Planning a home improvement project?
If it calls for digging, call Missouri 811.
Are you planting a tree? Installing a mailbox? Building a fence or deck? Or are you finally starting that garden that you’ve been dreaming of? Remember to contact Missouri 811!
For digging projects big or small, you need to contact Missouri 811 at least 3 working days before you start digging to avoid hitting an underground utility line. It’s free, it’s simple and it’s the law. Missouri 811 notifies its member utility companies to mark their underground facilities where you plan to dig. Missouri 811 does not locate or mark underground facilities. This is done by the member utility companies or their locators.
Safe digging is everyone’s responsibility. Failure to dig safely can result in costly damages and repairs, loss of essential utility services, and even serious injuries to you or your neighbors.
The Process
Notify Missouri 811
Request a utility locate online or by phone at 811 at least three full working days prior to excavation.
Utilities Are Notified
Missouri 811 will notify any public utility companies within your dig site while you wait the required time.
Utilities Mark Their Lines
The utilities will locate and mark their lines, or provide an all clear notification.
Confirm the Marks
You confirm the marks and utility statuses.
Dig with Care!
Hiring a Contractor?
If you have hired a contractor, make sure your contractor has contacted Missouri 811 before they start your project.
How Do I Confirm The Utility Statuses?
Once you submit your locate request, you will receive an email confirmation for each utility within your dig site.
Timeline
For digging projects big or small, you need to contact Missouri 811 at least 3 working days before you start digging.
Notify Missouri 811
This date does not count as a “working day.”
Waiting Period
Two working days waiting period for locates.
Dig With Care
Digging may begin if all utilities have responded. If all utilities have not responded, you may submit a “No Response” ticket.
Do you know what's below?
Utility color codes are used to identify existing underground utilities in construction areas with the intent of protecting them from damage during excavation. This is done with either flags or a special spray paint, neither of which will cause long-term harm to your lawn.
The American Public Works Association (APWA) Uniform Color Codes for temporary marking of underground utilities are listed below:
White
Proposed Excavation
Pink
Temporary Survey Markings
Red
Electric Power Lines, Cables, Conduit and Lightning Cables
Orange
Communication, Alarm or Signal Lines, Cables or Conduit
Yellow
Gas, Oil, Steam, Petroleum or Gaseous Materials
Green
Sewers and Drain Lines
Blue
Potable Water
Purple
Reclaimed Water, Irrigation and Slurry Lines
The Tolerance Zone
Remember the tolerance zone when digging where underground utilities are located. This includes using hand tools only when feasible within 24 inches on either side of the utility (not including the width of the utility itself), and supporting and protecting the utility until work is complete.
