Georgia’s sunny, warm spring days are just right for those gardening and outdoor improvement projects you thought about during the cold winter. If grabbing a shovel for some quality digging is in your weekend plans, don’t forget to contact 811 first. The reliability of your utility services, including natural gas, could depend on it.
811 is the number Georgia do-it-yourselfers, landscapers and contractors call to protect from unintentionally hitting underground utility lines while working on digging projects — large and small.
Notifying Georgia 811 kick-starts a free and simple process to identify the location of underground infrastructure. Knowing the location of underground utility lines reduces the likelihood of damaging one to less than 1%.
Carelessly striking an unidentified pipeline
is the most common cause of natural gas emergencies.
Carelessly striking an unidentified pipeline is the most common cause of natural gas emergencies. Of the nearly 1,300 underground line damages reported to Georgia 811 each month, about 40% are to natural gas facilities.
Damage to underground lines can result in service interruptions, costly repair bills and fines. Hitting a line can also cause serious harm to the digger and other individuals.
Walton Gas has prepared this handy Q & A to help Georgia gardeners understand your role in protecting the underground infrastructure used by every Walton Gas customer.
DIY SAFE DIGGING FAQs
Why should I contact Georgia 811?
Knowing what’s below helps prevent damage to underground infrastructure important to everyday life for you and your neighbors. Natural gas, water, electricity, internet and sewer lines may all be buried beneath your property.
If it’s a small project, do I really need to contact 811?
Yes. There is no minimum digging depth required to contact Georgia 811.
- Installing a fence
- Planting a tree or shrub
- Installing a mailbox or flagpole
- Installing underground sprinklers
- Installing a pond or water feature
How do I contact 811?
Submit an online request at georgia811.com or simply dial 811. Be prepared to provide the location and description of your digging project.
When should I call?
Contact Georgia 811 at least 3 full business days, but no more than 10 business days, before digging to allow time for utility locators to visit your property.
How much does it cost?
Nothing. Georgia 811 is a free service funded by member utility companies.
What happens after I contact Georgia 811?
Utility representatives will visit your property within two business days and mark underground lines with flags or spray paint. While you wait, mark your planned digging area with chalk, flags, flour or paint.
What do the different color flags mean?
Each buried utility uses its own color code. Yellow flags typically indicate natural gas lines. Refer to the utility color code chart below for additional details.
How close can I dig to marked underground utilities?
If you are digging within 24 inches of any marked lines, use hand tools only, just to be on the safe side.
What if I accidentally hit an underground line?
Even when lines are marked, accidents can happen. If any contact with a natural gas line (marked by a yellow flag) is made, Walton Gas customers should immediately call Atlanta Gas Light at 877-427-4321. For damage to any other utility, contact the affected provider to report the issue.
