National 811 Day: A Reminder to Call 811 Before Digging to Avoid Damage and Costly Repairs

National 811 Day on August 11 promotes contacting 811 before any digging project to prevent damage and costly repairs. PG&E reports 471 line damage incidents this year, with 59% occurring without an 811 call. Repair costs average $3,500, emphasizing the importance of using this free service. The 811 service marks underground utility lines and ensures safety and prevents disconnections.

National 811 Day, observed on August 11, serves as a crucial reminder to call 811 before any digging project, large or small. This free service helps prevent damage to underground utility lines and costly repairs. Pacific Gas and Electric Company (PG&E) has reported 471 incidents of line damage due to digging this year, with 59% of these incidents occurring without an 811 call [1]. The average cost to repair a damaged utility line is $3,500, underscoring the importance of using this free service.

Calling 811 ensures that utility professionals will mark the location of underground lines, including gas, electric, water, telecom, and sewer, free of charge. This service is particularly important during warmer weather months when digging projects increase. In PG&E's service area of Northern and Central California, homeowners specifically are responsible for 90% of the incidents where lines were damaged without an 811 call [2].

To use the 811 service, customers should call at least two business days before beginning any digging project. They can also visit 811express.com to have underground utility lines marked for their project site. The 811 call center serving Northern and Central California is staffed 24 hours a day, seven days a week, and provides Spanish and other translation services.

PG&E recommends marking the project area in white and using hand tools within 24 inches of the outside edge of underground lines. Utility flags, stakes, or paint marks should be left in place until the project is finished. Additionally, homeowners should be aware of signs of a natural gas leak, such as a "rotten egg" odor, hissing sounds, or dirt spraying into the air.

By following these safe digging practices, homeowners and contractors can avoid expensive repairs and ensure the safety of their families and communities. National 811 Day is an opportunity to emphasize the importance of this free service and promote safe digging practices.

References:
[1] https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/august-11-is-national-811-daya-reminder-to-call-811-before-any-digging-project-large-or-small-302525071.html
[2] https://finance.yahoo.com/news/august-11-national-811-day-150000720.html