PRACTICE SAFE DIGGING WITH TEXAS 811Texas 811 Logo

Want to avoid spending a day in the dark? It's as simple as 8-1-1.

Dial 811 from anywhere in Texas a few days prior to digging and your call will be routed to your local One Call Center. Tell the customer service representative where you're planning to dig and what type of work you will be doing. Your local utility companies will be notified about your intent to dig and will send a locator to mark the approximate location of their underground pipes and cables in your work area, free of charge. This way, you'll know what's below - and be able to dig safely.

Follow these 5 steps to stay safe:

  1. Call before you dig.
    Dial 811. Operators are standing by 24 hours a day, seven days a week. The customer service representative will ask where you're planning to dig and what type of work you’re doing. Then, they will contact the local utilities so they can determine if their underground lines are in your work area. (Keep the confirmation number handy. You’ll need it if you call again regarding your request.) If you outline the excavation area in white paint beforehand, it will help them find the dig site.
    Note: Some water and sewer utility operators are not included in the one-call notification system. You may need to call them separately, in addition to 811.
  2. Wait 2 business days.
    Texas law requires that you wait 48 hours before digging so the utility companies will have time to mark their underground lines.
  3. Respect the marks.
    Utility companies will mark the approximate location of their underground facilities near your work area with paint, flags, or stakes in the designated color code for marking underground utilities.                
  4. Dig carefully.
    Once the work begins, it’s up to you to use safe, accepted digging practices. (For instance, always hand-dig when you’re within two feet of any marked lines.) Make sure the marks remain visible during the project. If they are washed away or destroyed, Dial 811 for a free re-mark. Remember, always Dial 811 before you start any digging project! You'll avoid injury, expense, embarrassment - and a very inconvenient day in the dark.
  5. If you damage a utility line. Call the facility owner immediately!
    If you know that it is a CECA (Comanche Electric Cooperative Association) line, call 800-915-2533. We answer emergency calls 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.