How Deep Can You Dig Without Calling 811?

There is no legal minimum depth that you can dig before calling 811. This is due to the fact that environmental conditions such as ground settlement, rainfall, floods, surface runoff, soil erosion and deposits can change the depth of topsoil, reducing or increasing the cover for underground services.

How do you call OUPS?

Just call before you dig at least 48 hours in advance: 800-362-2764. The OUPS state-of-the-art call center operates 24-hours a day 7-days a week answering calls from anyone who intends to dig in the state of Ohio. Located in Youngstown, Ohio, the OUPS call center answers an average of 3,000 phone calls a day.

How do you make an 811 call?

You must contact 811. When you dial 811, you will automatically be connected to a representative from your state’s 811 center who will ask you simple questions about the location and details of your digging project. If you make your request online, you will enter the same information into a form.

What to call before digging?

811 is the national call-before-you-dig phone number. Anyone who plans to dig should call 811 or go to their state 811 center’s website before digging to request that the approximate location of buried utilities be marked with paint or flags so that you don’t unintentionally dig into an underground utility line.

How far down are gas lines buried?

Main lines are usually found at least 24 inches deep, while service lines are usually 18 inches deep. The current depth of an electric or natural gas line can be different than when it was first installed.

What does OUPS stand for in Ohio?

The Ohio Utilities Protection Service (O.U.P.S.) was founded in 1972 as a nonprofit collaboration of the Ohio Bell Telephone Company, East Ohio Gas Company and Cleveland Electric Illuminating Company.

What is Oupsmark?

Ohio Utilities Protection Service (OUPS)

Can you call 811 before aerating?

If you’re unsure where your utility lines are, call 811 which automatically routes you to your state’s “call before you dig” response center. Set the aerator to pull three-inch cores. If you choose to pull smaller cores, you may have to aerate more often.

How deep are residential gas lines buried in Ohio?

“Closest to the surface are gas lines, which have to be down only about 18 inches.” Gina Thompson, a spokesman for Columbia Gas of Ohio, said people sometimes think the utility is responsible for anything outside the house, but that’s not true.

How much does Dig Safe cost?

Dig Safe is a free service, funded entirely by its member utility companies. (Note: Dig Safe does not mark utility lines.) It’s a risk to make faulty assumptions about when to notify Dig Safe. That’s why state law requires you to notify Dig Safe for even small projects, like installing a mailbox or planting shrubs.

How far down can we dig?

Deepest drillings

The Kola Superdeep Borehole on the Kola peninsula of Russia reached 12,262 metres (40,230 ft) and is the deepest penetration of the Earth’s solid surface. The German Continental Deep Drilling Program at 9.1 kilometres (5.7 mi) has shown the earth crust to be mostly porous.

Can you break a gas line with a shovel?

Gas lines are typically metal or plastic. If plastic, they’re very likely thick enough to withstand most hand digging with a shovel. Laws typically require hand digging within some distance (18″ in my state) of a marked line.

How long is 811 good for?

Agriculture and 811 Safety. Excavation work in California, which includes agricultural activities, has required a “call before you dig” ticket since the 1980’s. Standard tickets are valid for 28 days and can be renewed if work is ongoing.

What do the 811 colors mean?

Red: Electric power lines, cables or conduit, and lighting cables. Yellow: Gas, oil, steam, petroleum, or gaseous materials. Orange: Communication, alarm or signal lines, cables or conduits, and fiber. Blue: Potable water.

How long do I have to leave utility flags in my yard Ohio?

They are there for a purpose, which is to protect underground lines that may be damaged during digging. Digging works could involve installation, repair,and maintenance of underground lines. The flags won’t be there for long. They usually have a validity of 30 calendar days.

What does white spray paint on the road mean?

A white marking means it’s a proposed excavation site or route. White paint is also used for workers to send messages to each other or reminders about where things need to go.

What is code for buried gas line?

Unless otherwise protected, underground piping should be buried not less than 18 inches below the surface of the ground. Section 533(b) or equivalent states that all underground piping must be protected from corrosion.

Can tree roots break gas lines?

Tree roots and heavy items can also cause direct damage to the gas pipeline.

Can you bury gas and Electric together?

If trench is to be a joint trench (shared with other utilities) the following separations must be maintained: 24 inches between gas and electric lines. … 24 inches between sewer and electric lines. 12 inches between communications and electric lines.

How do I find my gas lines before digging?

Calling the 811 Hotline

The best way to locate gas and other utility lines that are underground before you dig is by calling 811. When you make a free call to this federally designated number, your address, information on where you’re planning to dig and other information will be sent to any affected utility operators.

How deep can you dig in your backyard?

Technically there is no limit to how far you can dig; especially if the digging process is not likely to disrupt any neighbors. However, the reality is that you’ll need specialist equipment to complete a dig like this; which means you’ll need a professional firm and permission to dig!

How does Dial Before You Dig work?

Anyone wishing to excavate lodges an enquiry with Dial Before You Dig at least two days prior to the excavation. Once the information is entered into the system, our program determines which members have an asset or interest in the excavation site, and sends a notification known as a referralto them.