HOMEOWNER | DIY

Before You Dig, CONTACT US FIRST

Homeowners might not be as familiar with digging dangers as contractors. But installing a mailbox, building a fence and other DIY projects can put underground lines and pipes at risk, too! That’s why you are required by law to contact Arkansas 811 before getting started. We’ll notify our member utility companies to come out and locate their buried facilities – within two full working days – so you stay safe, protect your property, and avoid fines and penalties.

Marking Colors

Locators use the APWA uniform color code to mark underground facilities. Each color used represents a different type of utility.

RED - Electric Power Lines, Conduit and Lighting Cables

ORANGE - Communication, Alarm or Signal Lines Cables

Yellow - Gas, Oil, Petroleum or Gaseous Materials

GREEN - Sewer and Drain Lines

BLUE - Potable (drinkable) Water

PURPLE - Reclaimed Water, Irrigation and Slurry Lines

PINK - Temporary Survey Markings

WHITE - Proposed Excavation

important details

  • 811 NOTIFIES UTILITIES

    Arkansas 811 does not locate utility lines. Member utility companies or a contractor locator will come to your site to locate their lines on the ground in a designated color.

  • PRIVATE LINES

    Utility companies will only locate their own lines. There may also be private facilities at your dig site. A good rule of thumb is that anything behind the meter belongs to the owner of the property and is considered a private line.

  • TRACKING YOUR TICKET

    You can check your dig status online. Click on Track Ticket and enter your ticket number. All utilities are required by law to respond to the excavator. Click here for details on Positive Response.

  • TOLERANCE ZONES

    You must hand dig or use a method approved by the utility within the tolerance zone near marked lines and pipes.

  • WHEN TO START DIGGING

    Once your lines have been marked, and your ticket has been completed and verified through Track Ticket, you have ten working days to start your project. If your project is not complete within 20 working days, you will need to contact Arkansas 811 to renew your ticket. 

  • DAMAGE RESPONSE

    If damage occurs, stop work and contact the utility company and 811.

    If gas is escaping, call 911 immediately.