Call 811 Before You Dig
SAFE DIGGING STARTS WITH YOU!
Know What's Below. Call 811 Before You Dig.
Whether you’re a homeowner with a green thumb, a contractor, or a weekend DIY enthusiast, calling 811 or making a request online at texas811.org is a crucial step to ensure your safety. Underground utility lines, such as gas, electric, water, and communication cables, are hidden below the surface. More than 1/3 of the gas pipeline damages in San Antonio are caused by people who did not contact 811. By making a call or request online, you can avoid potential hazards, prevent costly repairs, and protect yourself and your community.
It’s Free and It’s The Law
- Contact 811 - Dial 811 or request online at texas811.org two-business days before any digging project.
- Wait - Wait two business days for the utility companies to mark the work area.
- Confirm - Confirm utility companies have responded by comparing markings to utilities listed on the 811 ticket, or by receiving a phone call, email, or fax confirming the locate work is complete.
- Respect - Respect and replace the markings provided by the utility companies if they are moved. These markings are your guide for the duration of the project.
- Carefully Dig - It is the responsibility of the person digging to avoid damaging marked lines.
Homeowners: Individuals who own or rent properties and may require digging or excavation for various purposes, such as landscaping, home improvement projects, or installations.
Contractors & Construction Companies: Professionals engaged in construction, renovation, or infrastructure projects that involve excavation activities.
Each excavator is responsible for calling in their own utility locate request. DO NOT work off another excavator’s locate request.
Texas law requires you (or your contractor) to make a request no less than 48 hours (2 working days – excluding weekends/holidays) before digging.
There is no cost for this service.
- Your name
- Address
- Phone number
- Fax number
- E-mail address
- Date and start time
- Project description
- Duration of project
- Location of project
- Reason for digging
American Public Works Association (APWA) Uniform Color CODE for Marking Underground Utility Lines
- Red – Electrical Power Lines, Cables, Conduit, and Lighting Cables
- Yellow – Gas, Oil, Steam, Petroleum or Gaseous Materials
- Orange – Communications, Alarm or Signal Lines, Cables, or Conduit
- Blue – Potable Water
- Purple – Reclaimed water, Irrigation, and Slurry lines
- Green – Sewer and Drain Lines
- Pink – Temporary Survey Markings
- White – Proposed Excavation
Disturbances during a digging or construction project are the leading cause of outside natural gas line damage. If a natural gas pipeline is nicked, scraped, or dented, it is crucial to take immediate action by calling 911 and CPS Energy at (210) 353-4357 (HELP). Even seemingly minor damages can compromise the integrity of the pipeline and lead to a future pipeline issue.
USE YOUR SENSES TO DETECT A NATURAL GAS LEAK
- SIGHT – dense fog, mist or white cloud, discolored vegetation, bubbling in water or blowing in dust.
- SMELL – distinctive gaseous odor is added to natural gas to make it easier to detect.
- SOUND – hissing, whistling, or roaring noise.
The strong smell of rotten eggs may indicate a natural gas line is damaged. The chemical mercaptan is added to natural gas to produce this smell. Damaged natural gas pipelines are dangerous. Memorize the safety rules below to protect yourself in the event a gas pipeline is damaged.
DO NOT:
- Operate anything electrical or light a flame
- Turn on or off the lights
- Use a cell phone or telephone
- Turn on or off any electronic device
- Turn on or off a flashlight
- Attempt to shut on or off a natural gas valve
- Smoke, use a lighter, or strike a match
- Open an automatic garage door
- Start or stop a nearby vehicle or machinery
DO:
- Exit the building immediately
- Leave the door open on the way out
- Leave the area immediately if you’re outside
- Go to another place and call 911 CPS Energy at (210) 353-4357 (HELP)
- Stay away until someone from the fire department, gas company, or emergency agency says it’s safe to return
