any utility lines that go into the property from the meter are called private lines. Private lines include power lines to outbuildings, gas lines to barbecues, and water and sewer on private property. Utility locators will not mark these lines, as the utility companies are not responsible for their location or maintenance. Private locating companies will locate these lines for you for a fee. Follow this link and scroll to the bottom of the page for a list of private locators.
Q: Why aren’t my water and sewer lines located?
A: As mentioned in the previous answer, water and sewer lines on private property are considered private lines. Water and sewer facility owners will only locate up to their meters next to the road right-of-way. From that point on, these service lines are installed by the contractors or their agents and are the property of the homeowner. It is your individual responsibility to contact a private locator to have the water or sewer service line from your meter to your home located. See Private Lines vs Public Lines for more details.
Q: I am hiring a contractor to do the digging. Do I still have to call?
A: According to Idaho Law, the excavator is responsible to make sure that the call to 811 is made before digging begins. Some excavators will request you make the call; others prefer doing so themselves. We recommend the excavator be the one to call. But either way, both names should be indicated on the Locate Request, the Owner and the Excavator. If you call in to make the request, make sure the excavator knows you called in. Provide the excavator with the ticket number and locate marking instructions. You can also request a copy of the ticket from the Customer Service Agent to provide to your excavator. Never let digging begin without the call to 811. It is not worth the risk.
Q: Am I clear to dig if the 2 days are up?
A: NO! If you arrive on the site and a specific utility’s marks are not visible, you are not clear to dig. You must call the utility directly, or call DIGLINE and ask for a “2nd Request.” The utility will have an additional 8 hours to respond. Compensation for down time can be charged if the utility does not respond within those 8 hours. Please note: the 2nd Request option is available only within 5 business days of the original work-to-begin time listed on the locate request ticket. Do not hesitate to call if you are missing marks!
Q: Who do you call to have a utility line buried?
A: Contact your service provider’s Customer Service department directly.
Buried utility lines are everywhere! This service is FREE. It’s better to be safe than sorry!
Call 811 Before You Dig!